A 4th OWI In Wisconsin Now Results In Permanent Loss Of Driver’s License In March of 2018, SB 135 was signed into law in Wisconsin. This new law permanently revokes a driver’s license if the driver has been convicted of a 4th OWI in Wisconsin. Prior to this bill becoming law, drivers who received a first, second, third, or fourth OWI could have their license revoked for up to 3 years with the 4th OWI resulting in a felony charge and mandatory jail time. Now, the punishment is even more severe as the license is revoked permanently upon a 4th OWI.
A 4th OWI Or A Combination of Offenses Can Result In License Revocation
The new law affects those convicted of a 4th OWI or a second OWI in combination with two other serious OWI-related offenses such as injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle, homicide by OWI, homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle, and any felony crime under the motor vehicle code. Other details about the new law include:- The offenses must occur within 15 years of the prior conviction in order for the law to apply.
- The new law is not retroactive. However, if you have three previous convictions for OWI, your next conviction will count as your fourth and you will lose your license.
- Driving After Revocation. Anyone who has had their license revoked and is then caught driving can be fined $2,500 and be jailed for up to one year.