The short answer
Under Wis. Stat. 346.915, you may not follow a snowplow that is plowing, salting or sanding with its warning lamps on closer than 200 feet on a highway posted above 35 mph, or 75 feet on a highway posted 35 mph or less. If the plow is stopped at an intersection, stop at least 20 feet behind it and stay stopped until it moves.
The following-distance rule doesn't apply while you're overtaking and passing, or to a plow that's stopped or standing in the road. But following too closely for a mile or more, or while the plow is moving at the speed limit, is treated as evidence of a violation.
The rule in one table
| Situation | What the statute requires |
|---|---|
| Working plow, road posted over 35 mph | Stay at least 200 feet back |
| Working plow, road posted 35 mph or less | Stay at least 75 feet back |
| Plow stopped at an intersection | Stop at least 20 feet behind it until it moves |
| Passing a plow | Following-distance rule doesn't apply while overtaking and passing |
| Plow stopped or standing in the road | Following-distance rule doesn't apply |
Why the distance helps
Plows spread salt and sand behind them and throw snow to the side, and they stop and turn often. The extra distance gives you room to stop and keeps material off your windshield. On the 2-lane county roads around Barron, passing a plow is rarely worth it.
Before you drive
Check 511 Wisconsin for road conditions. Keep headlights on in falling snow so a plow driver can see you, and keep your washer fluid full.
Winter-ready vehicles
Clean headlights, good wipers and winter tires make a plow-season drive easier. Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge), 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, 715-537-5657; Swant Graber Ford, 1697 E Division Ave, Barron, 715-537-9500.
Questions
How far behind a snowplow do you have to stay in Wisconsin?
200 feet on roads posted over 35 mph and 75 feet on roads posted 35 mph or less, when the plow is working with its lamps on (Wis. Stat. 346.915).
Can you pass a snowplow in Wisconsin?
The statute's following-distance rule doesn't apply while overtaking and passing. Pass only where it's legal and safe; plows can throw snow and turn without much warning.
What if a plow stops at an intersection?
Stop at least 20 feet behind it and remain stopped until it moves.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
