You might know that the legal limit for drunk driving in Wisconsin is generally 0.08%. If you are a student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or UW-Stout, you may assume that having a single beer at a party is fine because it keeps you under that limit.
If you rely on that assumption, however, you could lose your license. Wisconsin enforces a strict standard for younger drivers that is much harsher than the rules for adults.
The zero tolerance standard
While drivers over 21 are allowed a small amount of alcohol in their system, you are not. The law prohibits you from driving a motor vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in your blood if you have not reached the legal drinking age. This is commonly known as the “Not a Drop” law.
If a police officer pulls you over and believes you have been drinking, they can ask you to take a breath test. If the result is anything above 0.00, you have violated the state rules for young drivers. This applies even if you feel completely sober and drive safely.
Penalties for violations
A violation of absolute sobriety is different from a standard OWI charge. It is a strict liability offense that focuses on the presence of alcohol rather than impairment. A conviction for violating the absolute sobriety law results in specific penalties that the court must impose, which includes:
- Suspension of driving privileges for three months
- A forfeiture of $200 plus court costs
- Addition of four demerit points to your driving record
While a first OWI offense in Wisconsin is generally a civil violation rather than a crime, the penalties are much steeper than an absolute sobriety ticket. You face a longer license revocation (six to nine months), higher fines and mandatory alcohol assessment. You should also expect your insurance rates to spike after a suspension appears on your record.
Protecting your future opportunities
You and your parents likely worry about how a license suspension will affect your ability to get to class or keep a job. A clean driving record is also essential for many internships and post-graduation opportunities. If you are facing an alcohol-related driving offense, an attorney can review the details of your traffic stop to ensure your rights were respected.
