No, applying makeup while driving is illegal in Wisconsin under distracted driving statutes. State law prohibits any activity that diverts attention from the road, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) explicitly cites personal grooming as a form of inattentive driving. Violators face fines up to $177.50, with potential license demerit points under Wis. Stat. § 346.89(3).
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Wisconsin
- Wis. Stat. § 346.89(3) prohibits operating a vehicle while engaged in personal grooming, including makeup application, deemed a primary offense.
- WisDOT’s 2024 Distracted Driving Guidelines classify makeup use as a visual-manual distraction, subject to enforcement under municipal ordinances in cities like Milwaukee and Madison.
- 2026 Compliance Update: Proposed legislation (AB 452) seeks to raise fines to $250 and mandate distracted driving education courses for repeat offenders, pending legislative approval.
Local jurisdictions may impose additional penalties. WisDOT’s 2025 traffic safety report highlights makeup application as a leading cause of rear-end collisions in urban areas. Law enforcement prioritizes visible distractions, particularly in high-traffic corridors like I-94 and I-41. Drivers should use rest stops or parking areas for grooming to avoid liability.