Gov. Tony Evers today signed two bills that would help address reckless driving and carjacking in the state by increasing penalties for both and creating a new “carjacking” section of the criminal code.
“Reckless driving and other dangerous behaviors are putting our kids, families, and communities at risk all across our state, and we must do more at the state level to address dangerous behavior on our roads,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m proud the first enacted bill of my second term was a aimed at curbing reckless driving, and I am glad to be continuing that work today by signing these bills to address carjacking and ensure reckless driving is treated with the seriousness it requires.”
In April, Gov. Evers also signed Senate Bill 92, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 1, to curb reckless driving in Wisconsin by allowing counties and municipalities to enact ordinances authorizing law enforcement to impound a vehicle if its owner is cited for reckless driving, has a prior conviction for reckless driving, and has not paid the imposed forfeiture for that offense.
Assembly Bill 55, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 9:
- Increases the penalties for reckless driving; and
- Requires that the driver improvement surcharge and safe ride surcharge are imposed on anyone convicted of reckless driving.
Senate Bill 76, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 10:
- Reorganizes the crimes of intentionally taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent;
- Creates a new “carjacking” section of the criminal code; and
- Increases certain penalties related to carjacking crimes.
“These bills are a good place to start, but our work cannot stop here,” continued Gov. Evers. “I am once again urging the Legislature to support my budget initiatives that build upon the legislation I’m signing today to combat reckless driving across our state. I look forward to further discussions to make our roads and communities safer by taking a statewide, multi-pronged approach on this critically important issue.”
Read the full press release here.
Last Update: May 10, 2023 2:01 pm CDT
