Can I use my phone while driving in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Road Rules · Barron, WI
Can I use my phone while driving in Wisconsin?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
Not for texting: Wisconsin bans texting and emailing while driving. Handheld phone use is also banned in road work zones and emergency response areas, where only hands-free or voice-operated use is allowed. Drivers with an instruction permit or probationary license can't use a phone at all while driving, except to report an emergency.
The details
These come from Wis. Stat. 346.89:
- All drivers: no composing or sending texts or email while driving.
- Work zones and emergency or roadside response areas: no handheld phone use. Hands-free use is allowed if your hands only activate or deactivate a function.
- Teen drivers: instruction permit and probationary license holders can't use a phone while driving, except to report an emergency.
Buying a vehicle from us? Ask us to pair your phone for hands-free calling before you drive off.
Questions? Talk to a real person in Barron.
Call or message us and we'll give you a straight answer, or point you to the right office if it's not ours to answer.
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- Swant Graber Detail Center
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- Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions
3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
Is hands-free calling legal in Wisconsin work zones?
Yes. Wis. Stat. 346.89 allows hands-free or voice-operated use if your hands only activate or deactivate a function.
Can a teen with a probationary license use a phone while driving?
No, except to report an emergency, per 346.89(4).
Is texting at a red light allowed?
The statute applies while driving. Check 346.89 for how 'drive' is defined, and keep the phone down to be safe.
Get it looked at in Barron
Book with the service department at either store on Highway 8. Service is open Monday to Friday; ask about a loaner when you book.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Sources
- Wis. Stat. 346.89: Inattentive driving; wireless phones: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
- WisDOT: Work zone safety, it's in your hands: wisconsindot.gov