Suspended vs. Revoked License in Wisconsin

Question: What is the difference between a suspended and a revoked license in Wisconsin?

Answer: Well, the two have one very important common feature: both make it illegal for you to operate a motor vehicle on a public highway without additional designations, like an occupational license for example. The primary difference between a suspended license and a revoked license is the penalty you face for violating each of the laws.

If you’re caught driving while the license is suspended, you face the possibility of fines against your license; it’s a simple civil defense. Whereas if you’re caught driving on a revoked license, there’s some discretion as to whether that offense is civil or criminal. If it’s civil, then it will result in a fine and points against your license. However, if it’s criminal, it can result in a substantial fine as well as up to a year in the county jail.