It’s against the law to drive without a valid driver’s license in the state of Wisconsin. But is it possible to drive to work if your license is suspended or revoked? This guide explains.
Can You Drive to Work if You Have a Suspended License?
First things first: there’s a difference between a license suspension and a license revocation period if your license is suspended, you’ve only lost it temporarily. If it’s been revoked, you’ve lost it permanently.
The courts in Wisconsin may suspend your driver’s license for a variety of reasons, such as committing alcohol related offenses (like OWI) or driving without insurance. The state doesn’t usually revoke licenses unless an offense is extremely serious.
When your license is suspended or revoked, you’re not supposed to drive anywhere. If the police catch you driving when your license is suspended, the state will find you; these fines can cost you up to $2,500 in some cases. If the police catch you driving when your license has been revoked, you’re facing criminal penalties – and you could even spend time in jail.
Related: What is an ignition interlock device?
What About Occupational Licenses?
In some cases, the state enables people to get occupational licenses. An occupational license is a restricted license that lets you continue driving to work and to handle operations related to running your household, such as grocery shopping or taking your children to school. However, these licenses aren’t available to everyone. You must go out of your way to apply for an occupational license; a court won’t simply grant one to you when it revokes or suspends your full driver’s license.
Related: Everything you need to know about field sobriety testing
Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Driving to Work on a Suspended License?
If you’ve committed an offense, or have been accused of committing an offense, that results in license suspension or revocation, you should talk to an attorney. Your attorney will answer your questions and help you get the best possible outcome in your case, which may include avoiding suspension or revocation altogether.
Call our office at 414-383-6700 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney now. We will be happy to give you the legal guidance you need.
