Amish Buggies and Traffic Laws: Who’s at Fault in a Collision?

 Posted on August 22, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Wisconsin has the fourth-highest Amish population, which means Amish horse-pulled buggies are a common sight in the state. There are more than three dozen Amish settlements in the state, with an estimated 21,000 Amish residents, located primarily in the western and central parts of the state. Many Amish families in Wisconsin maintain their traditional way of life, which includes using horse-drawn buggies. Unfortunately, traffic accidents between Amish buggies and vehicles are not uncommon.

Just in the last few months, a fatal crash occurred in Clark County when a van rear-ended an Amish buggy, killing one of the passengers in the buggy and seriously injuring another. Another crash on U.S. Highway 10 in Manitowoc County involved a horse-drawn carriage and an SUV, killing one and injuring another, and a Grant County crash on Highway 61 when a car ran into a buggy resulted in injuries, but no deaths.

While drivers generally slow down – either out of courtesy or curiosity – accidents do happen, and when they do, the question of liability can be complex. Are Amish buggies treated like motor vehicles under Wisconsin traffic law as far as traffic violations? What responsibilities do buggy drivers and vehicle drivers each have? Understanding how Wisconsin law handles these unique situations can help both drivers stay safe. If you have received a traffic citation in a vehicle/buggy accident, an experienced Milwaukee County, WI traffic violation attorney can help.

How Does Wisconsin Law Address Amish Buggies and Other Non-Motorized Vehicles?

Visibility and speed challenges can create a risk of accidents between Amish buggies and vehicles. While accidents are often the fault of the driver, occasionally the Amish driver could be at fault. Amish buggies used for personal use in Wisconsin are not required to carry the same type of vehicle insurance as motorized vehicles.

Although insurance may not be legally required, the owner/operator of the buggy will still be liable for any damages or injuries caused by the buggy or horse. The Amish community sometimes addresses this issue through a community fund or self-insurance. Local jurisdictions may have specific insurance requirements even though the state of Wisconsin does not.

In 2017, Wood County proposed an ordinance that would have regulated Amish buggies and required insurance, but it did not pass. Buggies are generally required to use lighting and reflective markings to be more easily seen by drivers.

What Responsibilities Do Wisconsin Drivers Have When Approaching Slower Vehicles?

When drivers in Wisconsin approach slower vehicles like buggies or farm equipment, they have the following responsibilities:

• Slow down and maintain a safe distance of at least 10-12 feet.
• Only pass when it is legal and safe to do so – never on hills or curves.
• No honking or revving engines. While not illegal, it is considered rude and can spook a horse.
• Allow plenty of room when passing a buggy – at least 20 feet.
• Watch out for left-hand turns by buggies.
• Dim headlights when approaching a buggy or coming up behind it.
• Be extra cautious at night.
• Respect the Move Over Law in Wisconsin.
• Never pass in no-passing zones regardless of how slow the buggy is traveling.

Who Is At Fault in a Vehicle/Buggy Accident?

If the driver failed to yield, was speeding, following too closely, not accounting for road conditions, or was exhibiting a distracted driving behavior, he or she can be ticketed for causing an accident in the same way as if two vehicles were involved. The buggy operator could be at fault if there are no reflectors, lights, or slow-moving vehicles signs (Section 347.245) being used, or when operating a buggy at night without proper visibility. Those in the buggy are much more likely to sustain serious or fatal injuries when hit by a vehicle due to a lack of protection.

Contact an Ozaukee County, WI Traffic Violation Attorney

If you have been issued a traffic violation after hitting an Amish buggy, you need solid legal assistance from a Racine County, WI criminal defense lawyer from Bucher Law Group, LLC. Attorney Bucher spent two decades as the Waukesha County District Attorney and has litigated some of the most high-profile, complex cases in the state. Call 262-303-4916 to schedule your free consultation.