Using a mobile phone while driving in Wisconsin (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Wisconsin bans composing or sending text messages or email while driving; holding a phone is otherwise banned only in work and roadside response areas. Hands-free use is allowed. Probationary licence and instruction permit holders may not use a phone while driving except to report an emergency.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | No [1] |
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car; Highway and utility work areas and emergency or roadside response areas where workers are at risk | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Composing or sending an electronic text message or email while driving is banned. Voice-operated or hands-free use is allowed if the hands are used only to activate or deactivate a function. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Holders of a probationary licence or an instruction permit may not use a cellular or other wireless telephone while driving, except to report an emergency. [1] |
Notes
- The statewide offence is composing or sending an electronic text message or email while driving. Holders of probationary licences or instruction permits may not use a phone except to report an emergency (346.89(4)(a)).
- No person may use a cellular or other wireless telephone, for any purpose, where persons working in a highway, railroad or utility work area or emergency or roadside response area are at risk from traffic, except to report an emergency or by a voice-operated or hands-free device.
- A voice-operated or hands-free device is excepted if the driver does not use their hands to operate it, except to activate or deactivate a feature.
- The forfeiture for a violation of § 346.89 is set in § 346.95, which could not be read.
- The demerit-point schedule for this offence was not found in the sources read.
Sources
- Wisconsin Legislature: Wis. Stat. 346.89 Inattentive driving (Internet Archive snapshot of 19 April 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Wisconsin and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, Work zones: Banned in work zones | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Iowa | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Illinois | Banned | Allowed (hands-free or one-button) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Michigan | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 (or 16 hours community service) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minnesota | Banned | Voice/hands-free mode only, device not held | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Wisconsin
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour, then felony) · Growing at home: No (felony)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph; 35 mph outlying · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, with a municipal permit
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Knives excluded from concealed-carry ban · Locking or one-handed knives: Any knife excluded
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.