Getting traffic tickets in Wisconsin comes with consequences. You owe it to yourself to learn about Wisconsin traffic tickets before you map out your plan.

What to Do If You Get a Traffic Ticket in Wisconsin

All traffic tickets in Wisconsin are driven by a point system. Accruing points on your license can cause your insurance rates to skyrocket, court and attorney fees – even the suspension of your license. In Wisconsin, once you accrue enough points on your license, the state will send you a letter which requires you to contact the state immediately.

You can check the status of Wisconsin driver license here.

Is a Court Appearance Required?

Some drivers who receive Wisconsin traffic tickets may have to appear in court. This will be indicated clearly on the ticket with the words "Mandatory Appearance." In this instance, It is probably best an attorney. You can attempt to do the research yourself, but there is a massive amount of specialized information out there, and if you feel you may be taking a chance by trying to defend yourself, play it safe let your attorney do the talking. If you think you can do enough research to represent yourself, you most likely lose.

If you do choose to fight your Wisconsin traffic ticket, contact your court to confirm your hearing date. The information can be found on your ticket. Always ensure you have your citation number when calling the courts.

If you do choose to hire an attorney, he or she will explain the different pleas available and best suited for you. Depending on your driving record, you could escape the points entirely by having an attorney.

Your Options

You do have options when it comes to managing traffic tickets in Arkansas. Below are some options for you to consider:

Option 1 - Pay Your Ticket

In some situations you may desire to pay the ticket and get it out of the way.

As long not as your ticket does not contain the words “Mandatory Appearance,” you may pay your Wisconsin traffic ticket before to the due date. The ticket itself provides information on how to pay. Depending on the jurisdiction, you have the choice of paying in person, by mail, by phone and—in some jurisdictions—online. If you pay by phone, have your citation number. Paying in person requires you to have the citation with you. Paying online is the easiest option.

Option 2 - Plead Not Guilty and Request Trial

If you do not think that you are guilty, you can plead "not guilty" to the traffic charge. Simply check the box on the ticket itself indicating "not guilty" and mail in the ticket to the court within the time specified on the ticket. Await your hearing date. Should you decide to fight the charges outright, you will need to carefully consider hiring an attorney who specializes in traffic law to help you. Your case is then heard by a judge. It is usually best to have your lawyer do the talking.

If you are found guilty of the charge, you must pay the fine as well as any surcharges. You can also still accrue the points on your license, depending on the judge's decision.

Option 3 - Appeal Your Case

When you receive a traffic ticket, you may submit a Notice of Appeal to the local court requesting an appeal hearing. It is best to hire an attorney to help you with this. Learn more about appeals in the Wisconsin Driver’s Handbook online.

Option 4 - Take an Online Defensive Driving Course

A moving violation traffic ticket in Wisconsin will most certainly cost you points on your license.

Points on your license may be reduced by three by attending an online traffic school. Wisconsin mandates a one point decrease inside in a three-year timeframe for class A-D driver licenses. This does not apply to DUIs or other major traffic infractions. Additionally, one decrease of three points is allowed inside a three-year timeframe for points added due to Motorcycle citations.

Several Wisconsin courts offer you the chance you to partake in traffic school course to avoid the points. You have 30 days from online traffic course to notify the state.

If this interests you, contact the contact the Wisconsin jurisdiction where you received your citation and ask if online traffic school is an option for you. Traffic school saves points, meaning lower insurance—and you may even get your traffic ticket dismissed!