Wisconsin motorists often fail to obey the rules of the road, like not following too closely or passing on the right.
Wisconsin’s traffic code was enacted to help travelers reach their destinations safely. Despite this, many drivers continue to ignore the rules of the road, putting everyone at risk.
Below, you’ll find a list of the seven most commonly ignored traffic laws. This article will explain what they are and how you can avoid running afoul of the traffic code.
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1. Wisconsin Slower Traffic Keep Right Law: The “Move Over” Rule
Wisconsin law requires you to keep right if you are traveling below the normal pace of traffic. Slower drivers must stay in the furthest right-hand lane or close to the right curb unless they are preparing to make a left turn or pass another vehicle.
Any vehicle proceeding upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or when preparing for a left turn or U-turn at an intersection or a left turn into a private road or driveway.
2. Wisconsin Flow of Traffic Law: The “Minimum Speed” Rule
Though Wisconsin does not have a statewide minimum speed, you must observe any posted minimum speed requirements. You also cannot impede the normal flow of traffic with your speed. Driving too slowly can lead to a ticket unless you need to go slower for safety or to comply with the law.
No person shall drive a motor vehicle at a speed so slow as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or is necessary to comply with the law.
The operator of a vehicle moving at a speed so slow as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic shall, if practicable, yield the roadway to an overtaking vehicle and shall move at a reasonably increased speed or yield the roadway to overtaking vehicles when directed to do so by a traffic officer.
3. Wisconsin Driving in Left Lane Law: The “Passing on the Left” Rule
In Wisconsin, you must pass other vehicles on the left. If you need to cross the center line to pass, you must ensure the lanes are free of traffic approaching from the other direction. You are also prohibited from passing in no-passing zones or when the center line is solid yellow. If you cannot see the roadway ahead because of a curve or hill, you are not allowed to cross the center line to pass.
Drivers being passed are required to give way and cannot speed up until the other motorist has completed their pass.
The operator of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the operator of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle and shall not increase the speed of the vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
Upon any roadway where traffic is permitted to move in both directions simultaneously, the operator of a vehicle shall not drive to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be done in safety.
Upon any roadway where traffic is permitted to move in both directions simultaneously, the operator of a vehicle shall not drive on the left side of the center of the roadway upon any part of a grade or upon a curve in the roadway where the operator’s view is obstructed for such a distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction.
The operator of a vehicle shall not drive on the left side of the center of a roadway on any portion thereof which has been designated a no-passing zone, either by signs or by a yellow unbroken line on the pavement on the right-hand side of and adjacent to the center line of the roadway, provided such signs or lines would be clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person.
4. Wisconsin Rear-End Collision Law: The “Following Too Closely” Rule
It is illegal to follow another car too closely on Wisconsin’s roads. You must leave a “reasonable and prudent” space between you and the vehicle in front of you. The distance you must leave to comply with the law may increase in bad weather or heavy traffic.
The operator of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.
5. Wisconsin Mobile Phone Driving Law: The “Hands-Free Driving” Rule
Texting and emailing while driving are illegal in Wisconsin. You can use your cell phone in hands-free mode to make calls or compose texts, but you cannot watch a video or look at a picture. Distracted driving of any type is illegal if it interferes with your ability to drive safely.
Though you are allowed to hold and type on your cell phone to report an emergency, you cannot use your phone in construction zones or near emergency vehicles responding to an incident. Additionally, you cannot use your phone when driving if you have a probationary license or an instructional driving permit.
No person while driving a motor vehicle may be engaged or occupied with an activity, other than driving the vehicle, that interferes or reasonably appears to interfere with the person’s ability to drive the vehicle safely.
No person may drive any motor vehicle while composing or sending an electronic text message or an electronic mail message. This does not apply to the use of a voice-operated or hands-free device if the driver of the motor vehicle does not use his or her hands to operate the device, except to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the device.
No person who holds a probationary license or an instruction permit issued may drive any motor vehicle while using a cellular or other wireless telephone, except to report an emergency.
No person may drive any motor vehicle while using a cellular or other wireless telephone, including using the telephone for a purpose other than communication, where persons engaged in work in a highway maintenance or construction area, utility work area, or emergency or roadside response area are at risk from traffic, except to report an emergency.
No person while driving a motor vehicle may operate or be in a position to directly observe any electronic device located within the vehicle that is activated and that is providing entertainment primarily by visual means. This does not prohibit a person from using a cellular telephone for purposes of verbal communication.
6. Wisconsin Four-Way Intersection Law: The “4-Way Stop” Rule
If two drivers arrive at a Wisconsin intersection simultaneously, the motorist to the right is allowed to proceed first. The vehicle to the left must cede the right of way and wait until the other driver has gone. However, if the driver from the right is speeding, they lose the right to go first.
When 2 vehicles approach or enter an intersection at approximately the same time, the operator of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. The operator of any vehicle driving at an unlawful speed forfeits any right-of-way which he or she would otherwise have under this subsection.
7. Wisconsin Left Turn Intersection Law: The “Right of Way” Rule
Before you make a left turn, Wisconsin’s traffic code requires you to yield the right of way to any oncoming traffic. Any cars headed in the opposite direction must be safely clear before you make a left turn or a U-turn. This is true whether you are turning at an intersection or into a private alley or driveway.
The operator of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left or make a U-turn shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
The operator of a vehicle, when approaching any intersection at which has been installed a yield sign, shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection from an intersecting highway or which are approaching so closely on the intersecting highway as to constitute a hazard of collision and, if necessary, shall reduce speed or stop in order to so yield.
The operator of any vehicle intending to turn to the left into an alley or private driveway across the path of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle.
Following the rules of the road can make the difference between getting in an accident or arriving safely at your destination. Pay attention to these seven commonly overlooked Wisconsin traffic laws to be a safer, more courteous driver. And be sure to remember the rules of the road the next time you get in your car.