Alcohol and Drug Limits

If your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher

Wisconsin law sets 0.08% BAC as the legal limit for adult drivers. Driving at or above this level results in a DWI charge.

When you are under 21 and your BAC is 0.02% or higher

For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol (0.02%+) can lead to license suspension and other penalties.

If a commercial driver refuses a BAC test

Refusing a BAC test violates implied consent laws. For CDL holders, this results in automatic suspension of commercial driving privileges.

When you refuse to take a breath, blood, or urine test

Under Wisconsin’s implied consent law, refusal to test results in a 1-year license revocation even without conviction.

If you are convicted of driving under the influence of drugs

Impairment from prescription, illegal, or over-the-counter drugs is treated the same as alcohol-related DWI in Wisconsin.

When caught driving while visibly impaired even below 0.08%

A lower BAC does not protect you if you show signs of impairment; police may charge you with DWI based on behavior.

If you are convicted of a first-time drug-related driving offense

Whether under the influence of marijuana, opioids, or any drug, the offense carries serious penalties.

When you are caught driving under the influence with a child passenger

Wisconsin may increase penalties, including jail time and fines, when minors are endangered by impaired driving.

If you test positive for drugs after a crash

Post-crash drug testing can lead to charges based on the influence of impairing substances, including cannabis.

When you are convicted of a second alcohol or drug DWI

Repeat offenses escalate both license consequences and potential jail time in Wisconsin.

If your BAC is 0.15% or higher

A high BAC level increases the severity of the offense and may result in longer jail terms and higher fines.

When taking legal medications with side effects

Even legal prescriptions can impair driving. Always read warning labels and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are found guilty of DWI five times in Wisconsin

Habitual DWI offenders face long-term revocations, vehicle forfeiture, and registry placement.

When involved in a fatal crash and drugs are suspected

Driving under the influence in fatal crashes leads to felony charges and permanent license loss.

If you combine alcohol with other drugs

Using alcohol with drugs (even OTC or prescription) can cause unpredictable and extreme impairment, increasing crash risk.