Transportation

The owner of a motor vehicle that is customarily kept in one of seven southeastern Wisconsin counties must comply with a vehicle emission inspection and maintenance program operated by the Department of Transportation. The program operates pursuant to state law that implements the federal Clean Air Act, a comprehensive law regulating outdoor air pollutants. The program operates in counties experiencing air quality that does not meet a federal standard for ground-level ozone. This issue brief provides an overview of relevant federal and state law and of the inspection and maintenance program.

Driving on the highways of this state is a privilege, not a right. The state may reasonably regulate that privilege, including by requiring a driver to obtain motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. In 2010, Wisconsin parted ways with New Hampshire by joining 48 other states and the District of Columbia in requiring auto liability insurance coverage. This issue brief highlights the principles of that coverage, exceptions to coverage requirements, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms.

State law defines a school bus as a motor vehicle capable of carrying 10 or more passengers in addition to the operator to or from school, curricular or extracurricular activities, or religious instruction on a day school is in session, or children with disabilities to an approved educational program. In addition to any requirements in federal or state law, the state Department of Transportation has authority to issue rules on the design, construction, inspection, and operation of a school bus.

State law imposes weight restrictions on vehicles and vehicle combinations operated on Wisconsin
highways. With exceptions, no person may operate a vehicle that exceeds these limitations unless the
person obtains a permit from the relevant authority to do so. Highway weight limitations depend on a
number of factors, including the type of highway, the number and configuration of axles on a vehicle, the
type of cargo, and the time of year. Vehicles must comply with both the gross vehicle weight
requirements and individual weight requirements for particular axles or wheels.