HOW CAN I POST BOND FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN ARRESTED?

The Door County Jail accepts cash, cashiers check, money orders or credit cards for bond payment.  Bonds may be posted anytime by coming to the Jail which is located at

1203 S. Duluth Avenue, Sturgeon Bay or at the Door County Clerk of Courts Office during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you are paying by credit card, please be sure that you are authorized to use that card.  For your protection, you must bring in the credit card and another form of ID so the signature on the credit card can be verified. 

 

Please note:  the company which handles credit card bond posting, Paytrust Solutions, Inc., does assess a non-refundable handling fee for using their services. If you are not in Door County and would like to post bond please visit your nearest County Sheriff’s Department.

 

WINTER DRIVING TIPS

As the winter season becomes upon us the Sturgeon Bay Police Department would like to remind its residents of some winter driving tips.

·         Allow extra time for travel

·         Decrease your speed leaving plenty of room between other vehicles

·         Turn on your lights for increased visibility

·         Keep your lights and windshield clean

·         Brake gently to avoid skidding

·         Be extra vigilant on bridges and infrequently traveled roads. Often times these roads will freeze first even at temperatures above freezing.

·         Don’t pass snow plows and allow them plenty of room so they can do their best to clear the roads

·         Don’t assume that just because your vehicle has four wheel drive or is a front wheel drive it can handle the snow. Even four wheel drive and front wheel drive vehicles can encounter problems on snow covered roads.

·         Have an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle which should include but not limited to a cell phone, blankets, food, water, hat, gloves, ice scrapper, and hand warmers.

In conclusion the best advice we can give is if there is inclement weather don’t drive unless you have to. Allow our public utilities time to adequately clear the roadways.

DOOR TO DOOR SALES REQUIRE PERMIT

Officers remind citizens to contact Police if anyone is conducting door to door sales in the City that seem to be suspicious in nature.

The City of Sturgeon Bay requires anyone engaging in this activity to obtain a permit prior to conducting sales. If someone doesn't obtain a permit and is caught conducting door to door sales Officers could issue a ordinance citation for the violation.

The application for door to door sales is available on the City of Sturgeon Bays website http://www.sturgeonbaywi.org/resources/directsellertransientmerchantapplication.pdf

WHAT IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT

If you are involved in an accident you must notify the Police if there are any of the following:

1.      Injury or fatality of a person.
2.      Damage to one person's property to an extent of $1,000 or more.
3.      Damage to government owned property to an extent of $200 or more, except government owned vehicles, which are $1,000.

If none of the above are present you may chose to not contact the Police and work things out between all parties by completing a Driver Self Reporting Accident Form which can be found on the Sturgeon Bay Police Department’s Website or by picking one up at the Sturgeon Bay Police Department. The information that is required on this form is vehicles involved to include license plate information. The drivers’ names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance company information including the company’s name, agent and telephone number.

If you have any doubt or any questions please contact the Sturgeon Bay Police Department and an Officer will respond to assist.

WALKING ALONE AT NIGHT

Whenever possible, don’t walk alone during late-night hours. Walk in groups whenever you can—there is always safety in numbers.

KIDS LEFT HOME ALONE

Children left home alone should know the following things:

• What steps you want them to follow when they get home; such as phoning you at work or a neighbor or grandparent who is at home.
• Not to let strangers, adults or children into the home for any reason.
• Not to tell telephone callers or strangers that they’re alone.
• Doors and windows should always be locked. Be sure your children know how they work.
• Don't go into the home if a door is ajar or a window is broken, but to go to a neighbor’s or relatives house to call Police.
• Your rules about acceptable activities when you are not at home. 

MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS KNOW!

1. How to call 911 or "0" in emergencies, and how to use a public phone. Help them practice making emergency phone calls. Be sure emergency numbers–police, fire, poison control and emergency medical–are by all phones.
2. Their full name, address, and phone number (including the area code), plus your work phone number. If you have a cellular phone and/or beeper, teach your children these numbers as well.
3. How to walk confidently and stay alert to what’s going on around them. To walk and play with friends, not alone.
4. To refuse rides or gifts from anyone, unless it’s someone both you and your child know and trust.
5. To tell a trusted adult immediately if anyone, no matter whom, touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG DROP OFF

Managing unused medications is a safety as well as an environmental concern. Traditionally, we were told to flush unwanted medications down the drain or toilet rather than keeping them around so they would not be misused by the patient for the wrong symptoms or by someone else who was not prescribed the medication and who might use the drugs recreationally.

Although effective in removing the medication from potentially being misused, flushing creates a new and growing problem in the environment. Antibiotics and other medications in a septic system can destroy beneficial bacteria necessary for the system to operate. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove or process many compounds found in medications that end up being discharged into our surface and ground water. A study by the United States Geological Survey done in 1999 showed that in 80% of the streams sampled contained detectable levels of compounds found in common medications.

Please help by disposing of your expired medications properly. If you have expired medications or  medications you are no longer prescribed please bring your medications to the Door County Sheriff’s Department at:

Door County Justice Center

1201 S. Duluth Avenue

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235

The Door County Sheriff’s Department accepts drop-offs Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. They will accept your prescription medications and over the counter medications (pills and capsules) at the main reception area. Once there please remove all medications from their appropriate bottles and place the medications into the provided bag and close it. Then place the bag into the metal pass through where a Sheriff’s Department staff member will take the medications and secure them. These medications will then be disposed of at a secured facility several times a month.

What items are not accepted at the Door County Sheriff’s Department:

• · Liquids
• · Creams
• · Syringes
• · Lotions
• · Chemo Therapy Drugs
• · Aerosols
• · Inhalers
• · Needles
• · Thermometers

THANK YOU for your help on the war on drugs.

Burglary Prevention Tips

Have you ever been locked out of your home? Were you able to get in anyway? Now think about it…if you could break into your own home, it’s just as easy for someone else to break in, too.  Strong locks—and good neighbors who look out for one another—can be effective deterrents to burglars. Here are a few tips that can help you keep you—and your property—safe and secure.

Check Your Locks

1. Make sure every external door has a strong, well-installed dead bolt lock. Key-in-the-knob locks alone are not enough.
2. Sliding glass doors offer easy access if they are not properly secured. You can secure them by putting a broomstick or dowel in the inside track to jam the door or by installing commercially available locks. To prevent the door being lifted off of the track, drill a hole through the sliding door frame and the fixed frame. Then insert a pin in the hole.
3. Lock double-hung windows with key locks or “pin” your windows by drilling a small hole at a 45 degree angle between the inner and outer frames, then insert a nail that can be removed. You should secure basement windows with grilles or grates (but make sure that they can be opened from the inside in case of fire).
4. Never hide keys around the outside of your home. Instead, give an extra key to a neighbor you trust.
5. When you move into a new house or apartment, re-key the locks.

Check Your Doors

1. While we all like to feel that once we close and lock our doors, we’re safe and secure, the truth of the matter is that a lock on a flimsy door is about as effective as locking your car door but leaving the window down with your wallet on the front seat.
2. All outside doors should be metal or solid wood.
3. Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer in all entry doors so that you can see who is outside without opening the door. Door chains break easily and don’t keep out intruders.
4. If your doors don’t fit tightly in their frames, install weather stripping around them.

Check the Outside

1. Take a look at your home from the outside, and keep in mind the following tips to help make your home as safe as it can be:
2. Burglars hate bright lights. Install outside lights and keep them on at night. Motion-detector lights can be particularly effective.
3. Keep your yard clean. Prune shrubbery so it doesn’t hide windows or doors. Cut back tree limbs that a burglar could use to climb to an upper-level window.
4. If you travel, create the illusion that you are at home by getting timers that will turn lights (and perhaps a television or radio) on and off in different parts of your home throughout the day and evening hours. Lights burning 24 hours a day signal an empty house.
5. Leave shades, blinds, and curtains in normal positions. And make sure you don’t let your mail and/or newspapers pile up. Call the post office and newspaper to stop delivery or have a neighbor pick them up.
6. Make a list of your valuables, such as stereos, computers, and jewelry. Take pictures of the items, list their serial numbers and description. This will help police if your home is burglarized.
7. Ask your police department for a free home security survey.
8. When getting work done on your vehicle, leave only the vehicle key for the service personnel. The same goes for car park attendants and valets.
9. If you are having work done on your vehicle, give the service station your business address – not your home address.

What If I Live in an Apartment?

1. While apartment living is a little different from living in a single family home, there are still some additional things that you can do to make sure that you, your loved ones, and your property remain safe and secure. Similar to Neighborhood Watch, members of an Apartment Watch learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for one another and members of the community, and report crime and suspicious activity to the police. Some things you can do:
2. Never let anyone you don’t know into your building or past security doors.
3. Organize citizen patrols to walk around the apartment complex and alert police to crime and suspicious activities. Don’t forget to patrol parking lots, stairways, laundry rooms, and playgrounds.
4. Publish a newsletter that gives local crime news, recognizes Apartment Watch captains, and highlights community activities.
5. Have a reception in the lobby of your building or a cookout on common property so neighbors can get to know one another.
6. Start a Safe Haven Program for children – places where they can go in emergency or scary situations.
7. Check the complex on a regular basis for problems such as burned-out light bulbs, dark corridors, uncollected trash, or broken locks on mailboxes and doors. Report any such problems to the building manager. Keep pressure on management to make sure it provides adequate security.
8. Organize meetings to brainstorm how you can help each other, such as starting an escort service for the elderly.

Thefts from Autos

One of the most common types of theft is theft of valuables from your automobile. Theft from auto is strictly a crime of opportunity that can be prevented if you take away the opportunity. Thieves generally won’t waste their time breaking into autos that don’t have valuables in plain sight. Please take the precautions listed below to help ensure your auto is not targeted by thieves: Keep Your Valuables Out of Sight The best way to prevent theft from your auto is to always keep valuables out of sight. Never leave cell phones, briefcases, suitcases, or electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, laptop computers, etc.) in your car in plain view. Take these items with you, or secure them—all the time, every time. Secure Your GPS DeviceWhile many GPS devices are mounted in the dashboard of the vehicle, the SBPD encourages anyone who uses a portable GPS device to take it with you, along with any other items of value, when you park the car. Use Your TrunkIf your car has a trunk, use it. Put valuables in there or in a locked glove compartment. Hiding items under seats is better than leaving them in plain view, but securing them inside the glove compartment or trunk is a far better deterrent. Don't Tempt Thieves with New PurchasesDuring the holiday season especially, or any time you’re shopping, place packages in the trunk, not on the passenger seats or floors. Remove Your Radio Faceplate If you can unfasten your sound system and take it with you, or lock it in your trunk, do so. And don’t forget to do the same with your CDs and tapes. Lock It Up Also, keep your car doors and windows locked—all the time!

Lost Cell Phone

As many of you know cell phones have become an integral part of our lives. With that being said there are many times we misplace, lose, or our cell phone is stolen.  If this happens to you we recommend you first attempt to download "Plan B" from the Google Play market:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lookout.labs.planb&hl=en.

Note: this will only work if you have an Android based phone. Second once you login to the market you will be able to download Plan B to your lost or stolen cell phone and it will begin to send emails to you with the location of your cell phone. If you suspect the phone has been stolen please contact Police at 920-746-2450 and we will assist with recovering your cell phone.

School Starting Soon! Don't Pass School Buses

Drivers must stop on the street or highway 20 feet or more from any school bus that has stopped and is flashing red warning lights.

• This applies both to vehicles approaching from the rear and from the opposing lanes.
• All lanes of traffic must stop for the school bus, except in opposing lanes if the highway is divided with a center median.
• No vehicle may proceed until the bus resumes motion and has turned off the red warning lights.
• The stop arm on the bus is an added communication to other drivers, but the lack of an extended stop arm is not reason to pass a bus whose red lights are flashing.

In some urban areas buses will signal with yellow lights, or use red lights only in some parts of town. Motorists should observe school buses carefully for either the "pass cautiously" yellow light signal or the required full stop when a bus is flashing red lights.

A vehicle owner can be cited when the driver of a car passes a school bus illegally. A law enforcement officer need not witness this violation if the school bus driver reports it to the law enforcement agency within 24 hours. Fines can be quite high for illegally passing a school bus, but the risk of hitting a child is even higher.

Give A Tip!

A reminder to residents to continue using the "Give A Tip" web tip form, which is available on the Sturgeon Bay Police Departments Facebook Page as well as on our website located at http://www.sturgeonbaypolice.com/webtip.html.

Any information provided is completely confidential and is sent directly to investigators for review. As always we appreciate your help in solving crimes within the Community of Sturgeon Bay.

Move Over Law: Drivers must provide a safety zone for stopped law enforcement and other emergency vehicles

This time of year, law enforcement officers, tow truck operators and emergency responders are busy working on the side of highways to rescue motorists and remove vehicles that have slid off icy roads or into other vehicles. Although the frigid conditions test their resolve, the greatest danger these workers face is being hit by vehicles traveling at high speeds just a few feet away.

To protect law enforcement officers, tow truck operators, emergency responders, road maintenance workers, and others who work on the side of roadways, Wisconsin has a Move Over Law. The law requires drivers to shift lanes if possible or slow down in order to create a safety zone for a law enforcement vehicle, ambulance, fire truck, tow truck or highway maintenance vehicle that is stopped or parked on the side of a road with its warning lights flashing.

“To create a safety zone on interstate highways and other divided roads with multiple directional lanes, you must move over to vacate the lane closest to the law enforcement or other emergency vehicle if you can safely switch lanes,” says Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald. “If the road has a single directional lane or you can’t safely move over because of traffic, you must reduce your speed until safely past the vehicle.”

Violating the Move Over Law can be expensive as well as dangerous. A citation costs $263.50 with three demerit points added to your license.

“When drivers disregard the Move Over Law, they are putting lives at risk. Failure of motorists to create a safety zone by moving over or slowing down is one of the major reasons that motor vehicle crashes kill more law enforcement officers on duty than any other cause. Tow truck operators, highway maintenance workers and emergency responders also are killed and injured when drivers don’t move over or slow down,” says Superintendent Fitzgerald. “By obeying the Move Over Law, drivers can protect themselves, their passengers, our officers and others who work on highways from needless injuries and deaths.”

BOATING ACCIDENTS

An operator involved in a boating accident resulting in death, injury, or damage to the boat(s) or other property exceeding $2,000 must:
•    Stop his or her vessel immediately at the scene of the accident and …
•    Assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident, unless doing so would seriously endanger his or her own vessel or passengers and …
•    Give, in writing, his or her name, address, and vessel identification to anyone injured and to the owner of any property damaged by the accident.

A vessel operator is required to make an oral and written report whenever a boating accident results in:
•    Loss of life or disappearance of a person or …
•    Injury to any person or …
•    Property damage in excess of $2,000.

Oral reports must be made immediately to a DNR conservation warden or a local law enforcement officer.

A written report must be submitted within 10 days on a DNR Form 4100-20 to DNR-Boat Safety, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 52707.

YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS

At any intersection or crosswalk the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian, bicyclist or person on an electric personal assistive device. The operator must yield right-of-way until the pedestrian is safely out of the roadway.

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP

Being a responsible pet owner is much more than just providing adequate water, food and shelter for your pet. The City of Sturgeon Bay has several pet related ordinances which must be adhered to. Some of the requirements are as follows:

• No dog, cat or other animal shall be allowed in any city park, except for officially designated dog parks.
• The owner of a dog or cat shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies and distemper by a veterinarian within five months of age and revaccinated within one year after the initial vaccination.
• Any animal off the premises of the owner and not within an automobile shall be leashed and under control of its owner.
• While on walks it is the responsibility of the pet owner to pick up any waste that their animal might leave.
• It shall be unlawful to harbor any dog which habitually barks, howls or yelps or any cat which habitually cries or howls to the great discomfort of the peace and quiet of the neighborhood.

LOITERING

No person shall linger or hang around in a public place (i.e. street, highway, sidewalk, bridge or crosswalk) or business where one has no legal reason for being there. In addition any person who is requested by a police officer to leave shall vacate the area at their request immediately or be subject of a fine ranging from $187.90 to $263.50.

EGG HARBOR ROAD NOW 25 MPH!

Egg Harbor Road is now 25 MPH all the way from 8th Avenue to Highway 57. Officers will be conducting extra patrol of the area to make sure drivers obey the new speed limit.

OPEN INTOXICANTS

In the City of Sturgeon Bay no person shall possess or drink from any open can, bottle or other container containing fermented malt beverage or intoxicating liquor on any public street, sidewalk, alley or other public way. If you are caught with an open intoxicant you can and will be issued an ordinance citation ranging anywhere from $200.00 – $265.00.

RENEW YOUR LICENSE PLATE REGISTRATION ONLINE

You can now renew your vehicle’s registration online through the Wisconsin DMV website. What you will need to complete this is as follows:

• The license plate renewal notice you received has a Renewal Reference Number (RRN) on it. The RRN is located to the right of the return mailing address on the notice. If you don’t have your renewal notice, you may:

• find the RRN by using the

• license plate lookup, or
• enter the Product Number on your current certificate of registration for the RR
• Your correct and current address is on the renewal notice.
• Need to change your address? Please update your address before you renew online.


• The license plate and vehicle described on your renewal notice is correct. If you recently transferred the plates to a vehicle different from the one described on your renewal notice, the RRN may have changed. Check the
• license plate lookup for the current RRN.


• You have a valid Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card.

A $1.25 online convenience fee will be added to the registration fee due. A

$10 late fee may also be added if you renew after the registration expiration date. The expiration date is printed in the upper left corner of your renewal notice.

You should print a confirmation page or the email confirmation as proof of current registration and keep it in your vehicle until you receive the new Certificate of Registration and plate sticker. We will mail a new Certificate of Registration and year sticker within a week. You may legally operate your vehicle on Wisconsin public roads once you complete the online renewal.

Vehicles that qualify for online renewal:

• Automobiles
•  
• Buses (except school buses) registered at 54,000 lbs. gross weight or less*
•  
• Farm trucks registered at 54,000 lbs. gross weight or less*
•  
• Human service vehicles
•  
• Low-speed vehicles
•  
• Motor homes registered at any gross weight
•  
• Motorcycles & mopeds
•  
• Recreational vehicle trailers
•  
• Special plates for autos, light trucks and motor homes (e.g., Packers, Endangered Resources, Military Group, etc.)
•  
• Tractors registered at 54,000 lbs. gross weight or less*
•  
• Trailers registered at any gross weight*
• Trucks registered at 54,000 lbs. gross weight or less*

 

*NEW! Buses, trucks and tractors up to 54,000 lbs. gross weight, and all trailers, may now use this service!

CRUISE SHIPS

The City off Sturgeon Bay has been designated as one of several port cities in the State of Wisconsin. With the title of port city from time to time vessels will visit the City of Sturgeon Bay and will usually dock at Graham Park located at the end of Pennsylvania Street. While these vessels are in Port it is required that all non crew, passengers and security stay a minimum of fifty feet away by land and by water. Also all people who enter the dock area are subject to maritime security regulations and are subject to screening. If you have any questions about these vessels please meet with the port security officer on-duty for more information.

MARKET SQUARE DAYS

Well it’s that time of year again for our Saturday morning Market Square Days to begin. To allow the most space for vendors there will be no parking in the

Market Square

parking lot every Saturday morning May through October starting at 2:00 AM. Come down and meet the vendors who have come to sell their fresh grown produce and home made arts and crafts.

BRIDGE OPENINGS

It’s Summer in Sturgeon Bay and with beautiful Summer days comes increased boat traffic and bridge openings. To help prevent delays in your travel the bridge opening schedule is as follows: The Michigan Street Bridge opens on the half hour and on the hour, the Oregon Street Bridge opens on fifteen minutes past the hour and fifteen minutes to the hour and the Bayview Bridge opens upon request. Also all of the bridges open on request to commercial, federal and public safety vessels. 

NO SMOKING

As of July 2010 Smoking is now prohibited in any of the following enclosed places:

·        places of employ­ment

·        public places

·        state or local government buildings

·        taverns

·        restaurants

·        bowling cen­ters

·        theaters

·        lodging establishments

·        retail establishments

·        day care centers

·        educational facilities

·        correctional facilities

·        state institu­tions

·        college residence halls or dormitories

·        hospitals and clinics

·        assisted living facilities

·        common areas of multiple-unit residential properties

·        sports arenas

·        bus shelters

·        public conveyances (buses, taxis etc.)

·        private club facilities

·        State Capitol

Where is indoor smoking allowed?

·        A private residence

·        A retail tobacco store or tobacco bar in exis­tence on June 3, 2009

·        A room used as a residence by only one per­son in an assisted living facility or such a room in which all occupants have requested in writing to be allowed to smoke.

·         Tribal casinos or facilities (due to tribal sover­eignty provided under federal law).

May businesses provide outdoor smoking areas?

Outdoor smoking areas may be desig­nated by taverns, restaurants, private clubs, or retail establishments that are a “reasonable dis­tance” from any entrance to the facility so that customers, employees, and others associated with the business may smoke. A municipal smoking ordinance may not define the term “reasonable distance,” nor may it specify a minimum measured distance.

What is the penalty for illegal smoking?

A person who smokes where it is prohibi­ted is subject to a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $250 for each violation.

If a person in charge of a facility fails to take any required action to stop illegal smok­ing, he or she is subject to a forfeiture of $100 for each violation, but no more than one penalty per day. If the person in charge has not pre­viously received a warning notice, then the law enforcement officer must issue a warning for the first violation in lieu of a citation.

CITY PARKS

The City of Sturgeon Bay is very lucky to have many beautiful recreation areas. Our ten vibrant parks Bark Park (dog park), Big Hill Park, Bullhead Pointe, Cherry Blossom Park, Franke Park, Graham Park, Martin Park, Otumba Park, Sunset Park and West Side Ball Field truly enhance the quality of life for all our visitors and residents. Our parks are easily accessible by car, foot, bike, skating, etc.

While in our parks feel free to enjoy yourselves but please adhere to the posted hours, refrain from alcohol use, respect other visitors and please throw all garbage into the appropriate receptacles.

Visit our parks today and please watch for different upcoming events and activities sponsored by the City of Sturgeon Bay.

OPEN INTOXICANTS

In the City of Sturgeon Bay no person shall possess or drink from any open can, bottle or other container containing fermented malt beverage or intoxicating liquor on any public street, sidewalk, alley or other public way. If you are caught with an open intoxicant you can and will be issued an ordinance citation ranging anywhere from $200.00 – $265.00.

CURFEW

Attention parents as the weather gets nicer the Sturgeon Bay Police Department would like to remind parents of our Curfew hours. All children under the age of eighteen are prohibited from being out between the hours of Midnight and 5:00AM unless traveling to/from work, school, or church functions. All juveniles caught violating the City of Sturgeon Bay’s curfew ordinance will be subject to fines of anywhere between $175.00 and $210.00.

URINATING OR DEFICATING ON PROPERTY

In the City of Sturgeon Bay it is illegal to urinate or defecate on any public property including public ways, public streets, sidewalks, boulevards, parkways, safety zones, alleys, public parking lots, or on the property of another unless toilet facilities are used. If you are caught urinating or defecating in public you can and will be issued a citation ranging between $187.00-$240.00.

SLOW DOWN GIVE THEM A BREAK

With Construction season fast approaching please help protect our Construction Workers please slow down or move over if possible. In some construction areas, lowered speed limits are posted and must be obeyed at all times. Also in work zones penalties double so please slow down and give our Construction Workers a break.

LOST CELL PHONE

As many of you know cell phones have become an integral part of our lives. With that being said there are many times we misplace, lose, or our cell phone is stolen.  If this happens to you we recommend you first attempt to download "Plan B" from the Google Play market:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lookout.labs.planb&hl=en.

Note: this will only work if you have an Android based phone. Second once you login to the market you will be able to download Plan B to your lost or stolen cell phone and it will begin to send emails to you with the location of your cell phone. If you suspect the phone has been stolen please contact Police at 920-746-2450 and we will assist with recovering your cell phone.

GRADUATED LICENSING OR PROBATIONARY LICENSES

Drivers under the age of eighteen have extra restrictions during the first nine months after obtaining a Probationary License, those restrictions are as follows:

·         From the hours of 5 a.m. to midnight you can drive alone and go anywhere. Any number of your immediate family can ride along, as well as…

o        one person who holds a valid regular license with at least 2 years of driving experience

o       a qualified instructor or spouse 19 or older

o       a person 21 or older

o       ONE other person

·         From midnight to 5 a.m., you can drive alone only if…

o       Driving between home, school or work.

o       The same people listed above immediately above may ride too.

·         If driving anywhere else, one of the following people must be seated in the front passenger seat:

o       A parent or legal guardian

o       ONE person with a valid, regular license with two years of licensed driving experience and who is:

- a qualified instructor or spouse 19 or older, OR

- a person 21 or older.

- In addition, any number of the driver's immediate family members and one other person may ride along.

Restrictions will and can be extended 6 months if:

• You are convicted of a moving traffic violation
• You violate any of the restrictions
• Your license is suspended or revoked for any reason.

UPDATING YOUR WISCONSIN LICENSE

You can now update your driver’s license address online, by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles website. Once on their website click on change your residence address and follow the instructions. To complete this you will need your Wisconsin Driver’s License or Wisconsin Identification number, the last four digits of your social security number and your birth date. However if you have a Commercial Driver’s License or would like an updated driver’s license or identification card you will have to visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles.

Don't pass a stopped school bus

Drivers must stop on the street or highway 20 feet or more from any school bus that has stopped and is flashing red warning lights.

• This applies both to vehicles approaching from the rear and from the opposing lanes.
• All lanes of traffic must stop for the school bus, except in opposing lanes if the highway is divided with a center median.
• No vehicle may proceed until the bus resumes motion and has turned off the red warning lights.
• The stop arm on the bus is an added communication to other drivers, but the lack of an extended stop arm is not reason to pass a bus whose red lights are flashing.

In some urban areas buses will signal with yellow lights, or use red lights only in some parts of town. Motorists should observe school buses carefully for either the "pass cautiously" yellow light signal or the required full stop when a bus is flashing red lights.

A vehicle owner can be cited when the driver of a car passes a school bus illegally. A law enforcement officer need not witness this violation if the school bus driver reports it to the law enforcement agency within 24 hours. Fines can be quite high for illegally passing a school bus, but the risk of hitting a child is even higher.

HOW CAN I POST BOND FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN ARRESTED?

The Door County Jail accepts cash, cashiers check, money orders or credit cards for bond payment.  Bonds may be posted anytime by coming to the Jail which is located at

1203 S. Duluth Avenue

, Sturgeon Bay or at the Door County Clerk of Courts Office during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you are paying by credit card, please be sure that you are authorized to use that card.  For your protection, you must bring in the credit card and another form of ID so the signature on the credit card can be verified. 

 

Please note:  the company which handles credit card bond posting, Paytrust Solutions, Inc., does assess a non-refundable handling fee for using their services.

If you are not in Door County and would like to post bond please visit your nearest County Sheriff’s Department.