Passing certain stopped vehicles
Wis. Stat. § 346.072
in effect(1g) In this section:
(am) “Disabled vehicle” means a motor vehicle that is stopped and to which any of the following applies:
1. The motor vehicle is displaying warning or hazard lights.
2. Emergency flares or other emergency warning devices are placed near the motor vehicle.
3. One or more persons are attending the motor vehicle and visible to passing motorists.
(bm) Emergency or roadside service vehicle” means any of the following:
1. An authorized emergency vehicle giving visual signal.
2. A tow truck flashing red lamps, as required by s. 347.26 (6) (b).
3. Any road machinery or motor vehicle used in highway construction or maintenance displaying the lights specified in s. 347.23 (1) (a) or (b) or, with respect to a motor vehicle, displaying the lights specified in s. 347.26 (7).
4. Any vehicle of a public utility, telecommunications carrier, or cooperative association described in s. 347.26 (9) displaying one or more flashing amber or green lamps as provided in s. 347.26 (9).
(1m) If an emergency or roadside service vehicle or a disabled vehicle is parked or standing on or within 12 feet of a roadway, the operator of a motor vehicle approaching the emergency or roadside service vehicle or disabled vehicle shall proceed with due regard for all other traffic and shall do either of the following:
(a) Move the motor vehicle into a lane that is not the lane nearest the parked or standing emergency or roadside service vehicle or disabled vehicle and continue traveling in that lane until safely clear of the emergency or roadside service vehicle or disabled vehicle. This paragraph applies only if the roadway has at least two lanes for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching motor vehicle and if the approaching motor vehicle may change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.
(b) Slow the motor vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions, and operate the motor vehicle at a reduced speed until completely past the emergency or roadside service vehicle or disabled vehicle. This paragraph applies only if the roadway has only one lane for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching motor vehicle or if the approaching motor vehicle may not change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.
(2) In addition to any penalty imposed under s. 346.17 (2), any person violating this section shall have his or her operating privilege suspended as provided in s. 343.30 (1o).
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/346.072Fetched: 10/7/2026