351.09 Recalculation of habitual traffic offender status. Any person whose operating privilege is revoked as a habitual traffic offender or as a repeat habitual traffic offender and whose classification as a habitual traffic offender or repeat habitual traffic offender resulted from one or more convictions for violations of s. 343.44 (1), or a local ordinance in conformity therewith, or the law of another jurisdiction that prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked operator's license, may apply to the department for recalculation of that person's status as a habitual traffic offender or repeat habitual traffic offender. Upon receiving an application under this section, the department shall recalculate whether the person's record of convictions brings the person within the definition of a habitual traffic offender or repeat habitual traffic offender. If the recalculation demonstrates that the person is not a habitual traffic offender or repeat habitual traffic offender, the department shall rescind the order declaring the applicant a habitual traffic offender or repeat habitual traffic offender. Upon the completion of the recalculation under this section, the department shall provide written notice to the person of the result of the recalculation, of the order of rescission, if any, under this section and, if appropriate, of the process for reinstating the person's operating privilege. This section does not apply on or after January 1, 2003.

History: 1997 a. 84.

When a recalculation under this section requires the recission of the order finding a person to be a habitual traffic offender, the effect is an abrogation of that status from the outset of its existence. Rescinded habitual offender status can have no legal effect, must be treated as if it never existed, and cannot be the basis for imposing a criminal penalty. State v. Hanson, 2001 WI 70, 244 Wis. 2d 405, 628 N.W.2d 759, 99-3142.