How long is a driver's license revoked if they refuse an Alcohol Concentration test?

When a driver refuses to take an Alcohol Concentration test, such as a breathalyzer, in Wisconsin, the law mandates that their driver's license will be revoked for a period of one year. This policy is in place to discourage drivers from avoiding testing when there is reasonable suspicion of alcohol impairment. The one-year revocation serves both as a punitive measure for refusal and as a means of promoting safety on the roads.

The other specified durations—30 days, 6 months, and 2 years—do not apply in this context. A 30-day or a 6-month revocation would not sufficiently reflect the seriousness of the offense. Conversely, a 2-year revocation may seem overly punitive compared to the standards established by Wisconsin law for a first-time refusal, which is firmly set at one year. This structure aims to balance accountability with the intent to deter future violations.