Wisconsin OWI: Second Offense

Last reviewed: 2026-07-17

A second OWI in Wisconsin is generally classified as a misdemeanor (criminal).

• Jail: 5 days – 6 months; mandatory min 5 days
• Fine: $350–$1,100 (plus OWI surcharge/assessments)
• License suspension: 12–18 month revocation – 18 months; hardship: occupational license; IID 1 year mandatory
• Ignition interlock: Required

Lookback period: lifetime. Lifetime lookback — every prior OWI counts forever and cannot be expunged. Refusals count as priors. (A first-offense-only exception: the 10-year count matters for whether a 2nd is criminal, but priors never wash out.)