Wisconsin ignition interlock & DUI requirements

What Wisconsin law requires

Wisconsin's ignition interlock, SR-22, and reinstatement rules are set by the statute and agency rules cited below. The values in the tables on this page are taken from those sources and are not interpretations of how they apply to any particular case.

Primary source: Wis. Stat. § 343.301

Ignition interlock requirement

Under Wis. Stat. § 343.301(1g)(a), a court must enter an ignition interlock order for a first OWI only if the person had an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more at the time of the offense, or improperly refused a chemical test under § 343.305. Threshold: 0.15. All repeat offenders receive an order. The court may alternatively order a 24-7 sobriety program under § 343.301(1g)(am)2.

Approved interlock providers

Vendors listed here appear on the Wisconsin licensing agency's approved-device list. Listing order is alphabetical and is not a ranking or endorsement. Installation locations are on each vendor's own locator.

Official approved-vendor list: Wisconsin agency vendor list

SR-22 requirement

An SR-22 is a certificate an insurer files with the state to confirm that a driver carries the liability coverage the state requires. Some states use an FR-44 or a different form for alcohol-related offenses; where Wisconsin does, the sources below say so.

SR-22 (not FR-44). WisDOT states an SR22 certificate is required to reinstate a driver license after operating privileges are revoked and to obtain an occupational license, and must be filed for three years from the date the person is eligible to reinstate. WisDOT notes SR22 is NOT required after revocation if the only reason for revocation is a 1st offense OWI (or non-compliance with a driver safety plan). Statutory reference given by WisDOT: Wis. Stat. § 344.01(2)(d).

Program costs

Fees set by the state are cited to the fee schedule. Vendor charges vary by vendor and are shown as published ranges with the month they were checked.

Frequently asked questions

When is an ignition interlock required after an OWI in Wisconsin?

Under Wis. Stat. § 343.301(1g)(a), a court shall order an ignition interlock if the person improperly refused a chemical test, had an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more at the time of the offense, or has one or more prior convictions, suspensions, or revocations counted under § 343.307(1). WisDOT summarizes this as all repeat offenders, first offenders at 0.15 or higher, and all chemical-test refusals.

How long does a Wisconsin ignition interlock order last?

Under Wis. Stat. § 343.301(2m)(a), the restriction begins on the date of the order and extends not less than one year after the DMV issues any license, up to the maximum revocation period for the offense. WisDOT states the IID time requirement only begins when a Wisconsin driver license or occupational license is issued, so a person cannot "wait out" the requirement.

What does it cost to reinstate a Wisconsin license after an OWI revocation?

Wis. Stat. § 343.21(1) sets a $50 reinstatement fee, an additional $140 fee for reinstatement after an offense listed in § 343.307, and a $10 license issuance fee. WisDOT's OWI penalty chart states an occupational license after OWI costs $240 in total ($50 reinstatement, $140 OWI-related, $40 occupational, $10 issuance). WisDOT's OWI summaries list a $200 reinstatement fee.

Does Wisconsin require SR-22 insurance after an OWI?

WisDOT states an SR22 certificate is required to reinstate a driver license after a revocation and to obtain an occupational license, and must be maintained for three years from the date the person is eligible to reinstate. WisDOT also states SR22 is not required after revocation if the only reason for revocation is a first-offense OWI.

Is there financial help for the interlock in Wisconsin?

Under Wis. Stat. § 343.301(3)(b), if the court finds the person's household income is at or below 150 percent of the nonfarm federal poverty line, the court shall limit liability to one-half of the cost of equipping each vehicle and one-half of the per-day maintenance cost. WisDOT states eligibility is determined by the convicting court and no refund is required if eligibility is determined after installation.

Sources

1. Wis. Stat. § 343.301 Installation of ignition interlock device - Wisconsin Legislature
2. Wis. Stat. § 343.21 License fees (reinstatement fees) - Wisconsin Legislature
3. WisDOT DMV - Ignition Interlock Device (IID) page with approved vendors
4. WisDOT DMV - Proof of insurance (SR22)
5. WisDOT DMV - Reinstate driving privileges
6. WisDOT DMV - Impaired driving (OWI)
7. WisDOT - OWI and related alcohol and drug offense penalties chart (as of October 1, 2023)
8. WisDOT - OWI offense summaries (current as of 3-22-17)
9. WisDOT - FAQ about IIDs: Fees (December 2025, Rev. 4)
10. WisDOT - FAQ about IIDs: Basic information (December 2025)
11. WisDOT - FAQ about IIDs: What is an IID (vendor/model table, December 2025)
12. WisDOT - FAQ about IIDs: Installation and service (December 2025)