Wisconsin laws by category

Wisconsin permits sparklers and listed novelties without a permit; anything that explodes or leaves the ground requires a local user's permit — so most aerials and firecrackers are conditional on local approval (Wis. Stat. 167.10).

A license is required to carry a concealed handgun in Wisconsin. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Wisconsin is not a control state and is very permissive: beer, wine and spirits are sold in grocery, convenience and liquor stores under "Class A" licenses. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is the regulator (Ch. 125).

Radar detectors are legal in passenger vehicles — Wisconsin has no state ban on them.

In Wisconsin's DNR forest fire protection areas, you need a free annual DNR burning permit to burn whenever the ground is not completely snow-covered, and each day you burn you must check the daily restrictions (after 9 a.m.) for whether burning is allowed, the hours and the size limits. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Wisconsin, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16. Licenses are issued by the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources (WDNR).

State sales tax is 5%. Seventy of 72 counties add a 0.5% county tax and Milwaukee County adds 0.9%; the city of Milwaukee adds a further 2% - so combined rates are 5%-5.9% in most of the state and 7.9% in the city of Milwaukee.

Cannabis is illegal in Wisconsin, which has no medical or recreational program. The only exception is a narrow CBD-oil allowance under "Lydia's Law." Marijuana over 0.3% THC is illegal.

Wisconsin sports betting is legal only at tribal casinos — statewide online is signed into law but not yet live. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Wisconsin boating safety certification is required for operators born on or after Jan 1, 1989; required to operate at age 16.

Wisconsin repealed its switchblade ban via 2015 Act 149; no statute restricts automatic, OTF, gravity or other knives by type, and any adult may own and carry them (Wis. Stat. 941.23).

Wisconsin (Wis. Stat. 942.10) makes it a Class A misdemeanor to use a drone to photograph, record or observe another person where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.