Wisconsin OKs Towing for First-Offense Reckless Driving

Wisconsin lawmakers have approved a bill permitting police to tow vehicles of first-time reckless drivers, a move aimed at curbing a growing number of dangerous driving incidents across the state.

The measure passed both the Assembly and Senate with strong bipartisan support. Governor Tony Evers is expected to sign it after a revision made towing discretionary rather than mandatory.

Under current law, officers can only tow vehicles if the reckless driver owns the car, is a repeat offender, and has unpaid tickets—limitations that have complicated enforcement. The new bill removes those restrictions, allowing tows on first or subsequent offenses regardless of ownership.

State Senator LaTonya Johnson (D) said she supported the bill despite concerns about unintended consequences. “When you see situations like street takeovers, making sure our streets are safe for everybody is extremely important,” she said.

Co-author Senator Van Wanggaard (R) added that the law could deter reckless behavior and encourage car owners to be more cautious about who they lend their vehicles to. The bill now awaits Gov. Evers’ signature. Source: https://www.tmj4.com