reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 346 - Rules of the road. › 346.88 - Obstruction of operator's view or driving mechanism.

346.88
Obstruction of operator's view or driving mechanism.
(1)
No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded or when there are in the front seat such number of persons, or any persons so situated, as to obstruct the view of the operator to the front or to the sides or as to interfere with the operator having free use of both hands and feet to the operating mechanisms or controls of the vehicle.
(2)
No passenger in a vehicle shall ride in such a position as to interfere with the operator's view ahead or to the sides or to interfere with the operator's control of the operating mechanism of the vehicle.
(3)
(a)
No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, front side wings, side windows in the driver's compartment or rear window of such vehicle other than a certificate or other sticker issued by order of a governmental agency. Such permitted sticker shall not cover more than 15 square inches of glass surface and shall be placed in the lower left-hand corner of the windshield; the left corner being on the driver's left when seated behind the wheel.
(b)
No person shall drive any motor vehicle upon a highway with any object so placed or suspended in or upon the vehicle so as to obstruct the driver's clear view through the front windshield.
(c)
No person shall drive any motor vehicle upon a highway so loaded or with any object so placed or suspended in or upon the vehicle so as to obstruct the driver's clear vision through the rear window unless such vehicle is equipped with an outside rear view mirror meeting the requirements of s. 347.40.
(d)
Signal lamps used by authorized emergency vehicles shall not be considered a violation of this section.
(4)
The windshield, side wings and side and rear windows of a motor vehicle shall be kept reasonably clean at all times.
Sub. (3) (a) creates an absolute prohibition on “any sign, poster or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield." By contrast, sub. (4) states, “The windshield, side wings and side and rear windows of a motor vehicle shall be kept reasonably clean at all times." There is no reason why the legislature would choose to ban oil change stickers, often no more than one or two square inches in size and placed in a top corner of a windshield, but require that same area of a windshield be only “reasonably” clean. Instead, sub. (3) (a) is interpreted to prohibit the attachment of signs, posters, and other items of a similar nature to the front windshield of a motor vehicle. State v. Houghton, 2015 WI 79, 364 Wis. 2d 234, 868 N.W.2d 143, 13-1581.
Sub. (3) (b), which requires that an object obstruct a driver's clear view to be a violation, does not mean that every object in a driver's clear view is a violation. Rather, sub. (3) (b) requires a material obstruction, even if minor, in order to be considered a violation of the statute. State v. Houghton, 2015 WI 79, 364 Wis. 2d 234, 868 N.W.2d 143, 13-1581.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 346 - Rules of the road. › 346.90 - Following emergency vehicle.

346.90
Following emergency vehicle.
The operator of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow an authorized emergency vehicle responding to a call or alarm closer than 500 feet or drive into or park his or her vehicle within the block where, or within 300 feet of the driveway entrance or similar point of access to a driveway or road on which, fire apparatus has stopped in response to an alarm. The personal vehicles of members of a volunteer fire department answering the alarm are considered on official business.
History:  1975 c. 253, 421.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 346 - Rules of the road. › 346.91 - Crossing fire hose.

346.91
Crossing fire hose.
No person without the consent of the fire department official in command may drive a vehicle over any unprotected hose of a fire department when such hose is laid down on any street or private driveway to be used at any training exercise, scene of an emergency, or alarm of emergency.
History:  1985 a. 187; 2005 a. 144.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 346 - Rules of the road. › 346.915 - Following snowplows.

346.915
Following snowplows.
(1)
In this section, “snowplow" means a vehicle that is operated by a person employed by or on behalf of an authority in charge of the maintenance of the highway to perform highway winter maintenance snow and ice removal, including plowing, salting, and sanding, during either a storm or cleanup following a storm and which is using lamps described in s. 347.26 (7).
(2)
(a)
The operator of any vehicle that is not a snowplow may not follow a snowplow closer than the following distances, if the snowplow is engaged in highway winter maintenance snow and ice removal, as described in sub. (1), and is using lamps described in s. 347.26 (7):
1.
Two hundred feet upon any highway having a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.
2.
Seventy-five feet upon any highway having a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less.
(b)
Paragraph (a) does not apply when overtaking and passing a snowplow, but the fact that the operator of any vehicle follows the snowplow more closely than permitted by par. (a) for one mile or more or follows more closely than permitted by par. (a) when the snowplow is moving at the maximum speed limit is prima facie evidence that the operator of such following vehicle is violating par. (a).
(c)
Paragraph (a) does not apply to a snowplow that is stopped or standing in the highway.
(3)
The operator of any vehicle that is not a snowplow and that approaches from the rear any snowplow that is engaged in highway winter maintenance snow and ice removal, as described in sub. (1), and is using lamps described in s. 347.26 (7) and that is stopped at an intersection shall stop not less than 20 feet from the snowplow and remain stopped until the snowplow resumes motion.
History:  2001 a. 34; 2009 a. 255; 2011 a. 260.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 346 - Rules of the road. › 346.92 - Illegal riding.

346.92
Illegal riding.
(1)
No person shall drive a vehicle when any person other than an employee engaged in the necessary discharge of the employee's duty is upon any portion thereof not designed or intended for the use of passengers.
(2)
No person other than an employee engaged in the necessary discharge of the employee's duty shall ride upon any portion of a vehicle not designed or intended for the use of passengers.
(3)
This section does not apply to persons riding within truck bodies in spaces intended for merchandise or to the operator of any such vehicle.
History:  1991 a. 316.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 346 - Rules of the road. › 346.922 - Transporting children in cargo areas of motor trucks.

346.922
Transporting children in cargo areas of motor trucks.
(1)
Notwithstanding s. 346.92, no person may operate upon a highway a motor truck having a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or less when any child under the age of 16 years is in an open cargo area of the motor truck.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to any of the following:
(a)
A person operating a farm truck in conjunction with farm operations.
(b)
A person operating a motor truck in a parade sanctioned by a local municipality.
(c)
A person operating a motor truck for the purpose of transporting licensed deer hunters during the authorized deer hunting season with firearms.
History:  1995 a. 420.
This section is a safety statute intended to prevent any and all harms that could result from a child being transported in the open cargo area of a vehicle, including those resulting from a child's immature decision to jump from the cargo area of a moving vehicle. A destaging area of a parade falls under the exception under sub. (2) (b) for parades sanctioned by local municipalities. Nunez v. American Family Mutual Insurance, 2003 WI App 35, 260 Wis. 2d 377, 659 N.W.2d 171, 02-1041.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 346 - Rules of the road. › 346.923 - Human service vehicles; minimum operator qualifications.

346.923
Human service vehicles; minimum operator qualifications.
Notwithstanding ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, no person may operate a human service vehicle transporting any passenger unless all of the following apply:
(1)
The operator possesses a valid operator's license issued under ch. 343 or by another jurisdiction that authorizes the operation of the human service vehicle.
(6)
The operator holds a valid school bus endorsement under s. 343.12 or the operator meets the requirements specified under s. 343.12 (7) and (8) and any rule established by the department under s. 343.12 (7) and (8).
(8)
The operator has, within the 2 previous years, been fully trained in the proper use of all passenger restraint systems available in the human service vehicle.
History:  2003 a. 297, 327; 2005 a. 147.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 346 - Rules of the road. › 346.924 - Transporting buildings on highways.

346.924
Transporting buildings on highways.
No person may operate a vehicle transporting a building, as defined in s. 348.27 (12m) (a) 1., on a highway unless all of the following apply:
(1)
The vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle and the person holds a valid commercial driver license.
(2)
The vehicle is operated under a valid motor carrier certificate or license of authority issued under ch. 194 or under applicable federal law, and all insurance requirements applicable to the vehicle under s. 194.41 or federal law are satisfied.
History:  2005 a. 250.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 346 - Rules of the road. › 346.925 - Operation of agricultural machinery by youthful operators.

346.925
Operation of agricultural machinery by youthful operators.
(1)
No person may direct or permit a child under the age of 16 years to operate a farm tractor or self-propelled implement of husbandry on the highway unless the child has been certified under s. 36.25 (32) (a) 2. as successfully completing a tractor and machinery operation safety training course that is equivalent to the requirements, other than age, specified under 29 CFR 570.70 to 29 CFR 570.72.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to operation of a farm tractor or self-propelled implement of husbandry on the highway on a course that is perpendicular to the direction of the highway.
History:  1993 a. 455; 1995 a. 194; 1997 a. 178; 2021 a. 240 s. 30.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 346 - Rules of the road. › 346.93 - Intoxicants in vehicle; underage persons.

346.93
Intoxicants in vehicle; underage persons.
(1)
No underage person, as defined under s. 125.02 (20m), may knowingly possess, transport, or have under his or her control any alcohol beverage in any motor vehicle unless the person is employed by a brewer, brewpub, alcohol beverage licensee, wholesaler, retailer, distributor, manufacturer, or rectifier and is possessing, transporting, or having such beverage in a motor vehicle under his or her control during his or her working hours and in the course of employment, as provided under s. 125.07 (4) (bm).
(2)
In addition to any other penalty prescribed by law, any violation of this section by an underage person driving or operating or on duty time with respect to a commercial motor vehicle shall be punished under s. 346.65 (2u).
(2f)
Except as provided in sub. (2g), any person violating this section may have his or her operating privilege suspended under s. 343.30 (6) (b) 1.
(2g)
Any person violating this section may be required to forfeit not less than $20 nor more than $400 and shall have his or her operating privilege:
(a)
For a violation committed within 12 months of one previous violation, suspended under s. 343.30 (6) (b) 2.
(b)
For a violation committed within 12 months of 2 or more previous violations, suspended under s. 343.30 (6) (b) 3.
History:  1971 c. 213 s. 5; 1983 a. 74; 1985 a. 28; 1989 a. 105; 1999 a. 109; 2007 a. 20.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 346 - Rules of the road. › 346.935 - Intoxicants in motor vehicles.

346.935
Intoxicants in motor vehicles.
(1)
No person may drink alcohol beverages or inhale nitrous oxide while he or she is in any motor vehicle when the vehicle is upon a highway.
(2)
No person may possess on his or her person, in a privately owned motor vehicle upon a public highway, any bottle or receptacle containing alcohol beverages or nitrous oxide if the bottle or receptacle has been opened, the seal has been broken or the contents of the bottle or receptacle have been partially removed or released.
(3)
The owner of a privately owned motor vehicle, or the driver of the vehicle if the owner is not present in the vehicle, shall not keep, or allow to be kept in the motor vehicle when it is upon a highway any bottle or receptacle containing alcohol beverages or nitrous oxide if the bottle or receptacle has been opened, the seal has been broken or the contents of the bottle or receptacle have been partially removed or released. This subsection does not apply if the bottle or receptacle is kept in the trunk of the vehicle or, if the vehicle has no trunk, in some other area of the vehicle not normally occupied by the driver or passengers. A utility compartment or glove compartment is considered to be within the area normally occupied by the driver and passengers.
(4)
(a)
In this subsection:
1.
“Chauffeur" means a person employed full time or on a regular basis, including leased drivers, for the principal purpose of operating a motor vehicle.
2.
“Limousine" means any motor vehicle for charter or hire which is operated by a chauffeur and designed for transporting persons rather than property.
(b)
This section does not apply to passengers in a limousine or in a motor bus who possess any bottle or receptacle containing alcohol beverages that has been opened, on which the seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed or released if the vehicle is operated by a chauffeur holding a valid license and endorsements authorizing operation of the vehicle as provided in ch. 343 and is in compliance with any local ordinance or regulation adopted under s. 349.24.
(5)
In addition to any other penalty prescribed by law, any violation of this section by an operator of a commercial motor vehicle shall be punished under s. 346.65 (2u).
History:  1975 c. 297 s. 16; Stats. 1975 s. 346.935; 1981 c. 20; 1981 c. 79 s. 17; 1983 a. 535; 1985 a. 332 s. 253; 1989 a. 105; 1997 a. 336.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.02 - Applicability of chapter.

347.02
Applicability of chapter.
(1)
No provision of this chapter requiring vehicles to be equipped in a particular manner is applicable to any of the following vehicles unless the vehicle is expressly included within or made subject to the particular provision:
(a)
Farm tractors.
(b)
Implements of husbandry.
(c)
Vehicles drawn by animals.
(d)
Road machinery.
(e)
Bicycles.
(em)
Electric bicycles.
(g)
Motor bicycles.
(h)
Golf carts operated in accordance with s. 349.18 (1) (b) or (c) or (1m).
(i)
Electric scooters and electric personal assistive mobility devices.
(j)
Lightweight utility vehicles, as defined in s. 346.94 (21) (a) 2.
(k)
Personal delivery devices.
(2)
No provision of this chapter requiring or prohibiting certain types of equipment on a vehicle is applicable when such vehicle is not operated upon or occupying a highway.
(2m)
(a)
No provision of this chapter requiring or prohibiting certain types of equipment on a vehicle is applicable to an imported vehicle which has been granted entry into the United States by the federal government solely for the purpose of test or experiment.
(b)
The exemption under par. (a) is limited to the one-year period following the entry of the vehicle.
(3)
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the use of additional parts and accessories on any vehicle not inconsistent with this chapter.
(4)
Beginning July 1, 1960, the provisions of this chapter covering lighting shall be applicable to all state, county and municipal trucks, truck tractors, trailers and semitrailers.
(5)
If a vehicle registered under s. 341.25 (1) (a), 341.265, 341.266, or 341.269 has equipment which was designated by the manufacturer as optional equipment in the model year the vehicle was manufactured, it is not necessary for such equipment to be in operating condition unless it replaces equipment which is required by law to be both present and functioning.
(6)
Notwithstanding the requirements of this chapter, the department may establish special equipment standards for vehicles operated under s. 343.135 which differ from the equipment standards established under this chapter. Equipment standards established under this subsection may not be less stringent than any federal standards established for the vehicle.
(7)
The vehicle equipment requirements for a street modified vehicle shall be the same as the vehicle equipment requirements for a vehicle of the same type and model year that is not a street modified vehicle. The vehicle equipment requirements for a replica vehicle or a homemade vehicle specified in s. 341.268 (1) (b) 2. shall be the same as the vehicle equipment requirements for a vehicle of the same type and model year as the vehicle used for purposes of the reproduction.
History:  1977 c. 39; 1979 c. 345; 1981 c. 275; 1983 a. 243, 288, 538; 1985 a. 187; 1985 a. 197 s. 7; 1993 a. 165; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 85; 2001 a. 90, 109; 2009 a. 135, 157; 2013 a. 20; 2015 a. 232; 2017 a. 13; 2019 a. 11, 34.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.04 - Owner responsible for improperly equipped vehicle.

347.04
Owner responsible for improperly equipped vehicle.
Any owner of a vehicle not equipped as required by this chapter who knowingly causes or permits such vehicle to be operated on a highway in violation of this chapter is guilty of the violation the same as if he or she had operated the vehicle personally. No demerit points shall be assessed or counted pursuant to s. 343.32 against the operator's license of the owner of the vehicle by reason of the owner's conviction of any such violation unless the owner was personally operating the vehicle at the time of the violation.
History:  1989 a. 105.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.05 - Reciprocity agreements as to equipment.

347.05
Reciprocity agreements as to equipment.
(1)
The secretary, with the approval of the governor, is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements with the duly authorized representatives of other jurisdictions exempting the residents of those jurisdictions from details of vehicle equipment requirements of this state which are particularly burdensome to residents of such other jurisdictions operating vehicles in this state, provided the law of such other jurisdiction requires vehicles to be equipped in a manner rendering them substantially as safe as those equipped in the manner required by the laws of this state. The agreements shall provide substantially like exemptions for residents of this state when operating vehicles in such other jurisdiction.
(2)
This section does not authorize reciprocity agreements as to laws governing the size and weight of vehicles.
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.06 - When lighted lamps required.

347.06
When lighted lamps required.
(1)
Except as provided in subs. (2) and (4), no person may operate a vehicle upon a highway during hours of darkness or during a period of limited visibility unless all headlamps, tail lamps, and clearance lamps with which the vehicle is required to be equipped are lighted. Parking lamps as described in s. 347.27 may not be used for this purpose. This subsection does not apply if lamps that are automatically activated whenever the vehicle is started are in use, if the headlamps are of sufficient intensity to satisfy the requirements for daytime running lamps under 49 CFR 571.108, S7.10.13.
(2)
Headlamps need not be lighted on a towed vehicle or on a vehicle having at least 2 lighted adverse weather lamps on the front thereof and being operated under the circumstances described in s. 347.26 (3) (b).
(3)
The operator of a vehicle shall keep all lamps and reflectors with which such vehicle is required to be equipped reasonably clean and in proper working condition at all times.
(4)
A duly authorized warden, as defined in s. 24.01 (11), may operate a vehicle owned or leased by the department of natural resources upon a highway during hours of darkness or during a period of limited visibility without lighted headlamps, tail lamps, or clearance lamps in the performance of the warden's duties under s. 29.924 (2).
History:  1977 c. 425; 1979 c. 32; 1981 c. 98 s. 3; 1997 a. 248; 2015 a. 165; 2017 a. 365.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.07 - Special restrictions on lamps and the use thereof.

347.07
Special restrictions on lamps and the use thereof.
(1)
Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with headlamps also is equipped with any adverse weather lamps, spotlamps or auxiliary lamps, or with any other lamp on the front thereof projecting a beam of intensity greater than 300 candlepower, not more than a total of 4 of any such lamps or combinations thereof on the front of the vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when such vehicle is upon a highway.
(2)
Except as provided in sub. (3), or as otherwise expressly authorized or required by this chapter, no person shall operate any vehicle or equipment on a highway which has displayed thereon:
(a)
Any color of light other than white or amber visible from directly in front; or
(b)
Any color of light other than red on the rear; or
(c)
Any flashing light.
(3)
A motorcycle may be equipped with a lighting device that illuminates the ground directly beneath the motorcycle if all of the following apply:
(a)
The lighting device is not visible to approaching vehicles.
(b)
The lighting device does not display a red, blue, or amber light.
(c)
The lighting device does not display a flashing, oscillating, or rotating light.
History:  2015 a. 27.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.08 - Determining the visibility distance and mounted height of lamps.

347.08
Determining the visibility distance and mounted height of lamps.
(1)
Whenever this chapter states a requirement as to distance from which certain lamps and devices shall render objects visible or within which such lamps or devices shall be visible, such distance shall be measured during hours of darkness under normal atmospheric conditions and upon a straight, level, unlighted highway unless a different time, direction or condition is expressly stated.
(2)
Whenever this chapter requires a lamp or device to be mounted at a certain height, the distance shall be measured from the center of the lamp or device to the level ground upon which the vehicle stands when such vehicle is without load.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.09 - Headlamps on motor vehicles.

347.09
Headlamps on motor vehicles.
(1)
No person may operate a motor vehicle on a highway during hours of darkness or during a period of limited visibility, unless the vehicle is equipped as follows:
(a)
Except as provided in pars. (b) and (c), every motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least 2 headlamps, which headlamps shall comply with the requirements and limitations set forth in sub. (2) and s. 347.10 and shall be mounted symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane extending through the longitudinal axis of the vehicle with at least one on each side of the center of the front of the motor vehicle.
(b)
Every moped or motorcycle shall be equipped with at least one and not more than 2 headlamps, which headlamps shall comply with the requirements and limitations set forth in sub. (2) and s. 347.10.
(c)
Every motor bicycle or vehicle registered under s. 341.067 and operated by a person licensed under s. 343.075 or 343.135 shall be equipped with at least one and not more than 2 headlamps, which headlamps shall comply with the requirements and limitations set forth in sub. (2) and s. 347.11.
(2)
Every headlamp on a motor vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 24 inches.
History:  1983 a. 243; 1985 a. 65; 2015 a. 165; 2019 a. 50.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.10 - Headlamp specifications for motor vehicles other than mopeds and motor bicycles.

347.10
Headlamp specifications for motor vehicles other than mopeds and motor bicycles.
(1)
Except as provided in sub. (4), the headlamps or the auxiliary driving lamp or the auxiliary passing lamp or combination thereof on motor vehicles other than mopeds and motor bicycles shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations. No such lamp shall have any type of decorative covering that restricts the amount of light emitted when the lamp is in use. Such lamps may, in addition, be so arranged that such selection can be made automatically. This subsection does not apply to any type of decorative covering originally equipped on the vehicle at the time of manufacture and sale.
(2)
Multiple-beam headlamps shall comply with the following requirements:
(a)
There shall be an uppermost distribution of light or composite beam so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 350 feet ahead for all conditions of loading;
(b)
There shall be a lowermost distribution of light or composite beam so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 100 feet ahead, and on a straight level road under any condition of loading none of the high-intensity portion of the beam shall be so directed as to strike the eyes of an approaching driver.
(3)
No person shall sell after July 1, 1958, any new motor vehicle equipped with multiple beam headlamps and no person shall operate any motor vehicle sold new after July 1, 1958, and equipped with multiple beam headlamps unless such vehicle also is equipped with a beam indicator which is lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the headlamps is in use and which is not otherwise lighted. Such indicator shall be so designed and located that when lighted it will be readily visible without glare to the driver of the vehicle so equipped. This subsection does not apply to motorcycles.
(4)
Any motor vehicle may be operated during hours of darkness or during a period of limited visibility when equipped with 2 lighted lamps upon the front of the motor vehicle capable of revealing persons and objects 75 feet ahead in lieu of lamps required by subs. (1) to (3) if the vehicle at no time is operated at a speed in excess of 20 miles per hour. No lighted lamp under this subsection may have any type of decorative covering that restricts the amount of light emitted when the lighted lamp is in use. This subsection does not apply to any type of decorative covering originally equipped on the vehicle at the time of manufacture and sale.
History:  1983 a. 243; 1995 a. 346; 2015 a. 165.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.11 - Headlamp specifications for mopeds and motor bicycles.

347.11
Headlamp specifications for mopeds and motor bicycles.
The headlamps on mopeds or motor bicycles may be of the single-beam or multiple-beam type but in either event shall comply with the following requirements and limitations:
(1)
The headlamp shall be an electric headlamp and the current shall be supplied by a wet battery and electric generator, by a current-generating coil incorporated into the magneto or by a generator driven directly by the motor by means of gears, friction wheel, chain or belt.
(2)
The headlamp shall display a white light of sufficient illuminating power to reveal any person, vehicle or substantial object at a distance of 200 feet ahead and shall be so adjusted or operated that the glaring light rays therefrom are not directed into the eyes of the driver of any oncoming vehicle. No headlamp shall have any type of decorative covering that restricts the amount of light emitted when the headlamp is in use. This subsection does not apply to any type of decorative covering originally equipped on the vehicle at the time of manufacture and sale.
(3)
If the moped or motor bicycle is equipped with a multiple-beam headlamp, the upper beam shall meet the minimum requirements set forth in sub. (2) and the lowermost beam shall meet the requirements applicable to a lowermost distribution of light as set forth in s. 347.10 (2) (b).
(4)
If the moped or motor bicycle is equipped with a single-beam lamp, such lamp shall be so aimed that when the vehicle is loaded none of the high-intensity portion of light, at a distance of 25 feet ahead, projects higher than the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes.
History:  1983 a. 243; 1995 a. 346.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.115 - Modulating headlamps for motorcycles, motor bicycles or mopeds.

347.115
Modulating headlamps for motorcycles, motor bicycles or mopeds.
A motorcycle, motor bicycle or moped may be equipped with and use a means of modulating the upper beam of the headlamp between a high and a lower brightness at a rate of 200 to 280 changes per minute. A headlamp may not be modulated during hours of darkness.
History:  1981 c. 52; 1983 a. 243.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.12 - Use of multiple-beam headlamps.

347.12
Use of multiple-beam headlamps.
(1)
Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated on a highway during hours of darkness or during a period of limited visibility, the operator shall use a distribution of light or composite beam directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal a person or vehicle at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the following requirements and limitations:
(a)
Whenever the operator of a vehicle equipped with multiple-beam headlamps approaches an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, the operator shall dim, depress or tilt the vehicle's headlights so that the glaring rays are not directed into the eyes of the operator of the other vehicle. This paragraph does not prohibit an operator from intermittently flashing the vehicle's high-beam headlamps at an oncoming vehicle whose high-beam headlamps are lit.
(b)
Whenever the operator of a vehicle equipped with multiple-beam headlamps approaches or follows another vehicle within 500 feet to the rear, the operator shall dim, depress, or tilt the vehicle's headlights so that the glaring rays are not reflected into the eyes of the operator of the other vehicle. This paragraph does not prohibit an operator from intermittently flashing the vehicle's high-beam headlamps as provided under par. (a).
(2)
Subsection (1) (a) and (b) does not apply to the use of alternately flashing or pulsating headlamps under s. 347.25 (1r).
History:  1989 a. 69; 1991 a. 316; 1999 a. 66; 2015 a. 165.
Sub. (1) (b) does not require proof that the headlights reflected into the eyes of another driver. The statute directs drivers operating within 500 feet to dim their headlights and concludes by describing the purpose of this requirement: to prevent the glaring rays from reflecting into another driver's eyes. An interpretation that would require an ordinary driver using high beams to know whether his or her headlights will impair another driver's vision is absurd. State v. Tomaszewski, 2010 WI App 51, 324 Wis. 2d 433, 782 N.W.2d 725, 09-0385.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.13 - Tail lamps and registration plate lamps.

347.13
Tail lamps and registration plate lamps.
(1)
No person may operate a motor vehicle, mobile home, or trailer or semitrailer upon a highway during hours of darkness or during a period of limited visibility unless the motor vehicle, mobile home, or trailer or semitrailer is equipped with at least one tail lamp mounted on the rear which, when lighted during hours of darkness, emits a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear. No tail lamp may have any type of decorative covering that restricts the amount of light emitted when the tail lamp is in use. No vehicle originally equipped at the time of manufacture and sale with 2 tail lamps may be operated upon a highway during hours of darkness or during a period of limited visibility unless both lamps are in good working order. This subsection does not apply to any type of decorative covering originally equipped on the vehicle at the time of manufacture and sale.
(2)
Every tail lamp on a vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than 72 inches nor less than 20 inches.
(3)
No person shall operate on a highway during hours of darkness any motor vehicle upon the rear of which a registration plate is required to be displayed unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a lamp so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear. Such lamp may be incorporated as part of a tail lamp or may be a separate lamp.
(4)
Tail lamps and registration plate lamps shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the headlamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted. In a tractor-semitrailer combination, 2 switches may be employed, one to activate semitrailer lamps and one to activate tractor lamps.
History:  1973 c. 252; 1995 a. 346; 2015 a. 165.
A tail lamp is functioning for its intended use and thus in good working order when during hours of darkness it emits a red warning light that is visible to another vehicle traveling 500 feet behind it. Sub.(1) does not requires all light bulbs in a tail lamp to be lit. Although s. 347.06 (3) and administrative rules require tail lamps to be kept in “proper working condition," “proper" is not a synonym for “perfect." Rather it is more akin to “good" or “suitable." State v. Brown, 2014 WI 69, 355 Wis. 2d 668, 850 N.W.2d 66, 11-2907.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.14 - Stop lamps.

347.14
Stop lamps.
(1)
No person shall operate a motor vehicle, lightweight utility vehicle as defined in s. 346.94 (21) (a) 2., mobile home, or trailer or semitrailer upon a highway unless such motor vehicle, lightweight utility vehicle, mobile home, or trailer or semitrailer is equipped with at least one stop lamp mounted on the rear and meeting the specifications set forth in this section. The stop lamp on a mobile home or trailer or semitrailer shall be controlled and operated from the driver's seat of the propelling vehicle. A stop lamp may be incorporated with a tail lamp. No vehicle originally equipped at the time of manufacture and sale with 2 stop lamps shall be operated upon a highway unless both such lamps are in good working order.
(2)
A stop lamp shall be so constructed as to be actuated upon application of the service or foot brake or separate trailer brake and shall emit a red or amber light plainly visible and understandable from all distances up to 300 feet to the rear during normal sunlight when viewed from the driver's seat of the vehicle following.
History:  2009 a. 157.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.145 - Deceleration warning lights for motorcycles, motor bicycles, mopeds or motor buses.

347.145
Deceleration warning lights for motorcycles, motor bicycles, mopeds or motor buses.
(1)
A motorcycle, motor bicycle or moped may be equipped with and use a system in which an amber light which pulses in a controlled fashion at a rate which varies exponentially with deceleration is center mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
(2)
A motor bus may be equipped with amber lights that shine with a steady beam or that pulse during deceleration, braking, or standing and idling. The lights shall be mounted symmetrically with respect to the vertical center line of the motor bus in a horizontal alignment on the rear of the motor bus. The lights may be mounted no higher than the lower edge of the rear window, or no higher than 72 inches if the motor bus does not have a rear window.
History:  1981 c. 52; 1983 a. 243; 1987 a. 235; 2001 a. 104.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.16 - Clearance lamps and reflectors.

347.16
Clearance lamps and reflectors.
(1)
No person shall operate on a highway during hours of darkness any vehicle, except automobiles, having a width at any part in excess of 80 inches unless such vehicle is equipped with:
(a)
Two clearance lamps mounted on the front of the vehicle so as to be visible from the front; and
(b)
Two clearance lamps mounted on the rear of the vehicle so as to be visible from the rear; and
(c)
Two reflectors mounted on the rear of the vehicle in such a manner as to indicate as nearly as possible the extreme width of the vehicle.
(2)
No person shall operate any of the following vehicles on a highway during hours of darkness unless such vehicles are equipped as indicated:
(a)
Every truck tractor shall carry on the front 2 clearance lamps, one at each side.
(b)
Every trailer or semitrailer shall carry on the rear 2 reflectors, one on each side.
(3)
Reflectorized material extending across the full width of the vehicle and otherwise meeting the mounting and visibility specifications for reflectors may be used in lieu of the reflectors required by this section.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.17 - Color of clearance and marker lamps and reflectors.

347.17
Color of clearance and marker lamps and reflectors.
Whenever a vehicle is equipped with clearance lamps, sidemarker lamps or reflectors:
(1)
Those clearance and marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of the vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color;
(2)
Those clearance lamps and marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of the vehicle, or on both, shall display or reflect a red color.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.18 - Mounting of clearance lamps and reflectors.

347.18
Mounting of clearance lamps and reflectors.
(1)
Whenever s. 347.16 requires any reflector to be displayed upon a vehicle, each such reflector shall be mounted at a height not less than 16 inches nor more than 60 inches above the ground on which the vehicle stands. On vehicles which are more than 80 inches wide, the front and rear reflectors shall be mounted so as to indicate as nearly as possible the extreme width of the vehicle. Any required red reflector on the rear of a vehicle may be incorporated with the tail lamp but such reflector shall meet all the other reflector requirements of this chapter.
(2)
Whenever this chapter requires a vehicle to be equipped with clearance lamps, such lamps shall be mounted in such a manner as to indicate the extreme width of the vehicle and as near to the top thereof as practicable except that when rear identification lamps are mounted at the extreme height of the vehicle, rear clearance lamps may be mounted at optional heights.
History:  1975 c. 121.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.19 - Visibility of clearance lamps and reflectors.

347.19
Visibility of clearance lamps and reflectors.
(1)
Every reflector required by s. 347.16 to be displayed upon a vehicle shall be of such size and characteristics and so maintained as to be readily visible during the hours of darkness from all distances within 500 feet to 50 feet from the vehicle when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps.
(2)
Front and rear clearance lamps when lighted shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions during hours of darkness at a distance of 500 feet from the front and rear, respectively, of the vehicle.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.20 - Lamp or flag on projecting load or fixture.

347.20
Lamp or flag on projecting load or fixture.
(1)
No person shall operate on a highway during hours of darkness any vehicle with a load or fixture thereon extending more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the bed or body thereof unless there is displayed at the extreme rear end of the load or fixture a red light or lantern plainly visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the sides and rear. The red light or lantern shall be in addition to any tail lamp or clearance lamp which the vehicle is required to carry.
(2)
No person shall operate on a highway, at times other than hours of darkness, any vehicle with a load or fixture thereon extending more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the bed or body thereof unless there is displayed at the extreme rear end of such load or fixture a red flag or cloth not less than 12 inches square and so hung that the entire area is visible to the operator of a vehicle approaching from the rear.
(3)
This section does not apply to vehicles loaded with loose hay or straw.
History:  1981 c. 176.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.21 - Lamps and flags on trains of agricultural vehicles.

347.21
Lamps and flags on trains of agricultural vehicles.
(1)
No person shall operate on a highway during hours of darkness any train of vehicles authorized by s. 348.08 (1) (d) unless there is mounted on each side of every vehicle in such train, including farm tractors and implements of husbandry, at least one lamp emitting a red or amber light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the side of the vehicle on which mounted or, in lieu thereof, at least one red or amber reflector visible from all distances within 500 feet to 50 feet of the side of the vehicle when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps.
(1m)
No person shall operate on a highway during hours of darkness any train of vehicles authorized by s. 348.08 (1) (b) unless there is mounted on each side of every vehicle in such train at least one lamp emitting a red or amber light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the side of the vehicle on which mounted or, in lieu thereof, at least one red or amber reflector visible from all distances within 500 feet to 50 feet of the side of the vehicle when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps.
History:  1979 c. 143, 355; 1981 c. 276; 1981 c. 391 s. 210; 1987 a. 164; 2013 a. 377; 2015 a. 232.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.22 - Lamps on farm tractors, self-propelled implements of husbandry, and lightweight utility vehicles.

347.22
Lamps on farm tractors, self-propelled implements of husbandry, and lightweight utility vehicles.
(1)
No person shall operate or park a farm tractor, self-propelled implement of husbandry, or lightweight utility vehicle, as defined in s. 346.94 (21) (a) 2., upon a highway during hours of darkness unless such tractor, implement of husbandry, or lightweight utility vehicle carries the lighted headlamps and tail lamps which would be required of other motor vehicles under similar circumstances.
(2)
Except as provided in s. 347.25 (2g), no person shall operate or park a farm tractor, self-propelled implement of husbandry, or lightweight utility vehicle, as defined in s. 346.94 (21) (a) 2., upon a highway during hours of darkness with any lamp thereon showing any light to the rear other than red or amber in color.
History:  2009 a. 157; 2013 a. 377; 2015 a. 232.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.23 - Lamps on highway maintenance equipment.

347.23
Lamps on highway maintenance equipment.
(1)
No person shall operate upon a highway during hours of darkness any road machinery or motor vehicle used in highway construction or maintenance unless such vehicle or road machinery is equipped either as prescribed by par. (a) or (b):
(a)
A red light visible from a distance of 500 feet shall be displayed on each side of the front and on each side of the rear to give adequate warning of the presence of such vehicle or machinery and to show safe clearance for passing or overtaking vehicles; or
(b)
In lieu of the red lights prescribed by par. (a), 2 amber floodlamps may be used, one to be mounted on each side of the vehicle or machinery so as to illuminate its sides and its attachments, if any, to show safe clearance for passing or overtaking vehicles. Such floodlamps shall display an amber light of sufficient illuminating power to indicate safe clearance from a distance of 200 feet to the front and rear of such vehicle or machinery.
(2)
The lights specified in sub. (1) need not be displayed upon motor vehicles used in highway construction or maintenance work when such vehicles are traveling along the highway at their normal operating speed in the ordinary course of traffic.
(4)
No person shall operate upon the left-hand side of a highway during hours of darkness any road machinery or motor vehicle used in highway construction or maintenance, including snow and ice control, unless such vehicle or machinery is equipped with an auxiliary lamp or lamps projecting a flashing amber light visible from all directions for a 360-degree lens (beehive type lamp) or revolving type lamp and visible front and rear for reflectorized stationary directional type lamps. For flashing type lamps the number of flashes per minute shall be between 60 and 90. For revolving type lamps the revolutions per minute shall be between 45 and 90. The lenses of such auxiliary lamps shall not be less than 6 inches in diameter for the reflectorized stationary directional type lamp; 3-3/4 inches minimum diameter and 5-inch minimum height for the 360-degree lens (beehive type lamp); and 3-3/4 inches minimum width and 4-5/8 inches minimum height for the revolving type lamp. The lamps shall be equipped with bulbs of 50 candlepower minimum. The lamps shall be mounted approximately midway between the transverse extremities of the vehicle or machinery and at the highest practicable point.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 347 - Equipment of vehicles. › 347.27 - When lighted lamps required on parked vehicles.

347.27
When lighted lamps required on parked vehicles.
(1)
No person shall park or leave a vehicle standing, whether attended or unattended, upon a roadway or the shoulder immediately adjacent thereto during hours of darkness unless:
(a)
Such vehicle is parked or standing where there is sufficient artificial light to render it visible from a distance of 500 feet or is lawfully parked within the corporate limits of a city or village and in either case is equipped with at least one red reflector mounted on the rear thereof as near as practicable to the side of the vehicle which is closest to passing traffic and otherwise meeting the mounting and visibility requirements specified in ss. 347.18 and 347.19; or
(b)
Such vehicle displays one or more lighted lamps meeting the following requirements:
1.
At least one lamp shall display a white or amber light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle, and the same lamp or at least one other lamp shall display a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the vehicle.
2.
The location of such lamp or lamps shall always be such that at least one lamp or combination of lamps meeting the requirements of this section is installed as near as practicable to the side of the vehicle which is closest to passing traffic.
3.
If the vehicle is equipped with 2 parking lamps and 2 tail lamps, both parking lamps and both tail lamps shall be lighted.
(2)
Any lighted headlamps on a vehicle parked on a highway shall be depressed or dimmed.
(3)
In this section, “vehicle" includes farm tractors, implements of husbandry, animal-drawn vehicles, lightweight utility vehicles as defined in s. 346.94 (21) (a) 2., and road machinery.
History:  2009 a. 157; 2015 a. 232.