Traffic Stops
Wis. Stat. 343.18 — the license on demand, and proof of insurance, which a phone can show without opening the rest of it
A licensed driver has the license document in immediate possession while driving and displays it on demand of a judge or a traffic officer. To verify the signature on it, the officer may have the driver write their signature in the officer's presence.
A driver charged with not having the license is not convicted on producing, in court or at the arresting officer's office, a license issued before and valid at the time of the arrest. Otherwise the forfeiture is not more than $200, or $250 to $2,500 when driving a commercial motor vehicle.
No one may drive on a highway unless the owner or operator has a motor vehicle liability policy in effect for the vehicle, and the driver has proof of it in immediate possession and displays it on demand of a traffic officer.
Insurance shown on a phone. The proof may be printed or electronic, including an image on a cell phone. When it is shown on a device, the officer may not view anything on the device except the proof, and showing it is not consent to view anything else.
When an officer may stop a person and ask for a name, address and explanation is on the page about identifying yourself.
Sources for this section (2)
- Wis. Stat. 343.18 — License to be carried; verification of signature
- Wis. Stat. 344.62 — Motor vehicle liability insurance required
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Wisconsin attorney.