How long does a conviction stay on a record?
Most convictions on a driving record are eligible to be removed five years after the conviction date. Alcohol related convictions stay on the record indefinitely. As long as a conviction remains on a driving record, the points associated with that conviction remain available to determine if a person has accumulated 12 or more points in any 12-month period. The violation dates, not the conviction dates, determine point accumulation.
My citation says four points; your letter says I received eight points. Why?
The point value noted on the citation is an "estimated point value." The violation for which you are finally convicted, and the license type you hold at the time of conviction determine the points assessed against the driving record.
If you hold a probationary license, instruction permit, or no license when the conviction is entered on the record, points will be doubled for any second and subsequent convictions, except for convictions under Chapter 347 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which are primarily vehicle equipment violations.
Is a zero point total good or bad?
It helps to remember that these are demerit points. Therefore, you do not want to have points. All drivers with a clear record have zero points. As you accumulate convictions, you accumulate demerit points. If you accumulate 12 or more demerit points in any 12-month period, your driving privilege will be suspended.
Points are assessed for moving traffic convictions based on the violation offense date. When determining points, be sure to include any pending citations or convictions which do not yet appear on your record.
I have tickets pending. How will this affect my driving record?
The violation date (not conviction date) determines whether you have accumulated 12 or more points in any 12-month period. If you are convicted of any pending violations, the points will be counted based on the date of violation. If your conviction(s) result in the accumulation of 12 or more demerit points for violations within any 12-month period, a suspension will result. The suspension of your operating privilege will begin on the date the order of suspension is mailed from WisDOT's Division of Motor Vehicles.
How can I reopen a ticket? How would this help me?
Specific questions about if a case can be reopened should be addressed to the convicting court.
If a case is reopened and the final determination of the court results in an accumulation of less than 12 points in any 12-month period, there would be no suspension for demerit points. If a person is already suspended for demerit points, and the court's determination reduces the point accumulation to less than 12 points in any 12-month period; the suspension would be released.
Is there a way to reduce my points/my suspension?
If you have completed an approved
traffic safety course, you can request a three-point reduction of your demerit point total.
Courses can be taken as often as you wish, however, you can receive only one point reduction every three years.
If you are already suspended for accumulating too many points, and if your point total is 12, 13 or 14 points, your suspension may be released.