Chapter 343

343.12(8)(c)2. 2. Procedures for obtaining additional criminal history information in compliance with sub. (6) (a) for applicants who have not resided in this state at anytime in the preceding 2 years. The department may by rule establish fees for obtaining such information that are not greater than the fees charged to the department in connection with acquiring such information.

343.12(9) (9) Any person who violates sub. (1) shall be:

343.12(9)(a) (a) Fined not less than $200 nor more than $600 and may be imprisoned for not more than 6 months or both for the first such offense.

343.12(9)(b) (b) Fined not less than $300 nor more than $1,000 and imprisoned for not less than 5 days nor more than 6 months for the 2nd offense occurring within 3 years.

343.12(9)(c) (c) Fined not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,000 and imprisoned for not less than 10 days nor more than 6 months for the 3rd or subsequent offense occurring within 3 years.

343.12 History History: 1971 c. 213 s. 5; 1973 c. 174, 218; 1975 c. 19, 199; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1977 c. 125; 1977 c. 193 s. 17; 1977 c. 273, 418, 447; 1981 c. 71; 1981 c. 334 s. 25 (1); 1983 a. 175, 459, 480; 1985 a. 337; 1987 a. 3; 1989 a. 105, 176, 359; 1991 a. 39, 277; 1993 a. 16; 1995 a. 113; 2003 a. 33, 280, 326, 327; 2005 a. 253, 277; 2007 a. 116; 2013 a. 96; 2015 a. 366; 2021 a. 76, 152; 2023 a. 224.

343.12 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 112, Wis. adm. code.

343.12 Annotation Standards under sub. (2) (g) are not exempt from requirements under s. 111.34 (2) (b). Bothum v. DOT, 134 Wis. 2d 378, 396 N.W.2d 785 (Ct. App. 1986).

343.125 343.125 Endorsements for transporting certain hazardous materials.

343.125(1) (1) In this section, ““H” endorsement” means an endorsement specified in s. 343.17 (3) (d) 1m.

343.125(2) (2) The department may not issue or renew an “H” endorsement to a commercial driver license unless all of the following apply:

343.125(2)(a) (a) The applicant has submitted to the department documentary proof, in one or more of the following forms, that the applicant is a U.S. citizen or that the applicant’s permanent presence in the United States is authorized under federal law:

343.125(2)(a)1. 1. A U.S. passport.

343.125(2)(a)2. 2. A birth record bearing an official seal or other mark of authentication and issued by a state, county, or municipality within the United States or by a territory or possession of the United States.

343.125(2)(a)3. 3. A certification of birth abroad issued by the federal department of state.

343.125(2)(a)4. 4. A certificate of naturalization.

343.125(2)(a)5. 5. A certificate of U.S. citizenship.

343.125(2)(a)6. 6. A permanent resident card or alien registration receipt card.

343.125(2)(a)7. 7. Any other proof specified in 49 CFR 383.71 (a) (9).

343.125(2)(b) (b) If the applicant submits proof described under par. (a) 6. or 7., the applicant submits his or her bureau of citizenship and immigration services alien registration number.

343.125(2)(c) (c) The applicant has passed any knowledge test required by the department.

343.125(2)(d) (d) The department of transportation has received notice from the federal transportation security administration of the federal department of homeland security that the applicant does not pose a security threat warranting denial of an “H” endorsement or that the applicant has received a waiver under 49 CFR 1572.143.

343.125(3) (3) 

343.125(3)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), an “H” endorsement shall expire 4 years after the licensee’s next birthday after the date of issuance or renewal.

343.125(3)(b) (b)

343.125(3)(b)1. 1. The initial period for which an “H” endorsement is valid is the period from the date on which the “H” endorsement is issued until the earlier of the following dates:

343.125(3)(b)1.a. a. The date on which the licensee’s commercial driver license expires. This subd. 1. a. does not apply if the licensee renews his or her commercial driver license at the same time that the “H” endorsement is issued.

343.125(3)(b)1.b. b. The date 4 years before the date on which the licensee’s commercial driver license expires.

343.125(3)(b)2. 2. Notwithstanding subd. 1., if the period as determined under subd. 1. is less than 12 months, the initial period for which an “H” endorsement is valid is the period from the date on which the “H” endorsement is issued until the later of the dates specified in subd. 1. a. or b.

343.125(4) (4) Within 15 days after receiving notice from the federal transportation security administration of the federal department of homeland security, the department of transportation shall do all of the following:

343.125(4)(a) (a) Update the department’s records to reflect the notice received, the issuance, denial, or cancellation of an “H” endorsement, and, if applicable, the expiration date of the “H” endorsement.

343.125(4)(b) (b) Notify the commercial driver license information system of the notice received and the department’s action.

343.125(4)(c) (c) Issue the “H” endorsement, if the department received notice described in sub. (2) (d) and the applicant is otherwise eligible for issuance of the “H” endorsement.

343.125(4)(d) (d) Cancel or deny the “H” endorsement, if the notice is of a final administrative determination that the applicant or licensee poses a security threat warranting denial of an “H” endorsement.

343.125(5) (5) Notwithstanding s. 227.42, there is no right to a hearing on any cancellation or denial of an “H” endorsement under this section.

343.125(6) (6) Notwithstanding sub. (3) and s. 343.20 (1) (a), the department may require any person who holds a valid “H” endorsement on November 1, 2003, to apply for renewal of that endorsement, if that endorsement expires after November 1, 2008. The department shall provide the notice required under s. 343.20 (2) (b). The department may cancel the “H” endorsement of any person who fails to renew within the period specified by the department under this subsection. This subsection does not apply to “H” endorsements that are issued or renewed after November 1, 2003.

343.125 History History: 2003 a. 33; 2017 a. 334.

343.13 343.13 Restricted licenses.

343.13(1) (1) The department upon issuing any license pursuant to this chapter may, whenever good cause appears, impose restrictions suitable to the licensee’s operating ability with respect to the type of or special mechanical control devices required on a motor vehicle which the licensee may operate, or such other restrictions applicable to the licensee as the department may determine to be appropriate to assure the safe operation of a motor vehicle by the licensee.

343.13(2) (2) Notwithstanding sub. (1), the department shall restrict the commercial driver license of any person to comply with 49 CFR 383.

343.13(3) (3) If a court has ordered that a person’s operating privilege be restricted for a period of time after the person’s operating privilege revocation period is completed to operating vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device, the license shall include that restriction.

343.13 History History: 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1989 a. 105; 2009 a. 103 s. 32; 2015 a. 123.

343.13 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 112, Wis. adm. code.

343.135 343.135 Special restricted operator’s license.

343.135(1) (1) Issuance.

343.135(1)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), upon application therefor, the department shall issue a special restricted operator’s license to any person who meets the following requirements:

343.135(1)(a)1. 1. Is at least 14 years of age and is physically disabled or is at least 16 years of age.

343.135(1)(a)2. 2. Does not possess a valid operator’s license issued under this chapter.

343.135(1)(a)3. 3. Pays all required fees.

343.135(1)(a)4. 4. Has passed an examination which includes a test of the applicant’s eyesight, ability to read and understand highway signs regulating, warning and directing traffic, knowledge of the traffic laws and an actual demonstration of ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of the vehicle for which the special restricted license is to be issued. An applicant shall furnish the motor vehicle he or she will be operating for use in testing his or her ability to operate the vehicle. The department may waive the demonstration of ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a moped or motor bicycle as provided in s. 343.16 (2) (d).

343.135(1)(b) (b) The department may not issue a special restricted license to a person whose operating privilege is suspended or revoked.

343.135(2) (2) Scope.

343.135(2)(a) (a) A special restricted operator’s license may be issued only for the specific vehicle or type of vehicle described on the license. A license under this paragraph may not be issued to authorize operation of a commercial motor vehicle or a school bus. A special restricted operator’s license may be issued only for the following vehicles:

343.135(2)(a)1. 1. Motor bicycles or mopeds; or

343.135(2)(a)2. 2. Specially designed vehicles having a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour which the department authorizes to be operated on the highway.

343.135(2)(b) (b) If a special restricted operator’s license is issued for operation of a vehicle described in par. (a) 2., the vehicle may be operated only by the following persons:

343.135(2)(b)1. 1. The holder of the restricted license.

343.135(2)(b)2. 2. A person licensed under this chapter who operates the vehicle for the limited purposes of repairing or testing the vehicle.

343.135(3) (3) Design of license. The special restricted license shall be of the same size and general design of the operator’s license, except that it shall bear the words “SPECIAL RESTRICTED LICENSE”. The information on the license shall be the same as specified under s. 343.17 (3) and the holder may affix a decal thereto as provided in s. 343.175 (3). All restrictions imposed under sub. (6) shall be listed on the license or on an attachment thereto.

343.135(4) (4) Physical requirements. The department may set such physical standards as it deems necessary for eligibility for licensing under this section. The standards shall include a vision standard.

343.135(5) (5) Examination. The department may require an applicant to submit to a medical examination to determine whether the applicant meets the standards set under sub. (4). The applicant shall pay the cost of any such examination.

343.135(6) (6) Restrictions. The department may impose such restrictions as it deems necessary on any license issued under this section. Such restrictions may include, but are not limited to, the type of vehicle, special equipment, time of day of operation, and specific geographic areas and streets or routes of travel. A vehicle operated under this section shall display a slow moving vehicle emblem as required under s. 347.245.

343.135(7) (7) Expiration; renewal. A special restricted operator’s license issued under this section shall expire 2 years after the date of issuance. Within 90 days prior to the expiration of a license, the holder of the restricted license may renew the license by paying all required fees and passing the examination under sub. (1) (a) 4.

343.135 History History: 1979 c. 345; 1981 c. 138; 1983 a. 243; 1989 a. 105; 2007 a. 20.

343.135 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 112, Wis. adm. code.

343.14 343.14 Application for license.

343.14(1) (1) Every application to the department for a license or identification card or for renewal thereof shall be made upon the appropriate form furnished by the department and shall be accompanied by all required fees. Notwithstanding s. 343.50 (8) (b), names, addresses, license numbers, and social security numbers obtained by the department under this subsection shall be provided to the department of revenue for the purpose of administering ss. 71.93 and 71.935 and state taxes and to the department of workforce development for the sole purpose of enforcing or administering s. 108.22.

343.14(2) (2) The forms for application shall be determined by the department and shall include:

343.14(2)(a) (a) The full legal name and principal residence address of the applicant;

343.14(2)(b) (b) The applicant’s date of birth, color of eyes, color of hair, sex, height, weight and race;

343.14(2)(bm) (bm) Except as provided in par. (br), the applicant’s social security number.

343.14(2)(br) (br) If the applicant does not have a social security number, a statement made or subscribed under oath or affirmation that the applicant does not have a social security number and is not eligible for a social security number. The statement shall provide the basis or reason that the applicant is not eligible for a social security number, as well as any information requested by the department that may be needed by the department for purposes of verification under s. 343.165 (1) (c). The form of the statement shall be prescribed by the department, with the assistance of the department of children and families. A license that is issued or renewed under s. 343.17 in reliance on a statement submitted under this paragraph is invalid if the statement is false.

343.14(2)(c) (c) A statement as to whether the applicant has heretofore been licensed as an operator of any motor vehicle and, if so, when and by what jurisdiction;

343.14(2)(d) (d) Whether any previous license or operating privilege has ever been suspended or revoked or whether application has ever been refused and, if so, the date and place of such suspension, revocation or refusal;

343.14(2)(e) (e) If the application is made by a person under 18 years of age, documentary proof that the applicant is enrolled in a school program or high school equivalency program and is not a habitual truant as defined in s. 118.16 (1) (a), has graduated from high school or been granted a declaration of high school graduation equivalency or is enrolled in a home-based private educational program, as defined in s. 115.001 (3g). For purposes of this paragraph, “documentary proof” means the signature and verification of an adult sponsor as provided in s. 343.15 (1) or the applicant as provided in s. 343.15 (4) (b);

343.14(2)(em) (em) If the application is made by a male who is at least 18 years of age but less than 26 years of age, the form shall notify the applicant that, by submitting the application to the department, the applicant gives his consent to be registered, if required by federal law, with the selective service system and that he authorizes the department to forward information to the selective service system under s. 343.234.

343.14(2)(es) (es) Subject to sub. (2g) (a) 2. d. and s. 343.125 (2) (a) and (b), valid documentary proof that the individual is a citizen or national of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent or temporary residence in the United States or has any of the following:

343.14(2)(es)1. 1. Conditional permanent resident status in the United States.

343.14(2)(es)2. 2. A valid, unexpired nonimmigrant visa or nonimmigrant visa status for entry into the United States.

343.14(2)(es)3. 3. An approved application for asylum in the United States or has entered into the United States in refugee status.

343.14(2)(es)4. 4. A pending application for asylum in the United States.

343.14(2)(es)5. 5. A pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the United States.

343.14(2)(es)6. 6. Approved deferred action status.

343.14(2)(es)7. 7. A pending application for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States or conditional permanent resident status in the United States.

343.14(2)(f) (f) Subject to s. 343.165 (1), such further information as the department considers appropriate to identify the applicant, including biometric data, and such information as the department may reasonably require to enable it to determine whether the applicant is by law entitled to the license applied for;

343.14(2)(g) (g) A question as to whether the applicant wishes to include his or her name as a donor of an anatomical gift in the record of potential donors maintained by the department. The form shall indicate the following:

343.14(2)(g)1. 1. The applicant is not required to respond to the question under this paragraph in order to obtain a license.

343.14(2)(g)2. 2. The purpose of maintaining the record of potential donors is to facilitate the determination of whether a person is a potential donor in the event of his or her death.

343.14(2)(g)3. 3. An affirmative response to the question under this paragraph does not in itself authorize an anatomical gift. To authorize an anatomical gift, an applicant shall comply with s. 157.06 or 343.175 (2);