Seat belts, child seats and phone laws in Wisconsin

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain who must wear a seat belt.
• You can choose the right restraint for a young child.
• You can state the phone rules for permit and probationary drivers.
• You can set up the car before driving to cut distractions.

What you need to know and understand

• Seat belts are required for drivers and passengers of all ages.
• As a general guide, children ride in a child safety seat until age 4 and a booster seat until age 8. Check the handbook for the weight and height details.
• Permit and probationary license holders may use a cell phone only to report an emergency.
• In a work zone, all drivers may use a phone only to report an emergency.
• Wisconsin bans texting while driving.
• You may not wear headphones or a headset that covers or goes in both ears while driving.

Buckling everyone in

Wear the lap belt low across your hips and the shoulder belt across your chest, never behind your back. Before moving off, check that every passenger is buckled.

Young children need a seat that fits their size. A child safety seat is generally used until age 4, then a booster until age 8. Children are safest in the back seat.

Phones and new drivers

On a permit or probationary license, the phone stays out of use except to report an emergency. That includes hands-free calls, so set your playlist and route before you leave.

The same emergency-only rule applies to every driver in a work zone, where workers are close to traffic.

If you need to make a call or read a message, find a safe place to pull off the road and stop first. Passengers can also handle navigation for you, as long as they do not distract you.

Other distractions to cut

• Eating and drinking at the wheel.
• Adjusting the radio or controls while moving.
• Talking with passengers in a way that takes your eyes off the road.
• Looking at crashes or scenery instead of traffic.
• Drowsiness. If you are tired, stop somewhere safe and rest.

Common mistakes

• Making a hands-free call on a probationary license. Only emergency calls are allowed.
• Wearing earbuds in both ears. You must be able to hear sirens and horns.
• Moving a child from a booster too early. Follow the age and size guidance.
• Tucking the shoulder belt behind you. It must cross your chest.

Test yourself: Seat belts, child seats and phone laws in Wisconsin

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Wisconsin Permit Practice Test
• How to Get a Driver’s License in Wisconsin
• Wisconsin 50 Hour Driving Log and Sponsor Rules