reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.16 - Requirements as to self-insurers.

344.16
Requirements as to self-insurers.
(1)
Any person in whose name more than 25 motor vehicles are registered may qualify as a self-insurer by obtaining a certificate of self-insurance issued by the secretary as provided in sub. (2).
(2)
The secretary may, upon the application of such a person, issue a certificate of self-insurance when satisfied that such person is possessed and will continue to be possessed of ability to pay judgments obtained against such person.
(3)
Upon not less than 5 days' notice and a hearing pursuant to such notice, the secretary may upon reasonable grounds cancel a certificate of self-insurance. Failure to pay any judgment within 30 days after such judgment has become final constitutes a reasonable ground for cancellation of a certificate of self-insurance.
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c); 1977 c. 273.
The uninsured motorist coverage requirements of s. 632.32 are inapplicable to self-insured entities under s. 344.16. Classified Insurance Co. v. Budget Rent-A-Car Inc. 186 Wis. 2d 476, 521 N.W.2d 478 (Ct. App. 1994).
No statute requires a self-insured entity under s. 344.16 to provide uninsured motorist coverage as part of the optional insurance it offers to its customers. Prophet v. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company, Inc. 2000 WI App 171, 238 Wis. 2d 150, 617 N.W.2d 225, 99-0776.
A car-rental company issued a certificate of self-insurance under this section and subject to liability limits under ss. 344.01 (2) (d) and 344.51 was not a self-insurer for purposes of an underinsured motorist clause that excluded coverage for a vehicle owned or operated by a “self-insurer." Bethke v. Auto-Owners Insurance Company, 2013 WI 16, 345 Wis. 2d 533, 825 N.W.2d 482, 10-3153.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.17 - Requirements as to form and amount of security.

344.17
Requirements as to form and amount of security.
(1)
The security required under s. 344.14 shall be in such form and in such amount as the secretary may require but in no case in excess of the limits specified in s. 344.15 (1) with reference to the acceptable limits of a policy or bond. The person depositing security shall specify in writing the person or persons on whose behalf the deposit is made and, at any time while such deposit is in the custody of the secretary, the person depositing it may, in writing, amend the specification of the persons on whose behalf the deposit is made to include an additional person or persons, subject to the limitation that a single deposit of security shall be applicable only on behalf of persons required to furnish security because of the same accident.
(2)
The secretary may reduce the amount of security ordered in any case if, in the secretary's judgment, from evidence submitted, the amount ordered is excessive or has become excessive by filed release on part of the liability or by adjudication reducing the extent of the liability. In case the security originally ordered had been deposited at the time the reduced amount is ordered, the excess over the reduced amount shall be returned to the depositor or the personal representative forthwith, notwithstanding s. 344.20.
History:  1973 c. 189 s. 20; Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 776 (1975); 1975 c. 218, 270, 421, 422; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c); 1977 c. 43, 273.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.21 - Matters not to be evidence in civil suits.

344.21
Matters not to be evidence in civil suits.
Neither the report required following an accident, the action taken by the department pursuant to this chapter, the findings, if any, upon which such action is based nor the security filed as provided in this chapter shall be referred to in any way or be any evidence of the negligence or due care of either party at the trial of any action at law to recover damages, but this shall not be construed to exclude a notice of insurance filed pursuant to s. 344.14 or 344.15 (4), or both, from being admissible in evidence where it would otherwise be material and admissible under the rules of evidence.
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (e); 1985 a. 29.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.24 - Applicability of sections relating to proof of financial responsibility for the future.

344.24
Applicability of sections relating to proof of financial responsibility for the future.
Sections 344.29 to 344.41 are applicable in all cases in which a person is required to deposit proof of financial responsibility for the future, including those cases in which a person is required to deposit proof of financial responsibility for the future under ss. 344.25 to 344.27, those cases in which the deposit of proof of financial responsibility for the future is a condition precedent to reinstatement of an operating privilege or registration suspended or revoked under s. 344.14, 344.18 (3) or 344.19 (3) and those cases in which the deposit of proof of financial responsibility for the future is a condition precedent to issuance of an operator's license under s. 343.38 (4) or reinstatement of an operating privilege revoked under ch. 343.
History:  1989 a. 72; 1991 a. 269; 1997 a. 84.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.25 - Suspension for nonpayment of judgment; exceptions.

344.25
Suspension for nonpayment of judgment; exceptions.
Upon the receipt, under s. 344.05, of a certified copy of a judgment for damages of $500 or more arising out of a motor vehicle accident, the secretary shall immediately suspend the operating privilege and all registrations of the person against whom such judgment was rendered, subject to the following exceptions:
(1)
If the judgment arose out of an accident caused by the ownership or operation, with permission, of a vehicle owned by or leased to the United States, this state or any county or municipality of this state or a vehicle subject to the requirements of s. 121.53, 194.41 or 194.42, the secretary shall not suspend such operating privilege or registration.
(2)
If the judgment creditor consents in writing in such form as the secretary may prescribe that the judgment debtor be allowed to retain or reinstate the operating privilege and registrations, the same may be allowed by the secretary for 6 months from the date of such consent and thereafter until such consent is revoked in writing, notwithstanding default in the payment of such judgment or of any installments thereof as prescribed in s. 344.27, provided the judgment debtor furnishes proof of financial responsibility for the future and maintains such proof at all times when such license and registrations are in effect during a period of 3 years following the date on which the agreement is filed with the secretary.
(3)
The secretary shall not suspend such operating privilege or registrations if the judgment debtor obtains a court order for installment payments and furnishes proof of financial responsibility as provided in s. 344.27.
(5)
When the secretary receives certification of the entry of a damage judgment in accordance with s. 344.05 against a resident of this state which has been entered by an Indian tribal court in this state or by a court in another jurisdiction, the secretary shall give notice to the person of the receipt of the certification of judgment. If satisfaction of such judgment is not made and copy of such satisfaction filed with the secretary within 30 days from the date such notice was given, the secretary shall suspend the operating privilege and registrations of such judgment debtor.
(6)
Notwithstanding sub. (5), subs. (2) and (3) apply to a damage judgment in accordance with s. 344.05 against a resident of this state which has been entered by an Indian tribal court in this state.
(7)
At the time of the motor vehicle accident giving rise to the judgment, the person was complying with s. 344.62 (1) or s. 344.63 (1) applies.
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c); 1977 c. 273; 1981 c. 20; 1989 a. 105; 1991 a. 39; 1997 a. 84; 1999 a. 80; 2009 a. 28.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.26 - Suspension after judgment for money damages.

344.26
Suspension after judgment for money damages.
(1)
(a)
Subject to the exceptions stated in ss. 344.25 (2) and 344.27 (2), any operating privilege or registration suspended or revoked under s. 344.25 shall remain suspended or revoked for 5 years from the date of entry of judgment or until the judgment is stayed, satisfied, or discharged, whichever is earlier, and, unless 3 years have elapsed since the date on which the judgment was stayed, satisfied, or discharged or 8 years have elapsed since the date of entry of judgment, whichever is earlier, or unless the person is a nonresident, until the person whose operating privilege and registration was suspended or revoked furnishes and maintains in effect proof of financial responsibility for the future.
(b)
If suspension of any operating privilege or registration under s. 344.25 was terminated before 5 years from the date of entry of judgment because an exception under s. 344.25 (2) or 344.27 (2) applied and the judgment debtor's operating privilege or registration is subsequently suspended under s. 344.25 (2) or 344.27 (3), the operating privilege or registration shall remain suspended for all of the following periods:
1.
Five years from the date of suspension under s. 344.25 (2) or 344.27 (3) or until the judgment is stayed, satisfied, or discharged, whichever is earlier. A suspension period that commences on the date of suspension under s. 344.25 (2) or 344.27 (3) under this subdivision shall be reduced by the amount of time that the judgment debtor's operating privilege or registration was suspended under s. 344.25 before one of the exceptions under s. 344.25 (2) or 344.27 (2) was satisfied.
2.
Three years from the date on which the period under subd. 1. expires. The suspension under this subdivision does not apply to a person who is a nonresident or who furnishes and maintains in effect proof of financial responsibility for the future.
(3)
Judgments in excess of the amounts specified in s. 344.01 (2) (d) shall, for the purpose of this section only, be deemed satisfied when payments in the amounts so specified have been credited thereon. Payments made in settlement of any claims because of bodily injury, death or property damage arising from a motor vehicle accident shall be credited in reduction of the respective amounts so specified.
History:  1975 c. 297; 1997 a. 84; 1999 a. 80, 186; 2009 a. 245; 2011 a. 112.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.27 - Installment payment of judgments; suspension upon default.

344.27
Installment payment of judgments; suspension upon default.
(1)
A judgment debtor upon due notice to the judgment creditor may apply to the court in which such judgment was rendered for the privilege of paying such judgment in installments and the court, in its discretion and without prejudice to any other legal remedies which the judgment creditor may have, may so order and fix the amounts and times of payment of the installments.
(2)
The secretary shall not suspend the operating privilege or registration and shall restore any operating privilege or registration suspended following nonpayment of a judgment when the judgment debtor obtains such order permitting the payment of the judgment in installments and, unless 3 years have elapsed since the date on which the order permitting the payment of the judgment in installments is filed with the secretary or unless the judgment debtor is a nonresident, furnishes and maintains proof of financial responsibility for the future.
(3)
If the judgment debtor fails to pay any installment as specified by such order, the secretary, upon notice of such default, shall immediately suspend the operating privilege and registrations of the judgment debtor until such judgment is satisfied or until the applicable time limit is reached as provided in s. 344.26.
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c); 1997 a. 84; 1999 a. 80, 186; 2009 a. 245; 2011 a. 112.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.29 - Proof of financial responsibility for the future required.

344.29
Proof of financial responsibility for the future required.
Proof of financial responsibility for the future shall be furnished by any person required to give such proof under ss. 344.25 to 344.27, those cases in which the deposit of proof of financial responsibility for the future is a condition precedent to reinstatement of an operating privilege or registration suspended or revoked under s. 344.14, 344.18 (3) or 344.19 (3) and in those cases in which the deposit of proof of financial responsibility for the future is a condition precedent to issuance of an operator's license under s. 343.38 (4) or reinstatement of an operating privilege revoked under ch. 343.
History:  1973 c. 90; 1989 a. 72; 1991 a. 269; 1997 a. 84.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.30 - Methods of giving proof of financial responsibility.

344.30
Methods of giving proof of financial responsibility.
Whenever a person is required under ch. 343 or this chapter to give proof of financial responsibility for the future, such proof may be given by filing:
(1)
Certification of insurance as provided in s. 344.31; or
(2)
A bond as provided in s. 344.36; or
(3)
A certificate of deposit of money or securities as provided in s. 344.37; or
(4)
A certificate of self-insurance as provided in s. 344.16, supplemented by an agreement by the self-insurer that, with respect to accidents occurring while the certificate is in force, the self-insurer will pay the same amounts that an insurer would have been obligated to pay under a motor vehicle liability policy if it had issued such a policy to such self-insurer.
History:  1973 c. 90; 1981 c. 390; 1987 a. 27; 1991 a. 316; 2009 a. 245.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.31 - Certification of insurance as proof.

344.31
Certification of insurance as proof.
Proof of financial responsibility for the future may be furnished by filing with the secretary the written certification of any insurer duly authorized to do business in this state that there is in effect a motor vehicle liability policy for the benefit of the person required to furnish proof of financial responsibility or by transmitting such certification to the secretary by another means approved by the secretary. Such certification shall give the effective date of such motor vehicle liability policy, which date shall be the same as the effective date of the certification and shall certify coverage for any motor vehicle operated by the named insured if the certification is required to be furnished by a vehicle operator or coverage for any motor vehicle owned by the named insured if the certification is required to be furnished by a vehicle owner.
History:  1973 c. 90; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c); 1979 c. 102 s. 236 (3); 1987 a. 27; 1999 a. 80.
No policy issued pursuant to the ch. 344 financial responsibility statutes may exclude coverage for persons related by blood or marriage to the operator as mandated by s. 632.32 (6) (b) 1. Bindrim v. Colonial Ins. Co. 190 Wis. 2d 525, 527 N.W.2d 321 (1995).
This section does not mandate insurance on the person (an operator's policy) and on all the vehicles such person may own (an owner's policy). It is incumbent upon the person seeking insurance to inform the insurance company of whether he or she wants an operator's policy, an owner's policy, or both. It is not the insurer's duty, absent instruction from the insured, to issue both types of policies. McKillip v. Bauman, 2005 WI App 165, 285 Wis. 2d 646, 702 N.W.2d 79, 04-2489.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.34 - Notice of cancellation or termination of certified policy.

344.34
Notice of cancellation or termination of certified policy.
When an insurer has certified a motor vehicle liability policy under s. 344.31 or a bond under s. 344.36, the insurance so certified shall not be canceled or terminated until at least 10 days after a notice of cancellation or termination of the insurance so certified has been filed in the office of the secretary. No insurance so certified may be canceled or terminated by the insurer prior to the expiration of 90 days from the effective date of the certification on the grounds of failure to pay a premium when due. Such a certified policy or bond subsequently procured shall, on the effective date of its certification, terminate the insurance previously certified. Any certification or recertification filed by the same insurer following cancellation shall be accompanied by a fee of $3 payable by the insurer.
History:  1973 c. 90; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c); 1979 c. 102 s. 236 (3); 1987 a. 27; 1991 a. 269; 1993 a. 213; 2009 a. 245.
The failure of an insurer to comply with the notice requirement under this section precludes the insurer from asserting that a previously certified policy had lapsed. Lang v. Kurtz, 100 Wis. 2d 40, 301 N.W.2d 262 (Ct. App. 1980).
The 10-day notice of cancellation requirement only applied to liability coverage of a policy acquired to satisfy proof of financial responsibility. Uninsured motorist coverage cancellation took effect immediately. Nutter v. Milwaukee Insurance Co. 167 Wis. 2d 449, 481 N.W.2d 701 (Ct. App. 1992).
The 10-day notice requirement in this section results in a period of time in which the insurer owes coverage to the public despite the fact that its policy with its insured was not contractually in force. However, s. 344.33 (7) allows an insurer to recover from its insured any claims it paid that it would not have been obligated to pay but for the Financial Responsibility law. When the insured's policy lapsed 3 days before an accident, but the insurer did not send a notice of cancellation to the state under this section until after the accident, the insurer had a responsibility to cover 3rd-party losses and was entitled to seek reimbursement from the insured under s. 344.33 (7). Acuity v. Albert, 2012 WI App 87, 343 Wis. 2d 594, 819 N.W.2d 340, 12-0382.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.35 - This chapter not to affect other policies.

344.35
This chapter not to affect other policies.
(1)
This chapter does not apply to or affect policies of automobile insurance against liability which may now or hereafter be required by any other law of this state. If such policies contain an agreement or are endorsed to conform to the requirements of this chapter, they may be certified as proof of financial responsibility under this chapter.
(2)
This chapter does not apply to or affect policies insuring solely the insured named in the policy against liability resulting from the maintenance or use by persons in the insured's employ or on the insured's behalf of motor vehicles not owned by the insured.
History:  1991 a. 316.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.36 - Bond as proof.

344.36
Bond as proof.
(1)
Proof of financial responsibility may be evidenced by the bond of a surety company duly authorized to transact business within this state or a bond with at least 2 individual sureties each owning real estate within this state and together having equities equal in value to at least twice the amount of the bond, which real estate shall be scheduled in the bond approved by a judge of a court of record. Such bond shall be conditioned for the payment of the amounts specified in s. 344.01 (2) (d). The bond shall be filed with the secretary and shall not be cancelable except after 10 days' written notice to the secretary.
(2)
The bond constitutes a lien in favor of the state upon any surety's real estate which is scheduled in the bond and which is not exempt by law from execution. Such lien is effective as of the time when the secretary records the bond in the office of the register of deeds of the county wherein such real estate is located, as provided in s. 706.05 (1). Such lien exists in favor of any holder of a final judgment against the person who filed such bond, for damages resulting from the ownership, maintenance, use or operation of a motor vehicle after such bond was recorded, including damages for care and for loss of services because of bodily injury to or death of any person and damages because of injury to or destruction of property and the consequent loss of use thereof.
(3)
If the judgment rendered against the principal on the bond is not satisfied within 60 days after it has become final, the judgment creditor may, for his or her own use and benefit and at the judgment creditor's sole expense, bring an action in the name of the state against the company or persons executing the bond, including an action or proceeding to foreclose any lien that may exist upon the real estate of a person who has executed such bond. In the foreclosure of such lien, ch. 846 on the foreclosure of real estate mortgages shall apply as far as possible.
History:  1973 c. 189 s. 20; Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 776 (1975); 1975 c. 218; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c).
The direct action statute, s. 632.24, does not apply to actions in which the principal on a bond under this section causes injury. Sub. (3) requires obtaining a judgment against the principal before an action may be brought against the surety. Vansguard v. Progressive Northern Insurance Co. 188 Wis. 2d 584, 525 N.W.2d 146 (Ct. App. 1994).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.37 - Money or securities as proof.

344.37
Money or securities as proof.
(1)
Proof of financial responsibility for the future may be evidenced by a deposit with the secretary by the person of $60,000 in cash, or in securities such as may legally be purchased by savings banks or for trust funds of a market value of $60,000. The secretary shall not accept any such deposit unless accompanied by evidence that there are no unsatisfied judgments of any character against the depositor in the county where the depositor resides.
(2)
Deposits made under this section shall be held by the secretary to satisfy, in accordance with this chapter, any execution on a judgment issued against the person making the deposit, for damages resulting from the ownership, maintenance, use or operation of a motor vehicle after such deposit was made, including damages for care and for loss of services because of bodily injury to or death of any person and damages because of injury to or destruction of property and the consequent loss of use thereof. Money or securities so deposited are not subject to attachment or execution unless such attachment or execution arises out of a suit for damages as set forth in this section.
History:  1971 c. 164 s. 82; 1975 c. 270; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c); 1989 a. 32.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.38 - Owner and leasing company may give proof for others.

344.38
Owner and leasing company may give proof for others.
Whenever any person required to give proof of financial responsibility for the future under this chapter is or later becomes an operator in the employ of any owner, or is or later becomes a member of the immediate family or household of the owner, the secretary shall accept proof given by such owner in lieu of proof by such other person. If the vehicle is leased to the employer, then the leasing company may file proof of financial responsibility on behalf of the person required to furnish such proof. When proof has been given as provided in this section, the person on whose behalf such proof was furnished may be granted a license, but only to operate those vehicles for which proof was so given. The department shall note such restriction on the person's license, including a designation of each vehicle for which proof was given.
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a), (c).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.39 - Substitution of proof.

344.39
Substitution of proof.
The secretary shall consent to the cancellation of any bond or certification of insurance or return any money or securities to the person entitled thereto upon the substitution and acceptance of other adequate proof of financial responsibility pursuant to this chapter.
History:  1975 c. 270; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c); 1987 a. 27.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.40 - Revocation or suspension for failure to maintain proof; other proof may be required.

344.40
Revocation or suspension for failure to maintain proof; other proof may be required.
(1)
(a)
Except as provided in par. (b), whenever any person whose operating privilege was suspended or revoked who has furnished proof of financial responsibility fails to maintain such proof at any time during the period when proof of financial responsibility is required, the secretary shall suspend or revoke such person's operating privilege for a period of time running from the date of suspension or revocation until such time as either satisfactory proof of financial responsibility is again furnished or the period during which proof was required to be furnished has expired.
(b)
Whenever any person who has furnished proof of financial responsibility fails to maintain such proof at any time during the period when proof of financial responsibility is required under s. 344.18 (1m) or (3m) or 344.19 (3m), the secretary shall suspend all of the person's registrations for a period of time running from the date of suspension until such time as either satisfactory proof of financial responsibility is again furnished or the period during which proof was required to be furnished has expired.
(2)
(a)
Except as provided in par. (b), whenever any proof of financial responsibility filed under this chapter no longer fulfills the purposes for which required, the secretary shall require other proof meeting the requirements of this chapter and shall suspend or revoke the operating privilege pending the filing of such other proof.
(b)
Whenever any proof of financial responsibility filed under s. 344.18 (1m) or (3m) or 344.19 (3m) no longer fulfills the purposes for which required, the secretary shall require other proof meeting the requirements of this chapter and shall suspend all of the person's registrations pending the filing of such other proof.
History:  1973 c. 90; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c); 1989 a. 72; 1991 a. 269; 1997 a. 84.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.42 - Submission of certifications and recertifications by insurers.

344.42
Submission of certifications and recertifications by insurers.
If the sum of certifications and recertifications under ss. 344.31 and 344.34 that are submitted by an insurer to the department in any year exceeds 1,000, the insurer shall pay to the department a transaction fee of $1.50 per certification or recertification that is not transmitted electronically to the department. The department shall promulgate rules establishing procedures for the collection of transaction fees under this section.
History:  1997 a. 27; 2009 a. 245.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.45 - Surrender of license and registration upon suspension.

344.45
Surrender of license and registration upon suspension.
(1)
Whenever a person's operating privilege or registration is suspended under this chapter, the department may order the person to surrender to the department his or her operator's license and the registration plates of the vehicle or vehicles for which registration was suspended. If the person fails immediately to return the operator's license or registration plates to the department, the department may direct a traffic officer to take possession thereof and return them to the department.
(2)
Any person who intentionally fails or refuses to return a license and registration plate or plates as required by this section may be required to forfeit not more than $100.
History:  1971 c. 278; 1977 c. 29 ss. 1465, 1654 (7) (a), (c); 1977 c. 43, 203; 1985 a. 29; 1989 a. 72; 1997 a. 84.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.46 - Transfer of vehicle ownership to defeat purpose of chapter.

344.46
Transfer of vehicle ownership to defeat purpose of chapter.
(1)
No owner of a motor vehicle involved in an accident in this state which is reportable under s. 346.70 shall transfer the ownership or registration of any vehicle whose registration is subject to suspension or revocation under this chapter until all of the applicable provisions of this chapter has been complied with or until the secretary is satisfied that such transfer is proposed in good faith and not for the purpose or with the effect of defeating the purposes of this chapter.
(2)
Any person violating this section may be required to forfeit not more than $200.
(3)
This section does not apply to or affect the registration of any vehicle sold by a person who, under the terms or conditions of any written instrument giving a right of repossession, has exercised such right and has repossessed such vehicle from a person whose registration has been suspended or revoked under this chapter.
History:  1971 c. 278; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c); 1991 a. 269; 1997 a. 84; 1999 a. 80, 186.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.48 - Forged proof.

344.48
Forged proof.
(1)
No person shall:
(a)
Forge or, without authority, sign any notice provided for in s. 344.14 or 344.15 (4), or both, to the effect that a policy or bond is in effect or, knowing or having reason to believe that the notice has been forged or signed without authority, file or offer the notice for filing; or
(b)
Forge or, without authority, sign any evidence of proof of financial responsibility or, knowing or having reason to believe that such evidence has been forged or signed without authority, file or offer such evidence for filing.
(c)
Sign or file the affidavit mentioned in s. 344.15 (4), knowing that it contains a false statement.
(2)
Any person violating this section may be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 9 months or both.
History:  1985 a. 29; 1997 a. 283; 2001 a. 109.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.55 - Insurance for human service vehicles.

344.55
Insurance for human service vehicles.
(1)
No motor vehicle may be used as a human service vehicle unless a policy of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, issued by an insurer authorized to transact business in this state, is maintained thereon. The policy shall provide property damage liability coverage with a limit of not less than $10,000. The policy also shall provide bodily injury liability coverage with limits of not less than $75,000 for each person and, subject to such limit for each person, total limits as follows:
(a)
$150,000 for each accident for each motor vehicle having a seating capacity of 7 passengers or less.
(b)
$200,000 for each accident for each motor vehicle having a seating capacity of 8 to 15 passengers.
(c)
$250,000 for each accident for each motor vehicle having a seating capacity of 16 to 24 passengers.
(d)
$375,000 for each accident for each motor vehicle having a seating capacity of 25 to 36 passengers.
(e)
$500,000 for each accident for each motor vehicle having a seating capacity of 37 to 49 passengers.
(f)
$500,000 plus not less than $10,000 for each accident for each passenger seat accommodation for each motor vehicle having a seating capacity of 50 or more passengers.
(2)
The department may not issue registration plates for such a vehicle unless there is on file with the department a certificate of insurance showing that the vehicle is insured in compliance with sub. (1). No such policy may be terminated prior to its expiration or canceled for any reason unless a notice thereof is filed with the department at least 30 days prior to the date of termination or cancellation. The department shall suspend the registration of a vehicle on which the insurance policy has been terminated or canceled, effective on the date of termination or cancellation.
History:  1983 a. 175 s. 20; Stats. 1983 s. 344.55; 1997 a. 84; 2009 a. 28; 2011 a. 14.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.57 - Definitions applicable to ss. 344.57 to 344.579.

344.57
Definitions applicable to ss. 344.57 to 344.579.
In ss. 344.57 to 344.579:
(1)
“Accident" means collision of a private passenger vehicle with another object or other upset of the private passenger vehicle not caused intentionally by the renter.
(2)
“Authorized driver" means, in connection with a private passenger vehicle under a rental agreement, all of the following:
(a)
The spouse of the renter, if the spouse is a licensed driver and meets any minimum age requirement in the rental agreement.
(b)
A person listed in the rental agreement as an authorized driver.
(c)
The renter's employer, employee or co-worker, if the employer, employee or co-worker engages in a business activity with the renter, is a licensed driver and meets the rental company's minimum age requirement.
(d)
A person who operates the private passenger vehicle during an emergency or while parking the private passenger vehicle at a commercial or private establishment.
(3)
“Damage waiver" means a contractual provision under which a rental company agrees for a charge not to hold a renter or authorized driver liable for damage or loss related to a private passenger vehicle rented by the renter.
(4)
“Private passenger vehicle" means a type 1 automobile.
(5)
“Rental agreement" means a written agreement setting forth the terms and conditions governing the use of a private passenger vehicle provided for rent by a rental company.
(6)
“Rental company" means a person in the business of providing private passenger vehicles for rent to the public.
(7)
“Renter" means the person who rents a private passenger vehicle from a rental company under a rental agreement.
History:  1989 a. 328; 2005 a. 173.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.572 - Applicability to rental agreements.

344.572
Applicability to rental agreements.
(1)
Except as provided in sub. (2), ss. 344.574, 344.576 and 344.578 apply to all rental agreements concerning private passenger vehicles rented from locations in this state for a period of 30 consecutive days or less.
(2)
Sections 344.574, 344.576 and 344.578 do not apply to a rental agreement under which a person rents from a motor vehicle dealer licensed under ss. 218.0101 to 218.0163 a private passenger vehicle owned by the dealer if the private passenger vehicle is rented only for use while a vehicle owned or leased by the person or which the person has agreed to purchase is being serviced, repaired, manufactured or delivered.
(3)
If a rental agreement is subject to ss. 344.574, 344.576 and 344.578, any provision of the rental agreement that violates any requirement of ss. 344.574, 344.576 and 344.578 is void.
History:  1989 a. 328; 1999 a. 31.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.577 - Advertisement or representation.

344.577
Advertisement or representation.
(1)
Definition. In this section, “advertisement or representation" means any oral, written or graphic statement which is made in connection with the solicitation of the rental of a private passenger vehicle.
(2)
Damage waiver charge. If a rental company or an employee or agent of a rental company disseminates or makes in this state an advertisement or representation that includes a statement of the rental rate for a private passenger vehicle available for rent from a location in this state, the advertisement or representation shall also include a statement of the charge for any damage waiver offered by the rental company in conjunction with the rental of that private passenger vehicle and a statement that purchase of the damage waiver is optional.
History:  1989 a. 328.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.578 - Credit card for deposit or damages.

344.578
Credit card for deposit or damages.
(1)
Prohibited deposits; collection of damages. Except as provided in this subsection, in sub. (2), or in s. 345.28 (5w), a rental company may not charge a credit card belonging to a renter as a deposit for damages for which the renter may be held liable under the rental agreement or under s. 344.574 (2) (a) or for any other charges. If a rented private passenger vehicle is damaged or if the renter owes any other charges provided for in the rental agreement, the rental company may charge a credit card belonging to the renter as payment for the damages for which the renter is liable under s. 344.574 (2) (a) or for any other charges provided for in the rental agreement only if the rental company obtains the renter's authorization to use that credit card for payment and the authorization is obtained after the total amount of the renter's liability or other charges is determined and before the rental company processes the credit card charge.
(2)
Deposit for rental fees. If authorized by the renter, a rental company may charge a credit card belonging to the renter as a deposit for the estimated cost of the rental, as determined under this subsection. The estimated cost of the rental may not exceed an amount equal to the daily rental rate specified in the rental agreement, which may include the daily charge for a damage waiver if purchased by the renter, multiplied by the number of days specified in the agreement for which the private passenger vehicle is being rented.
History:  1989 a. 328; 2005 a. 173; 2007 a. 207.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.579 - Violations.

344.579
Violations.
(1)
Penalties. Whoever violates s. 344.574, 344.576 (1), (2) or (3) (a) or (b), 344.577 or 344.578 may be required to forfeit not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 for each violation.
(2)
Enforcement. The department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection shall investigate violations of ss. 344.574, 344.576 (1), (2) and (3) (a) and (b), 344.577 and 344.578. The department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection may on behalf of the state:
(a)
Bring an action for temporary or permanent injunctive or other relief in any court of competent jurisdiction for any violation of s. 344.574, 344.576 (1), (2) or (3) (a) or (b), 344.577 or 344.578. The court may, upon entry of final judgment, award restitution when appropriate to any person suffering loss because of a violation of s. 344.574, 344.576 (1), (2) or (3) (a) or (b), 344.577 or 344.578 if proof of such loss is submitted to the satisfaction of the court.
(b)
Bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction for the recovery of forfeitures authorized under sub. (1).
(3)
Defense. Proof by a rental company that the rental company began an action to impose liability upon a renter or authorized driver, even though the renter had purchased a damage waiver sold under s. 344.576, because of a good-faith mistake that an exception under s. 344.576 (2) (a) to (k) applied is a defense to a prosecution for a violation of the terms of the damage waiver under s. 344.576 (2).
History:  1989 a. 328; 1995 a. 27; 2005 a. 173.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.61 - Definitions.

344.61
Definitions.
In this subchapter:
(1)
Notwithstanding s. 344.01 (2) (b), “motor vehicle" does not include trailers, semitrailers, all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, or limited use off-highway motorcycles, as defined in s. 23.335 (1) (o).
(2)
Notwithstanding s. 344.33 (1), “motor vehicle liability policy" means a motor vehicle policy of liability insurance to which all of the following apply:
(a)
The policy is issued by an insurer authorized to do a motor vehicle liability business in this state or, if the policy covers a vehicle that was not registered in this state at the time of the policy's effective date, in another state in which the vehicle was registered or the owner or operator of the vehicle resided at that time.
(b)
The policy is to or for the benefit of the person named in the policy as the insured.
(c)
The policy satisfies, as of the date of motor vehicle operation, all requirements specified in s. 344.33 (2) and (3).
History:  2009 a. 28; 2011 a. 208; 2015 a. 170.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.62 - Motor vehicle liability insurance required.

344.62
Motor vehicle liability insurance required.
(1)
Except as provided in s. 344.63, no person may operate a motor vehicle upon a highway in this state unless the owner or operator of the vehicle has in effect a motor vehicle liability policy with respect to the vehicle being operated.
(2)
Except as provided in s. 344.63, no person may operate a motor vehicle upon a highway in this state unless the person, while operating the vehicle, has in his or her immediate possession proof that he or she is in compliance with sub. (1). The operator of the motor vehicle shall display the proof required under this subsection upon demand from any traffic officer. The proof required under this subsection may be produced in either printed or electronic format, including by display of electronic images on a cellular telephone or other electronic device. If this proof is displayed in electronic format on any cellular telephone or other electronic device, the traffic officer may not view, and producing proof in electronic format is not considered consent for the traffic officer to view, any content on the telephone or other device except the proof required under this subsection.
(3)
Nothing in this subchapter prohibits a person who violates this section from also being subject to any provision in subchs. I to IV of this chapter.
History:  2009 a. 28; 2013 a. 31.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.64 - Fraudulent, false, or invalid proof of insurance.

344.64
Fraudulent, false, or invalid proof of insurance.
No person may do any of the following for purposes of creating the appearance of satisfying the requirements under s. 344.62 (2):
(1)
Forge, falsify, counterfeit, or fraudulently alter any printed or electronic proof of insurance, policy of insurance, or other insurance document or electronic image, or possess any printed or electronic proof of insurance, policy of insurance, or other insurance document or electronic image that is forged, falsified, fictitious, counterfeit, or fraudulently altered.
(2)
Represent that any printed or electronic proof of insurance, policy of insurance, or other insurance document or electronic image is valid and in effect, knowing or having reason to believe that the proof of insurance, policy of insurance, or other insurance document or electronic image is not valid or not in effect.
History:  2009 a. 28; 2013 a. 31.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 344 - Vehicles — financial responsibility. › 344.65 - Violations.

344.65
Violations.
(1)
(a)
Any person who violates s. 344.62 (1) may be required to forfeit not more than $500.
(b)
Except as provided in par. (c), any person who violates s. 344.62 (2) may be required to forfeit $10.
(c)
No person charged with violating s. 344.62 (2) may be convicted if the person produces proof that he or she was in compliance with s. 344.62 (1) at the time the person was issued a uniform traffic citation for violating s. 344.62 (2). This proof may be produced either at the time of the person's appearance in court in response to the citation or in the office of the traffic officer issuing the citation. This proof may be produced in either paper or electronic format, including by display of electronic images on a cellular telephone or other electronic device. If this proof is displayed in electronic format on any cellular telephone or other electronic device, the person to whom the proof is displayed may not view, and producing proof in electronic format is not considered consent for the person to view, any content on the telephone or other device except the proof required under s. 344.62 (2).
(2)
Any person who violates s. 344.64 may be required to forfeit not more than $5,000.
(3)
A traffic officer may not stop or inspect a vehicle solely to determine compliance with s. 344.62 or a local ordinance in conformity therewith. This subsection does not limit the authority of a traffic officer to issue a citation for a violation of s. 344.62 or a local ordinance in conformity therewith observed in the course of a stop or inspection made for other purposes, except that a traffic officer may not take a person into physical custody solely for a violation of s. 344.62 or a local ordinance in conformity therewith.
History:  2009 a. 28; 2013 a. 31.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 345 - Vehicles — civil and criminal liability. › 345.06 - Owner's liability for act of operator.

345.06
Owner's liability for act of operator.
The owners of every vehicle operating upon any highway for the conveyance of passengers for hire are jointly and severally liable to the party injured for all injuries and damage done by any person in the employment of such owners as an operator, while operating such vehicle, whether the act occasioning such injuries or damage was intentional, negligent or otherwise, in the same manner as such operator would be liable.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 345 - Vehicles — civil and criminal liability. › 345.07 - Civil actions by secretary.

345.07
Civil actions by secretary.
In addition to all existing remedies afforded by civil and criminal law, the secretary is authorized to bring civil actions for the recovery of all fees, taxes, interest and penalties to which the state may be entitled by reason of the operation by any person of a motor vehicle upon the highways of this state.
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 345 - Vehicles — civil and criminal liability. › 345.08 - Suit to recover protested tax or fee.

345.08
Suit to recover protested tax or fee.
No suit shall be maintained in any court to restrain or delay the collection or payment of the taxes levied or the fees imposed or enacted in chs. 341 to 349. The aggrieved taxpayer shall pay the tax or fee as and when due and, if paid under protest, may at any time within 90 days from the date of such payment sue the state in an action at law to recover the tax or fee so paid. If it is finally determined that such tax or fee or any part thereof was wrongfully collected for any reason, the secretary of administration shall pay from the transportation fund the amount of such tax or fee so adjudged to have been wrongfully collected. A separate suit need not be filed for each separate payment made by any taxpayer, but a recovery may be had in one suit for as many payments as were made within the 90-day period preceding the commencement of the action. Such suits shall be commenced as provided in s. 775.01.
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (1); 1979 c. 32 s. 92 (5); 2003 a. 33.