Recent Wisconsin OWI Law Changes
What changed, when it took effect, and who it affects.
Enacted April 8, 2026; takes effect on the first day of the 12th month after a date set by notice in the Wisconsin Administrative Register
Ignition interlock occupational license and restriction changes (2025 Wisconsin Act 210)
Ends the 45-day wait for an occupational license after a second or later OWI and the 30-day wait after a first refusal, once an interlock is installed on each vehicle you drive. Interlock orders are extended 180 days for tampering, unauthorized removal or repeated violations.
Official sources
- WisDOT — Administrative review hearing
- WisDOT — First OWI offense
- WisDOT — Impaired driving (OWI) in Wisconsin
- WisDOT — Drunk driving law
- WisDOT — OWI and related penalties chart
- WisDOT — Underage alcohol offenses and penalties
- WisDOT — Commercial driver license alcohol and drug penalties
- WisDOT — First offense OWI summary
- WisDOT — Proof of insurance (SR-22)
- WisDOT — Lifetime revocation
- Wis. Admin. Code Trans 113.04
- Wis. Stat. §343.305
- Wis. Stat. §346.65
- Wis. Stat. §346.935
- Wis. Stat. §940.25
- Wis. Stat. §973.015
- Legislative Fiscal Bureau — Intoxicated Driver Laws (Jan. 2023)
- Legislative Reference Bureau — Wisconsin’s OWI Laws
- Wisconsin Court System — Municipal courts: function
- Wis. Stat. §345.43(1)
- Legislative Reference Bureau — LRB Reports, August 2018
- WisDOT — Occupational license
- WisDOT — Occupational License Information (BDS361)
- WisDOT — Application for Occupational Operator License (MV3027)
- WisDOT — Frequently asked questions about IIDs (Dec. 2025)
- WisDOT — OWI assessment and driver safety plan
- Wisconsin DHS — Intoxicated Driver Program
- Wis. Stat. §343.30(6)
- 2025 Wisconsin Act 210
- Wisconsin Legislative Council — Amendment memo, 2025 Senate Bill 248
Educational information, not legal advice. Wisconsin law changes and every case is different. Confirm deadlines with Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), Division of Motor Vehicles and talk to a licensed Wisconsin attorney about your situation.
Some details on this page are still being verified against official sources. Check the linked sources before relying on a specific number or deadline.
Last reviewed October 1, 2026.