Wisconsin Truck Driver Phone Law
Federal law already bans you from holding a phone here, since 392.82 rides with your CDL into Wisconsin. The state itself is texting-only for four-wheelers (Wis. Stat. §346.89(3)), primary enforcement, $20–$400 plus 4 points, with no general hand-held ban for cars. That's no cover for you: hold a phone at a Wisconsin inspection and it's still a federal violation. Wisconsin also bans all phone use in work zones (§346.89(4m)).
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Wisconsin’s rule for all drivers
Federal law already bans you from holding a phone here, since 392.82 rides with your CDL into Wisconsin. The state itself is texting-only for four-wheelers (Wis. Stat. §346.89(3)), primary enforcement, $20–$400 plus 4 points, with no general hand-held ban for cars. That's no cover for you: hold a phone at a Wisconsin inspection and it's still a federal violation. Wisconsin also bans all phone use in work zones (§346.89(4m)).
- Hand-held: Texting ban only
- Texting: Texting and emailing banned for all drivers (Wis. Stat. §346.89(3)), primary enforcement. No general hand-held ban for regular cars — Wisconsin is a texting-only state.
- Fine: Texting: $20–$400 and 4 demerit points on a first offense; points double for probationary/permit holders with a prior moving violation.
- Points: 4 demerit points on your Wisconsin record for a texting conviction (12 points in 12 months suspends you). The bigger hit for a trucker is federal: the same hand-held call is a CSA serious violation scored against you and your carrier.
Wisconsin Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Wisconsin?
What is the phone fine in Wisconsin?
Is texting while driving illegal in Wisconsin?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346/XIII/89?view=section. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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