Wisconsin driving guide

Wisconsin is known for its scenic drives, but there’s a lot to think about before hitting the open road. Knowing the driving rules in Wisconsin is essential when travelling through the state.

From maximum speed limits to toll roads in Wisconsin, find out everything you need to know to tackle the roads with our comprehensive state driving guide.  

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between Texas and other states
• Driving conditions

Quick rules of the road

• If two vehicles approach an intersection at the same moment, the driver on the left must yield right of way to the driver on the right. The first vehicle to arrive at a four-way stop should yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right.
• If you enter the main road from a driveway, you must yield to vehicles already on the road. The same goes for when you’re approaching a roundabout too.
• The law in Wisconsin states that drivers must turn on their headlights when the weather conditions limit visibility.
• Using a cell phone while driving is against the law in Wisconsin.

Speed limits in Wisconsin

It can help to know the speed limits in Wisconsin before you start driving. That way, if there are any unmarked roads, you’ll know the maximum speed limit in advance.

Toll roads in Wisconsin

There are no toll roads in Wisconsin. So, you can drive across the entire state without having to worry about paying toll fees. Depending on your route, you may have to pay a toll while travelling to other states.

Driving ages and license requirements in Wisconsin

• The legal driving age in Wisconsin is 16.
• The minimum age to rent a car in Wisconsin with Hertz is 20.
• In Wisconsin, you can apply for your learner’s permit at 15.

If you’re under 25, you can find out more about renting a car with Hertz by checking out our guide for young drivers.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in Wisconsin

In your vehicle, you must have your:

• Driver’s license
• Insurance
• Registration
• Car rental agreement – if applicable.

It can also be useful to keep the following items in your car in case of an emergency:

• Owner’s manual
• First aid kit
• Puncture Kit
• Jump cables.

For a list of items that you can’t carry in your Hertz car, check your rental agreement.

Wisconsin speed violations, infractions and penalties

When driving in and around the state, all drivers must operate at a safe speed. Failure to do so can result in penalties. The consequences of Wisconsin speed violations will depend on the circumstances.

Speeding penalties

Fines typically range from $30 to $300. And for certain speed violations, fines for a second violation within a year are $80 to $600. Speeding in a construction zone or school zone can lead to standard fines being doubled.

A speeding ticket will also lead to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) assessing demerit points to the driver’s record. Again, the number of points will depend on the driver’s speed.

Wisconsin Driver’s License Points System

If you are convicted of certain traffic violations, points will automatically be added to your driving record. If a driver earns 12 points or more within a year, their license will be suspended.  

Here’s a breakdown of the speeding violation points system in Wisconsin:

Driving with children in Wisconsin

Wisconsin, like most states, has stringent laws that require children of certain ages to be placed in specific car seats while on the road.

Car seat requirements in Wisconsin:

• Children under one – or weighing less than 20 pounds should be placed in a rear-facing child seat in the back of the car.
• Children aged one to three – who weigh at least 20 pounds and children that weigh under 40 pounds should be placed in a forward-facing child seat in the back of the car.
• Children aged four to eight – who weigh less than 40 pounds must be kept in a forward-facing car seat. Children who weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and are under 4-foot 9 can be placed in a car seat or booster seat.

There are no exceptions for car seat laws in Wisconsin and non-compliance will result in penalties.

Gas prices in Wisconsin

The average gas price in Wisconsin is $3.57 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• For a small car like a Ford Focus, that’s about $0.09 per mile.
• For a larger family car like a Nissan Pathfinder, it works out at $0.13 per mile.

Gas price figure last updated October 27th, 2022.

Electric car charging in Wisconsin

There are over 300 car charging stations in Wisconsin, most of which are concentrated in urban areas. You’ll usually find charging stations in parking lots, shopping malls, restaurants and hotels.

Wisconsin has also received approval from the U.S Federal Highway Administration to expand its electric vehicle charging stations. The agency will place approximately 60 charging stations within 50 miles of each other along Wisconsin’s Alternative Fuel Corridors.

Driving between Wisconsin

No trip to the states would be complete without a classic American road trip. With a Hertz car rental, you can venture to the nearby states of Michigan in the north, Illinois in the south, or Iowa and Minnesota in the west. Just make sure you follow the driving rules and regulations for each state.

Driving conditions in Wisconsin

Driving conditions in Wisconsin can vary depending on the time of year. Wisconsin has a humid climate, with warm to hot summers and cold winters.

Driving conditions tend to be at their worst during the winter season – from December to February – particularly in the northern highlands area and near Lake Superior, which sees large amounts of snowfall that often exceeds 100 inches. Blizzards are also common during winter. So, if you’re planning to drive around Wisconsin, it’s easier to drive during the warmer months.