Your Dirty Car Is Now Breaking The Law In Wisconsin

When was the last time you got a car wash?  Or at least used the squiggies at your local gas station?  Because if you don't want to get pulled over by the police, don't give them a reason to pull you over.

It's that time of year in Wisconsin when everything is dirty.  Snow is still melting, mud is flying, salt is sticking, and with how Spring goes, pollen could be falling from the trees while it's snowing.  All of that can make a dirty mess on your car and get you pulled over and issued a ticket.

Wisconsin Police Can Pull You Over For Your Dirty Car

If you can't see those police lights behind you, that could be the reason they are pulling you over.  But it's not just the back window.  The side windows and front row are in play with this law as well.

You cannot drive your car with ANY obstructed view.  Stacks of boxes in the back seat, balloons for your kid's birthday party, fuzzy dice from the rear view mirror, all will obstruct your view and are grounds for getting pulled over and getting a ticket.

From the Wisconsin State Legislature, "The windshield, side wings, and side and rear windows of a motor vehicle shall be kept reasonably clean at all times."

This also doesn't mean you can wipe a 6x6 section of the window and call it good.  Again, don't give them a reason to pull you over.  If any section of the window is too dirty, police can deem it an obstruction and pull you over because of it.

What Kind Of Fine Can You Get In Wisconsin For A Dirty Car?

The fine really isn't that much.  But again, it's not about the amount of the fine.  It's the fact that you can be pulled over, which could lead to more fines.  And generally, just a waste of your time on the road.

The fine for a dirty car obstructing your view won't be less than $20 nor more than $40 for the first offense, increasing to not less than $50 nor more than $100 for a subsequent conviction within a year.

Not going to break the bank.  But an inconvenience for sure.  Seems way easier to find a car wash and just be able to see clearly.