The words and phrases defined in ss. 340.01, 343.01 and 351.02, Stats., have the same meaning in this chapter unless a different definition is specifically provided. In this chapter:

1. (1) “Driver record” means the abstract of convictions and other information related to a driver maintained by the department in its computer database.
2. (2) “HTO” means habitual traffic offender.
3. (3) “License” means operator’s license.
4. (4) “Major offense” means a conviction for any offense specified in s. 351.02 (1) (a), Stats., or for an offense under any valid ordinance enacted by a local authority under s. 349.06, Stats., or any law enacted by a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state which are in strict conformity with the offenses described in s. 351.02 (1) (a), Stats., and any federal law which is in substantial conformity with the offenses described in s. 351.02 (1) (a), Stats.

5. (5) “Minor offense” means a conviction under ch. 346, Stats., that is not a major or petty offense, or for an offense under any valid ordinance enacted by a local authority under s. 349.06, Stats., or any law enacted by a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state which are in strict conformity with such ch. 346, Stats., offenses, and any federal law which is in substantial conformity with such ch. 346, Stats., offenses.

   Note: See ss. 351.02 (1) (b) and (c).

6. (6) “Petty offense” means a conviction for which demerit points are not assessed under s. Trans 101.02 (5), except convictions for violation of ss. 346.63 (2m) or 346.63 (5) (a), Stats.
7. (7) “Release” means the action taken by the department to temporarily or permanently withdraw a suspension or revocation of an operating privilege.

8. (8) “Repeat HTO” means repeat habitual traffic offender.

   Note: The Department’s rationale for distinguishing petty offenses from other offenses is discussed in Lewandowski v. State, 140 Wis. 2d 405, 411 N.W.2d 146 (Ct. App. 1987).

History

History: Cr. Register, October, 1995, No. 478, eff. 11-1-95; CR 06-041: am. (4) and (5) Register August 2006 No. 608, eff. 9-1-06.