Alcohol and chemical testing

WisDOT's Alcohol and Chemical Testing Unit is a specialized unit within the Division of State Patrol.

The program certifies and maintains evidential breath alcohol testing instruments, trains and certifies instrument operators, and provides expert testimony in court on breath alcohol and instrumentation issues.

It supports the prosecution of drunk drivers through the provision of a systematic and standardized method of measuring the breath alcohol content of impaired motorists.

Support and training for law enforcement

WisDOT's Alcohol and Chemical Testing Unit is also responsible for the approval of preliminary breath testing devices (PBTs), PBT operator certification and approval of ignition interlock devices.

The Chemical Testing Section’s Basic Breath Examiner Specialist Training is required for local law enforcement officers seeking to perform alcohol testing using the Intoximeter EC/IR II and preliminary breath test devices (PBTs). Upon completion of the 3-day course, successful applicants will be issued permits to conduct both evidential and preliminary breath alcohol tests.

Dates	Location	Facility
Jan. 14-16	Waukesha	Waukesha County Technical College 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072
Feb. 4-6	Madison	Chemical Test Section Office 3502 Kinsman Boulevard, Madison, WI 53704
Feb. 11-13	Madison	Chemical Test Section Office 3502 Kinsman Boulevard, Madison, WI 53704
Mar. 4-6	Lancaster	Grant County Sheriff’s Office 8820 US-61, Lancaster, WI 53813
Mar. 18-20	Green Bay	UW-Green Bay @ Mary Ann Cofrin (MAC) Hall 2410 Campus Court, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 54311
Apr. 1-3	Franklin (0800 start)	Milwaukee County Sheriff's Academy 9225 S. 68th Street, Franklin, WI 53132
Apr. 8-10	Franklin (0800 start)	Milwaukee County Sheriff's Academy 9225 S. 68th Street, Franklin, WI 53132
Apr. 22-24	Rhinelander	Nicolet College - Northwoods Center 5364 College Drive, Rhinelander, WI 54501
May 6-8	Superior	Northwood Technical College – Superior 600 N 21st St, Superior, WI 54880
May 20-22	Janesville	Blackhawk Technical College 6004 S County Road G, Janesville, WI 53547
Jun. 10-12	Rice Lake	Northwood Technical College – Rice Lake 1900 College Drive, Rice Lake, WI 54868
Jun. 24-26	Hartford	Hartford Police Department 109 N Main St, Hartford, WI 53027
Jul. 8-10	Waukesha	Waukesha County Technical College 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072
Jul. 15-17	Waukesha	Waukesha County Technical College 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072
Jul. 29-30	New Richmond	Northwood Technical College - New Richmond 1019 S Knowles Ave, New Richmond, WI 54017
Aug. 12-14	La Crosse	Black River Beach Neighborhood Center 1433 Rose Street, La Crosse, WI 54603
Sep. 9-11	Waukesha	Waukesha County Technical College 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072
Sep. 23-25	Neillsville	Chippewa Valley Technical College – Neillsville 11 Tiff Ave, Neillsville, WI 54456
Oct. 7-9	Milwaukee	Milwaukee Police Training Academy 6680 N Teutonia Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53209
Nov. 4-6	Madison	Chemical Test Section Office 3502 Kinsman Boulevard, Madison, WI 53704
Nov. 11-13	Madison	Chemical Test Section Office 3502 Kinsman Boulevard, Madison, WI 53704

This schedule is subject to change. Updates will be posted on this page and any affected agencies will be notified.

All applicants must be employed in police work and have department approval to attend. A completed application is required for each student.

2025 training announcement

2025 application

All sessions are filled in the order applications are received. Agencies will receive an email confirmation after applications have been processed. Confirmation letters will be emailed approximately 2 weeks before scheduled training. Questions about the application process can be directed to the Chemical Test Section at chemtest@dot.wi.gov.

A wait list will be established when session reaches capacity. Applications will be accepted for wait list and will be accommodated in order received. Contact the Chemical Testing Section for additional information.

The Chemical Testing Section also provides training for evidential recertification (required every two years), preliminary breath testing, and calibration of PBTs.

Contact the Chemical Testing Section at chemtest@dot.wi.gov for more information about these training opportunities.

What are BAIIDs?

A breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) is a switch that is attached to the ignition of a motor vehicle. BAIIDs include a handset with a mouthpiece for sampling, a mounted camera, a cellular modem for wireless reporting of results, and a control unit which is installed under the vehicle dash.

How do BAIIDs work?

BAIIDs use alcohol-specific sensors to detect and quantify the concentration of alcohol in the user’s breath. When provided with a breath sample with an alcohol concentration that is below the set point of 0.020 g/210L, the BAIID will unlock the ignition and allow the vehicle to be operated. If a breath alcohol sample is above the set point, the user will be prevented from unlocking the ignition and operating the vehicle.

When are BAIIDs required?

The installation of a BAIID is required for:

Repeat OWI offenders
First time OWI offenders with an alcohol concentration of 0.15% or higher
Drivers who refuse to provide a breath or blood sample for a chemical test at a traffic stop

Visit the vendor websites to learn more about operation and installation of each BAIID.

For questions about BAIIDs or for state personal to request database access, contact the Chemical Test Section at BAIID@dot.wi.gov.

FAQ

To find Wisconsin's ignition interlock service providers, view the interactive map below.

View interactive map

Each ignition interlock manufacturer below has one or more approved interlock device models certified in the state of Wisconsin. Please Note: The state of Wisconsin does not endorse any manufacturer, service center, or device. Their appearance on this page confirms only that the devices have been certified by the state of Wisconsin and meet federal and state rules for breath alcohol ignition interlock devices. Visit their websites for more information and detailed pricing.

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