No, cursing while driving is not specifically illegal in Wisconsin under any dedicated state law. Claims of such “bizarre” bans are urban myths, often confused with broader disorderly conduct statutes that require more than just profanity to trigger enforcement.
Actual Driving Laws
Wisconsin Statute 346.89 bans distracted driving activities interfering with safe operation, like texting, but doesn’t target speech or swearing.
Probationary or permit drivers face stricter handheld device bans, unrelated to verbal language.
Potential Charges
Disorderly conduct (Wis. Stat. 947.01) covers “profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud” actions tending to provoke a disturbance—possible in road rage if it endangers others, but private car cursing alone isn’t criminal.
Recklessly endangering safety (941.30) requires extreme risk, far beyond swearing.​
First Amendment protects most expressive speech, even offensive words from vehicles.
