Legal Question in Traffic Law in Wisconsin

OWI, Occupational Licenses

The WI Department of Motor Vehicles sometimes issues occupational driver�s licenses for drivers who lose their licenses following a drunken driving arrest, after the expiration of "waiting periods." These become progressively longer depending upon how many prior offenses the person has had. All drivers applying for an occupational are required to also file an "SR-22" special insurance form, covering them regardless of what vehicle they are driving. However, occupational are no longer issued for those who have had two OWI related convictions within a five year period. They are never issued for anyone who is not in compliance with their treatment obligations stemming from their conviction, known as their "driver's safety Plan" following their post conviction interview and AODA assessment. Persons whose driving records are terrible for other reasons can also be ineligible for an occupational license, including drinking while using a CDL (commercial driver�s license) or for habitual traffic offenders ("HTO's"). In those cases, judges will sometimes issue occupational licenses which are not recognized by the Department of Motor Vehicles but which may (or may not) be recognized by law enforcement officers if you are stopped. In any event, one should always discuss these issues as soon as possible after arrest with an experienced traffic lawyer.