Reinstating a Driver’s License After an OWI Suspension or Revocation

 Posted on February 24, 2021 in OWI

Like every other state in the country, there are multiple ways that you can be stripped of your driving privileges in Wisconsin. Major driving offenses that endanger the lives of others such as excessive speeding or reckless driving can end up costing you your driving privileges in some situations. However, the most common driving offense that leads to driver’s license suspensions and revocations is operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, you will have to take certain steps to reinstate it. A Wisconsin driver’s license reinstatement lawyer can help you make sure you are taking the proper steps to get yourself back on the road.

Checking Your Eligibility for Reinstatement

Checking your eligibility for reinstatement is the first step in the reinstatement process. The length of time between your revocation or suspension and when you become eligible to have your license reinstated largely depends on the offense you were charged with that triggered the suspension or revocation. The number of times you have committed that offense or similar offenses will also affect how long it will take for you to become eligible for reinstatement.

The easiest and quickest way to check your eligibility for driver’s license reinstatement is by using the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s online tool created specifically for this reason. After entering your personal identifying information, the system will inform you whether or not you are able to reinstate your license and whether or not you are able to do so online, or if you are required to do so in person at a DMV center.

File Proof of Insurance and IID Information

There is also an online tool that you can use to determine whether or not you are required to furnish proof of insurance or an SR-22 certificate to the Wisconsin DMV. This is a requirement for almost all OWI offenders; however, Wisconsin does not require first-time OWI offenders to provide proof of financial responsibility, unlike subsequent offenders.

In some cases, you will also have to provide information about the ignition interlock devices (IIDs) that you will be required to have installed onto all vehicles that you own. The laws surrounding IIDs have changed recently to require IIDs for all repeat OWI offenders, first-time OWI offenders with a BAC of .15 percent or higher, and those who refused to take a chemical or field test.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Contact a Waukesha County Driver’s License Reinstatement Lawyer

Driving is a privilege that we often take for granted and do not realize how much we rely on it until it is gone. If you have been charged with an OWI and have served a driver’s license revocation or suspension because of it, the skilled legal team at Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP can help you get your license reinstated. Our knowledgeable New Berlin driver’s license reinstatement attorneys have more than 20 years of experience helping our clients get back on the road. To speak with a skilled attorney and schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 262-232-6699. 

Sources:

https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/susp-or-rvkd/reinstate-wi-res.aspx

https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/online-srvcs/check-elig/eligibility.aspx

https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/susp-or-rvkd/reinstate.aspx