Wisconsin ignition interlock & OWI (DUI) requirements
Wisconsin requires an ignition interlock after a first DUI only at a BAC of 0.15 or higher (1 year minimum); below that threshold it is not automatic, though other circumstances set by the statute can still require one.
In Wisconsin the offense is called OWI, operating while intoxicated; this page uses the statute's term. Ignition interlock device rules, approved vendors, SR-22 insurance filing, and license reinstatement in Wisconsin, cited to the statute and Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (WisDOT DMV).
- IID on first offense
- High-BAC only
- SR-22 filing
- Required · 3 years
The short answers
Do I need an interlock?
- First offense
- Required only above a high-BAC threshold
- Threshold
- BAC 0.15
- Minimum period
- 1 year
What the source says (2)
- First offense
“2. The person violated s. 346.63 (1) or (2), 940.09 (1), or 940.25 and either of the following applies: a. The person had an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more at the time of the offense. b. The person has a total of one or more prior convictions, suspensions, or revocations”
- Minimum period
“shall begin on the date the order under sub. (1g) (am) 1. is issued and extend for a period of not less than one year after the date the department issues any license granted under this chapter nor more than the maximum operating privilege revocation period permitted for the refusal or violation”
What it costs here
- State reinstatement fee
- $200
- Restricted-license fee
- $50
- State fee cap
- Household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty line: liability limited…
- Interlock lease, national range
- $50–$150 per month
What the source says (6)
- State reinstatement fee
“(jr) In addition to any other fee under this subsection, for reinstatement of an operating privilege previously revoked or suspended under s. 343.305 (7) or resulting from the commission of an offense listed in s. 343.307, $140.”
- reinstatementFee_summary
“License Revocation: 6-9 Months $200 Reinstatement Fee”
- reinstatementFee_chart
“Obtaining an occupational license will require payment of $240 ($50 reinstatement fee + $140 OWI-related fee + $40 occupational fee license + $10 license issuance fee). [343.21(1)(j), (jr), (k), (n)]”
- reinstatementFee_base
“(j) For reinstatement of an operating privilege previously revoked or suspended, $50.”
- Restricted-license fee
“Important: You must have a SR22 Certificate (proof of insurance) on file with the DMV to qualify for an occupational license.”
- State fee cap
How to drive legally now
- Restricted license
- Available after a first offense · Occupational License
- Waiting period
- No waiting period
- Hearing-request deadline
- 10 business days from the notice
- Driving after a OWI in Wisconsin: the restricted license
- How to get a license back in Wisconsin
- Date the hearing deadline with the timeline calculator
What the source says (2)
- Restricted license
“Wisconsin operating while intoxicated (OWI) type violations (on or after July 1, 2010): Blood alcohol content (BAC) eligible immediately Alcohol convictions First eligible immediately Second or more after 45 days”
- Hearing-request deadline
“must be submitted in writing and must be postmarked by: 10 business days of receipt of the Notice of Intend to Suspend if it was handed to you at the traffic stop or 13 business days from the notice date on the Notice of Intent to Suspend if it was mailed to you”
Approved interlock providers
Vendors listed here appear on the Wisconsin licensing agency's approved-device list. Listing order is alphabetical and is not a ranking or endorsement. Installation locations are on each vendor's own locator.
Where to get it installed — the official approved-installer list: Agency approved-vendor list
| Vendor | Website | Location finder |
|---|---|---|
| Intoxalock | Intoxalock website | Find a location |
| LifeSafer | LifeSafer website | Find a location |
| Low Cost Interlocklisted by the agency as “Low Cost” | Low Cost Interlock website | Find a location |
| Smart Start | Smart Start website | Find a location |
What Wisconsin law requires
Wisconsin's ignition interlock, SR-22, and reinstatement rules are set by the statute and agency rules cited below. The values in the tables on this page are taken from those sources and are not interpretations of how they apply to any particular case.
Primary source: Wis. Stat. § 343.301
Ignition interlock requirement
| Item | Wisconsin rule |
|---|---|
| IID on first offense | Required only above a high-BAC threshold |
| Minimum IID period, first offense | 1 year minimum (not less than one year after DMV issues any license) |
| Minimum IID period, repeat offense | 1 year minimum, up to the maximum revocation period for the offense (WisDOT chart: 1 year to 18 months for a second offense) |
Under Wis. Stat. § 343.301(1g)(a), a court must enter an ignition interlock order for a first OWI only if the person had an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more at the time of the offense, or improperly refused a chemical test under § 343.305. Threshold: 0.15. All repeat offenders receive an order. The court may alternatively order a 24-7 sobriety program under § 343.301(1g)(am)2.
What the source says (5)
- IID on first offense
“2. The person violated s. 346.63 (1) or (2), 940.09 (1), or 940.25 and either of the following applies: a. The person had an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more at the time of the offense. b. The person has a total of one or more prior convictions, suspensions, or revocations”
- Minimum IID period, first offense
“shall begin on the date the order under sub. (1g) (am) 1. is issued and extend for a period of not less than one year after the date the department issues any license granted under this chapter nor more than the maximum operating privilege revocation period permitted for the refusal or violation”
- Minimum IID period, repeat offense
“OWI, Second Offense ... Prior OWI within 10 years ... IID or 24/7 sobriety program required for 1 year to 18 months + confinement length [343.301(1g), (2m)]”
- Ignition interlock statute
“343.301 Installation of ignition interlock device.”
- IID on first offense
“ALL repeat OWI offenders ALL first time OWI offenders with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent or higher ALL drivers who refuse to provide a breath or blood sample for a chemical test at a traffic stop”
Removal: Period-based with violation extensions. Under Wis. Stat. § 343.301(2m)(a), the IID restriction begins on the date of the court order and extends not less than one year after DMV issues any license, up to the maximum… Full rule and source
SR-22 requirement
An SR-22 is a certificate an insurer files with the state to confirm that a driver carries the liability coverage the state requires. Some states use an FR-44 or a different form for alcohol-related offenses; where Wisconsin does, the sources below say so.
| SR-22 filing required after a DUI | Yes |
|---|---|
| Filing period | 3 years |
SR-22 (not FR-44). WisDOT states an SR22 certificate is required to reinstate a driver license after operating privileges are revoked and to obtain an occupational license, and must be filed for three years from the date the person is eligible to reinstate. WisDOT notes SR22 is NOT required after revocation if the only reason for revocation is a 1st offense OWI (or non-compliance with a driver safety plan). Statutory reference given by WisDOT: Wis. Stat. § 344.01(2)(d).
What the source says (3)
- SR-22 filing required after a DUI
“When is proof of insurance (SR22) necessary To obtain an occupational license if your license is suspended or revoked. To reinstate a driver license after operating privileges are revoked.*”
- Filing period
“*Notes: Insurance must be filed for three years from the date you are eligible to reinstate your driving privileges. SR22 is not required after revocation if the only reason for revocation is Non-Compliance with Driver Safety Plan/Interview or 1st offense OWI.”
- SR-22 requirement
“(344.01(2)(d) Wis. Stat.)”
Program costs
Fees set by the state are cited to the fee schedule. Vendor charges vary by vendor and are shown as published ranges with the month they were checked.
| Item | Amount | As of |
|---|---|---|
| License reinstatement fee | $200 | 2026-08-29 |
| Reinstatement of revoked/suspended operating privilege(Wis. Stat. § 343.21(1)(j)) | $50 | 2026-08 |
| Additional OWI-related reinstatement fee(Wis. Stat. § 343.21(1)(jr)) | $140 | 2026-08 |
| License issuance fee(Wis. Stat. § 343.21(1)(n)) | $10 | 2026-08 |
| Occupational license after OWI, total(WisDOT penalty chart) | $240 ($50 reinstatement + $140 OWI-related + $40 occupational + $10 issuance) | 2026-08 |
| Ignition interlock surcharge paid to clerk of court(Wis. Stat. § 343.301(5)) | $50 | 2026-08 |
| Reduced IID cost for household income at or below 150% of federal poverty line(Wis. Stat. § 343.301(3)(b)) | Liability limited to one-half of installation cost and one-half of per-day maintenance cost per vehicle | 2026-08 |
What the source says (4)
- License reinstatement fee
“(jr) In addition to any other fee under this subsection, for reinstatement of an operating privilege previously revoked or suspended under s. 343.305 (7) or resulting from the commission of an offense listed in s. 343.307, $140.”
- License reinstatement fee
“License Revocation: 6-9 Months $200 Reinstatement Fee”
- License reinstatement fee
“Obtaining an occupational license will require payment of $240 ($50 reinstatement fee + $140 OWI-related fee + $40 occupational fee license + $10 license issuance fee). [343.21(1)(j), (jr), (k), (n)]”
- License reinstatement fee
“(j) For reinstatement of an operating privilege previously revoked or suspended, $50.”
Exemptions and special cases
Four questions readers ask once an interlock is ordered — motorcycles, employer vehicles, medical inability to give a breath sample, and reduced-cost programs — answered as Wisconsin's interlock program page or statute states them.
| Question | Wisconsin rule |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | Motorcycles are exempt from the requirement WisDOT states that an IID is not required on motorcycles, mopeds or autocycles; the statutory order restricts the person's operating privilege for "Class D" vehicles to IID-equipped vehicles. 2025 Wisconsin Act 210 (enacted April 8, 2026, not yet in effect) amends Wis. Stat. § 343.301(1g)(am)1. to add that the person is prohibited from operating "Class M" vehicles once the act takes effect. What the source says“An IID is not required on motorcycles, mopeds or autocycles.” |
| Employer-owned vehicle | No exemption Neither Wis. Stat. § 343.301 nor ch. Trans 313 contains an employer-vehicle exemption. The court may exempt specific vehicles titled or registered to the person from the installation order (undue financial hardship, § 343.301(1m)), but WisDOT states the driver may not operate any vehicle requiring a Class D license that is not IID-equipped while the operating privilege is restricted, and courts have no discretion to waive that restriction. What the source says“Offenders may not operate a vehicle that requires a regular (Class D) driver license if the vehicle is not equipped with an IID while their operating privilege is restricted. The courts have no discretion to waive or modify that restriction.” |
| Unable to provide a breath sample | Not available WisDOT states there are no exceptions from a mandatory IID order for medical or other conditions. A person unable to provide an acceptable sample may change to a different approved IID; a person who asserts they are incapable of providing breath samples may be required to complete the medical evaluation requirements of ch. Trans 112, Wis. Adm. Code (a medical examination paid for by the driver, possibly with behind-the-wheel testing by DMV). What the source says“There are no exceptions for individuals with medical or other conditions from a mandatory IID order. If you are unable to provide an acceptable sample, you may be able to change to a different IID. Call your IID installer for assistance.” |
| Reduced-cost / indigent program | Available Under Wis. Stat. § 343.301(3)(b), if the court finds the person's household income is at or below 150 percent of the nonfarm federal poverty line, the court limits the person's liability to one-half of the cost of equipping each vehicle with an IID and one-half of the per-day, per-vehicle maintenance cost. WisDOT: eligibility is determined by the convicting court (contact the Clerk of Courts where the arrest occurred); no provision reduces any other provider fee; no refund is required if eligibility is determined after installation at full cost. What the source says“the court shall limit the person’s liability under par. (a) to one-half of the cost of equipping each motor vehicle with an ignition interlock device and one-half of the cost per day per vehicle of maintaining the ignition interlock device.” |
| Undue financial hardship vehicle exemption (Wis. Stat. § 343.301(1m)(a)) | The court may order that one or more vehicles titled or registered to the person not be equipped with an IID if equipping each vehicle would cause an undue financial hardship. The exemption applies to the vehicle, not to the license restriction. What the source says“If equipping each motor vehicle with an ignition interlock device under sub. (1g) would cause an undue financial hardship, the court may order that one or more vehicles described in sub. (1g) not be equipped with an ignition interlock device.” |
| Vehicles with no approved device (Wis. Stat. § 343.301(1m)(b)) | The installation order does not apply to a vehicle for which the department has not approved an IID capable of being installed on it. What the source says“An order under sub. (1g) does not apply to a vehicle for which the department has not approved an ignition interlock device capable of being installed on the vehicle.” |
| Vehicle no longer owned or operated (court exemption form) | A person who no longer owns or operates a vehicle still titled in their name must contact the convicting court, which submits the exemption form electronically to DMV. What the source says“If you no longer own or operate a vehicle that is currently in your name, you must contact the convicting court to have the vehicle exempt from the IID requirement. The court will fill out and electronically submit the form to the DMV.” |
| 24-7 sobriety program alternative (Wis. Stat. § 343.301(1g)(am)2.) | Instead of (or before) the IID restriction, the court may order participation in a 24-7 sobriety program; when the person completes or does not participate in the program, the court orders the IID restriction. What the source says“That the person participate in a program described in s. 165.957 or that meets the definition of a 24-7 sobriety program under 23 USC 405 (d) (7) (A) and regulations adopted thereunder.” |
| Pending change: Class M prohibition (2025 Wisconsin Act 210) | Act 210 (enacted April 8, 2026) amends § 343.301(1g)(am)1. so that an IID order also prohibits operating "Class M" vehicles (motorcycles). It takes effect on the first day of the 12th month after the date in a WisDOT notice published under Section 17(2) of the act; as of the fetch date the statute page shows it as a not-yet-effective amendment. What the source says“that the person be prohibited from operating “Class M” vehicles, and, except as provided in sub. (1m), shall order that each motor vehicle for which the person’s name appears on the vehicle’s certificate of title or registration be equipped with an ignition interlock device.” |
Compare: motorcycles by state · employer, medical and reduced-cost exemptions by state
Frequently asked questions
- When is an ignition interlock required after an OWI in Wisconsin?
- Under Wis. Stat. § 343.301(1g)(a), a court shall order an ignition interlock if the person improperly refused a chemical test, had an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more at the time of the offense, or has one or more prior convictions, suspensions, or revocations counted under § 343.307(1). WisDOT summarizes this as all repeat offenders, first offenders at 0.15 or higher, and all chemical-test refusals.
- How long does a Wisconsin ignition interlock order last?
- Under Wis. Stat. § 343.301(2m)(a), the restriction begins on the date of the order and extends not less than one year after the DMV issues any license, up to the maximum revocation period for the offense. WisDOT states the IID time requirement only begins when a Wisconsin driver license or occupational license is issued, so a person cannot "wait out" the requirement.
- What does it cost to reinstate a Wisconsin license after an OWI revocation?
- Wis. Stat. § 343.21(1) sets a $50 reinstatement fee, an additional $140 fee for reinstatement after an offense listed in § 343.307, and a $10 license issuance fee. WisDOT's OWI penalty chart states an occupational license after OWI costs $240 in total ($50 reinstatement, $140 OWI-related, $40 occupational, $10 issuance). WisDOT's OWI summaries list a $200 reinstatement fee.
- Does Wisconsin require SR-22 insurance after an OWI?
- WisDOT states an SR22 certificate is required to reinstate a driver license after a revocation and to obtain an occupational license, and must be maintained for three years from the date the person is eligible to reinstate. WisDOT also states SR22 is not required after revocation if the only reason for revocation is a first-offense OWI.
- Is there financial help for the interlock in Wisconsin?
- Under Wis. Stat. § 343.301(3)(b), if the court finds the person's household income is at or below 150 percent of the nonfarm federal poverty line, the court shall limit liability to one-half of the cost of equipping each vehicle and one-half of the per-day maintenance cost. WisDOT states eligibility is determined by the convicting court and no refund is required if eligibility is determined after installation.
Sources
- Wis. Stat. § 343.301 Installation of ignition interlock device - Wisconsin Legislature
- Wis. Stat. § 343.21 License fees (reinstatement fees) - Wisconsin Legislature
- WisDOT DMV - Ignition Interlock Device (IID) page with approved vendors
- WisDOT DMV - Proof of insurance (SR22)
- WisDOT DMV - Reinstate driving privileges
- WisDOT DMV - Impaired driving (OWI)
- WisDOT - OWI and related alcohol and drug offense penalties chart (as of October 1, 2023)
- WisDOT - OWI offense summaries (current as of 3-22-17)
- WisDOT - FAQ about IIDs: Fees (December 2025, Rev. 4)
- WisDOT - FAQ about IIDs: Basic information (December 2025)
- WisDOT - FAQ about IIDs: What is an IID (vendor/model table, December 2025)
- WisDOT - FAQ about IIDs: Installation and service (December 2025)
Record history
- — Record verified against primary sources.