Bill > AB78

This bill modifies existing laws regarding the impoundment of vehicles used in reckless driving offenses. Currently, local governments can only impound a vehicle if the driver owns the vehicle and has an unpaid prior reckless driving forfeiture. The proposed bill expands this authority, allowing local jurisdictions to impound any vehicle used in a reckless driving offense, regardless of who owns the vehicle or the driver's prior record. Additionally, the bill permits local ordinances to authorize vehicle impoundment until all outstanding fines and forfeitures owed by the vehicle's owner are fully paid. An important safeguard in the bill requires law enforcement officers who impound a vehicle to first verify whether the vehicle has been reported stolen. If the vehicle is indeed reported as stolen, the bill mandates that it must be returned to its rightful owner without charging any fees or impoundment costs. This legislation aims to provide local governments with more flexible tools to enforce reckless driving laws and ensure financial accountability while also protecting innocent vehicle owners.

Justice

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab78