🚗Official 2026 Handbook
Wyoming Driver's Handbook 2026
Official Driver's Handbook / DMV Manual published by Wyoming Department of Transportation. Available in 1 language.
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Above all else, drive safely
Welcome to the latest edition of Wyoming’s Rules of the
Road driver’s manual. This book has been revised to in-
clude some of the most recent changes enacted by the Wyo-
ming State Legislature effective July 1, 2019 and beyond.
You will find information on how to obtain a driver li-
cense or ID card, the penalties for drinking and driving,
requirements for insurance, what to do in the case of a
crash, rules for driving on streets, highways, and railroad
crossings, and other driving related subjects. You will also
find information on other driver services offered by the
Wyoming Department of Transportation.
Safe driving involves obeying traffic rules and regulations,
being courteous on the road, driving defensively and mak-
ing sure that you and your passengers wear a seat belt.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact
Driver Services at (307) 777-4800, or write to us at
Wyoming Department of Transportation, Driver Ser-
vices, 5300 Bishop Boulevard, Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340.
Also, visit our website at www.dot.state.wy.us.
This manual will help you attain
your license and drive safely
While a thorough knowledge of the information in this
manual will help you pass the state knowledge and
driving tests, this manual covers only the basic require-
ments. We urge persons who are just learning to drive
to also take advantage of local driver education classes.
The language of the Wyoming Motor Vehicle Law is
not used in this manual, which therefore cannot be used
as an actual expression of the law. This manual does
provide, in simple terms, the basic intent of the law in
driving situations. Statutes relating to driver licensing
and motor vehicles are found in Wyoming Laws and
Related Statutes.
Your future as a driver could be decided by how well
you study and become familiar with the information in
this manual. Applying it can help you drive crash free
and provide enjoyment for you and others.
It’s THAT easy.
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Table of contents
CUSTOMER SERVICE GUIDE ................................ 3
Driver licensing .................................................. 3
REQUIREMENTS TO DRIVE ..........................................................................................3
THOSE WHO DO NOT NEED A WYOMING DRIVER LICENSE .....................................3
WHO CANNOT GET A WYOMING DRIVER LICENSE...................................................3
YOUR WYOMING LICENSE ..........................................................................................4
Driver license classes ................................................................................................4
Restriction codes ......................................................................................................4
Getting your license ........................................... 5
AGE REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................5
ACCEPTABLE LEGAL IDENTIFICATION ........................................................................6
ACCEPTABLE PROOF OF RESIDENCY ..........................................................................6
REQUIRED TESTS ..........................................................................................................6
Vision screening ...........................................................................................................6
Written test ...............................................................................................................7
Skills test ...................................................................................................................7
License services .................................................. 8
FIRST WYOMING LICENSES ........................................................................................8
INSTRUCTION PERMITS ..............................................................................................8
RENEWALS ...................................................................................................................8
Renewals by mail .....................................................................................................8
Renewals of expired licenses ...................................................................................8
DRIVER LICENSE FEES .................................................................................................9
FULL DRIVING PRIVILEGES .........................................................................................9
At age 17 ..................................................................................................................9
At 16 and one half ..................................................................................................11
AGE RESTRICTED LICENSES ......................................................................................11
For extreme inconvenience ....................................................................................11
Intermediate licenses .............................................................................................11
LICENSES FOR DISABLED DRIVERS ..........................................................................13
Additional driver/motoring services .............. 13
WYOMING AMBER ALERT SYSTEM .........................................................................13
ACCESSING YOUR DRIVING RECORD ........................................................................15
WYOMING ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR REGISTRY ...............................................15
DISABLED PLACARDS ...............................................................................................16
MEDICAL ALERT ........................................................................................................16
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ........................................................................................16
Losing the privilege to drive ........................... 17
LICENSE SUSPENSIONS, CANCELLATIONS AND REVOCATIONS ............................17
Drinking and driving suspensions..........................................................................17
Other types of suspension......................................................................................20
Suspension related matters....................................................................................25
Revocation ..............................................................................................................25
SR-22 ......................................................................................................................25
Ignition interlock devices .......................................................................................26
Safety laws/issues ............................................ 27
SAFETY BELT LAW .....................................................................................................27
CHILD RESTRAINTS ...................................................................................................28
Persons not required to wear a safety belt ............................................................30
THE DRIVER LICENSE COMPACT ...............................................................................31
HOW ALCOHOL AND DRUGS AFFECT YOU AND YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE.............31
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Alcohol the major cause of crashes .......................................................................31
What to do when you are stopped by law enforcement.......................................36
RULES OF THE ROAD.......................................... 39
Speed ................................................................ 39
Legal speed limits (All unless otherwise posted) .......................................................39
Adjust speed for road conditions ...........................................................................39
Adjust speed for traffic conditions .........................................................................39
Adjust speed for light conditions ...........................................................................40
Right of way ...........................................................................................................40
Roundabouts ..........................................................................................................46
Braking/stopping ...................................................................................................47
Required stops ........................................................................................................48
Changing lanes.......................................................................................................49
Turning....................................................................................................................49
Backing ...................................................................................................................52
Passing ....................................................................................................................52
Parking ....................................................................................................................56
Interstate driving ....................................................................................................58
Traffic signs, signals and road markings ........ 60
Overhead signs .......................................................................................................61
Use of lanes ............................................................................................................61
Pavement markings ....................................................................................................................61
Railroad crossings...................................................................................................64
Traffic crashes ................................................... 65
If you’re involved in a crash ....................................................................................65
Damaging unattended vehicles .............................................................................65
Sharing the road safely .................................... 66
SHARING THE ROAD ..................................................................................................66
Your vehicle and its equipment .............................................................................66
Motorcycles ............................................................................................................67
Pedestrians .............................................................................................................68
Bicycles ...................................................................................................................68
Farm and slow-moving vehicles............................................................................69
Heavy vehicles (trucks) ..........................................................................................69
Move Over Law.......................................................................................................69
Share with animals ................................................................................................70
Safe driving tips (IPDE) ..........................................................................................71
Scan ahead .............................................................................................................72
Scan the roadsides..................................................................................................72
Communicate .........................................................................................................72
Isolate your vehicle in traffic ..................................................................................73
It makes sense to INCREASE your following distance ...........................................73
Space to the sides ...................................................................................................74
Separate risks..........................................................................................................74
Compromise space .................................................................................................75
SPECIAL DRIVING CONDITIONS................................................................................75
Reduced light .........................................................................................................75
Weather conditions ................................................................................................76
Emergency situations .............................................................................................78
Be cautious with vehicles with steering-lock devices ...........................................81
Hazardous situations ..............................................................................................82
Road construction ..................................................................................................83
Cell phones .............................................................................................................86
Titling and registration .................................... 88
Definitions ........................................................ 89
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Customer serviCe Guide
Driver licensing
Requirements to drive
To drive legally in Wyoming, you must have a valid
driver license, instruction permit, intermediate license
or restricted license. Wyoming licenses are issued by the
Driver Services Program of the Wyoming Department
of Transportation (WYDOT).
Those who do not need to
obtain a Wyoming driver
license are:
• Employees of the United States government operating
vehicles owned or leased by the U.S. government;
• Members of the Armed Forces stationed in Wyo-
ming, and their dependents, who have a valid license
issued by their state of residence;
• Full-time students attending the University of Wyo-
ming or a Wyoming community college who have a
valid license from another state; and
• Any person licensed by another state which is a
Driver License Compact member (see page 31), un-
less the person chooses to have a Wyoming driver
license; however, their out-of-state license must be
surrendered within one year of residency in Wyo-
ming.
Who cannot get a Wyoming
driver license
Certain individuals may not be eligible for a Wyoming
license. They include:
• Persons under 16 years of age;
• Persons whose driving privileges are suspended, can-
celed, denied or revoked in this or any other state (All
applicants are checked through The Problem Driver
Pointer System and other electronic systems to make
sure there are no adverse actions against them);
• Persons who fail any portion of a required driver
license examination;
• Persons who have been judged legally incompetent;
• Persons who are habitual users of alcohol or any
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controlled substance;
• Persons who are in violation of the immigration laws
of the United States.
Your Wyoming license
Non-commercial license classes
Class C
The Class C license authorizes operation of a single vehi-
cle or combination of vehicles, except motorcycles, with
a GVWR less than 26,001 pounds, or any such vehicle
towing another which does not have a GVWR in excess
of 10,000 pounds. In addition, the Class C CDL license
allows operation of vehicles designed to transport 16
or more passengers, including the driver, or which are
placarded for transportation of hazardous materials.
Class M
The class “M” license is
issued solely for the op-
eration of motorcycles.
Any of the Class “A,”
B,” or “C” licenses may
include the “M” clas-
sification. For more in-
formation concerning
motorcycles, or for the
requirements to obtain a
Class “M” license, please see the “Wyoming Department
of Transportation Motorcycle Operator Manual.”
Restriction codes
Restriction codes mean that license holders may only
operate a vehicle in certain circumstances or if special
provisions are met. The codes are:
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A – Automatic transmission
B – Corrective lenses
C – Mechanical aid
D – Prosthetic aid
E – No manual transmission; CDL only
G – Daylight driving only
I – Limited others
J – Valid without photo or signature
K – Intrastate driving only; CDL only
L – Vehicle without air brakes; CDL only
M – Class B bus; CDL only
N – Class C bus; CDL only
O – No Tractor/Trailer CMV; CDL only
P – No passengers; CDL only
R – 4-wheel recreational vehicle only
V – Must have variance letter or SPE certificate in
possession; CDL only
X – No cargo in tank; CDL only
Z – No full air brake; CDL only
Getting your license
To obtain a Wyoming driver license, a person must be
of sufficient age, provide legal proof of identification and
Wyoming residency, and then pass a written knowledge
test, a vision screening and a driving skills test. Applicants
under 18 years of age must also have a release signed by
a legal parent or guardian.
Age requirements
For full driving privileges, an applicant must be at least
17, or be 16-1/2 and have completed an approved driver
education course and held an intermediate license for
six months. At 16 an applicant may obtain limited driv-
ing privileges by acquiring an intermediate license. An
instruction permit may be obtained at 15.
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Acceptable legal identification
First-time applicants for a driver license or identification
card must provide a state-certified birth certificate, a valid
U.S. passport or immigration documents. If the last name
has changed from the verification document, then proof of
name change is required, such as a marriage certificate, divorce
decree or court order. Applicants also must be able to verify
their Social Security number by presenting a Social Security
card, W-2 form or financial/banking statement that includes
their Social Security number.
When licensees change their addresses, they must notify
the department in writing within 10 days of the change.
Forms for address changes are available at all exam loca-
tions and on the WYDOT website at http://www.dot.state.
wy.us/home/driver_license_records/formsapplications/
general-forms.html.
Acceptable Proof of Residency
Any two of the following are acceptable documents
that must be provided as proof that you are a Wyoming
resident, and they must show a residential address, not
a P.O. Box:
• Vehicle title and/or registration;
• Property tax and/or mortgage documents;
• Rental, lease or other documents showing
residence in the state;
• Federal tax documents with a Wyoming address;
• Bank statements from a Wyoming bank or credit
union; or
• Any other legal documents showing a Wyoming
address.
Required tests
Vision screening
A person must have 20/40 acuity with both eyes, either
with or without glasses, and a combined horizontal field
vision of at least 120 degrees to meet Wyoming vision
standards for operating a motor vehicle. Those who fail
the vision screening must obtain a vision statement from
an eye specialist. If contact lenses or glasses are used to
pass the screening, they will be required while driving.
If your visual acuity is worse than 20/40 but at least
20/100, you will be required to take a driving skills test.
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Written test – Automated Testing
System
A written test covering the rules of the road and safe
driving practices may be required. Questions are taken
from the information in this manual. The test includes:
(1) identification of traffic signs by shape, color or sym-
bol; (2) identification of signals and pavement markings;
and (3) correct answers to multiple choice questions
about traffic laws, safety rules, crash prevention and
vehicle equipment. Applicants for a driver's license are
allowed to take the written test twice in one day. All
tests are given in English only, so if a person cannot speak
or write the English language, an interpreter may be used.
Oral tests are available, but the applicant must request one
prior to taking the test.
Wyoming Driver License Practice Tests are available at
https://gowyld.driving-tests.org/wyoming/.
Skills test
First-time applicants, who have never been licensed in this
or any other state, are required to pass a skills test consist-
ing of safe driving maneuvers. Applicants are not asked to
do anything against the law. Others situations may require
a driver to pass a driving test to demonstrate their driving
ability. Applicants who fail are required to wait 24 hours
before testing again. Applicants who miss 13 or more ques-
tions must wait three days to be retested.
The skills test may be waived for those who present
proof, in the form of a certification card, that they have
completed an approved driver education class. The card
must contain student's name, date of birth, driver license
number and the original signatures of the instructor and
school administrator. It must also state that the student
has completed 30 hours of classroom instruction and
six hours of behind-the-wheel driving. The certifica-
tion card will be honored for no longer than two years.
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License services
First Wyoming licenses
Applicants must pass all parts of the examination,
including a written knowledge test, vision screening
and driving skills test. The skills test may be waived if
a valid out-of-state license or a driver's education cer-
tificate from an approved driver's education course is
presented. Applicants under 18, must have a minor’s
release signed by a legal parent or guardian.
Instruction permits
Applicants should be prepared to pass a written
knowledge test and vision screening. When operating
a motor vehicle, the driver must be accompanied by
a person 18 or older, who possesses a valid driver li-
cense for the type of vehicle being driven. This person
must occupy the front passenger seat, for purposes of
instruction, while the vehicle is driven.
Renewals
Renewals are issued to Wyoming citizens who hold a valid
Wyoming license. Licensees over 21 may renew within
the 120-day period preceding expiration. Licensees under
21 may renew within 90 days of expiration. If licensee is
under 21 and wants an "adult"-type license, they can only
renew within 30 days of their 21st birthday. Applicants
must pass a vision screening. A skills test may be required
at the discretion of the examiner.
Renewals by mail
Drivers may renew their current Wyoming license by
mail once every other renewal period. Renewal ap-
plications are mailed to the current address on record
for those whose licenses have not been canceled,
revoked or disqualified within the previous five years,
or who have not renewed by mail within the previ-
ous five years. Applications are mailed 120 days prior
to expiration to persons over 21 and 90 days prior to
expiration to persons under 21.
Renewals of expired licenses
Persons who let their license expire must apply in
person for a new license and may be required to take
all phases of the examination, including the written
test, vision screening, and skills test.
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Full driving privileges
At age 17
At 17, an applicant may be issued a Wyoming driver’s
license with full driving privileges without having been
issued an intermediate license or any other type of
license or permit. However, the applicant may not be is-
sued a license if any current, restricted driving privileges
have been suspended. An applicant must:
• Present proof of identity;
• Pass the vision screening, a written test and a driving
skills test;
Driver license fees
Non-commercial licenses
Original Wyoming License $40
Restricted License $20
Renewal $30
Renewal of License by Mail $30
Instruction Permit $40
Restricted Instruction Permit $20
Intermediate License $30
Commercial licenses
Original Wyoming License $50
Renewal $40
Class Change $40
Commercial Learners Permit $40
Other fees
Motorcycle license $6
Identification Card $10
CDL Skills Test (by appointment only) $80
Individual Driving Records $5
Record Review $15
Contested Hearing $25
Non CDL Probationary License $50
Reinstatement Fee $50
Emancipated Minor Indication $2
Child support suspension reinstatement $5
NOTE: An additional technology fee of $5
will be imposed on all classes of driver
licenses and CDL Skills tests. All fees are
subject to change.
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• Have a parent or legal guardian sign the Minor’s
Release Form and pay the required fee.
At 16 and one-half
At 16 and one-half years of age, applicants may also
be issued full driving privileges if they have a current
intermediate license that is at least six months old, their
current, restricted driving privileges have not been
suspended, and if they have completed a driver educa-
tion course approved by the Wyoming Department of
Education. This applicant must:
• Present a signed certificate of completion from an
approved driver education course which includes
behind-the-wheel driving;
• Present proof of identity;
• Pass a vision screening;
• Have a parent or legal guardian sign the Minor’s
Release Form and pay the required fee.
Age restricted licenses
For extreme inconvenience
A restricted license may be issued to applicants, 14-15,
when an extreme inconvenience exists in their house-
hold. The applicant must have held an instruction
permit and must live five or more miles from school
and/or employment. The Wyoming Highway Patrol
approves applications for restricted licenses.
The license is only valid between the hours of 5 a.m. and
8 p.m. and within 50 miles of the licensee's residence.
The license will be suspended if the licensee is convicted
of one moving traffic violation or of driving outside
the designated hours or the 50-mile radius limitation.
A restricted license expires 30 days after the holder's
16th birthday.
A restricted instruction permit is available for appli-
cants, ages 14-15 years, who have been approved for a
restricted license but do not currently hold an instruc-
tion permit. The permit is valid for 60 days.
Intermediate licenses
A license may also be issued to applicants at age 16 when
they acquire an intermediate license.
At 16 an applicant may be issued an intermediate license
if he or she:
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• Has held a Restricted Class C (RC) license, or
• Has held an Instruction Permit and has completed
50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving, including
10 hours of nighttime driving, as certified by a parent
or legal guardian.
The Intermediate license applicant must also:
• Present proof of identity;
• Pass a vision screening and a driving skills test (The
driving skills test may be waived if the applicant has
completed an approved driver education course);
• Have a minor’s release signed by a parent or legal
guardian; and pay the required fee.
Holders of Intermediate licenses:
• May not transport more than one passenger under
the age of 18 who is not an immediate family mem-
ber unless also accompanied by a licensed driver
18 years of age or older (Intermediate motorcycle
permit holders may not carry any passengers while
driving their motorcycles);
• Must ensure that all occupants of the vehicle are
wearing seat belts; and
• May not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless
the holder meets an exception criteria and presents
a completed exception form.
An exception form allows driving between
11 p.m. and 5 a.m., if the driver is:
• Required to drive for a medical necessity, that is
certified by medical personnel; or
• Required to drive to or from work, as certified by an
employer; or
• Required to drive to or from school, a school activity,
organized youth sports activity or a religious activity,
as certified by parent or legal guardian; or
• Required to drive for a medical emergency, as evi-
denced by medical personnel.
The appropriate individual (as determined by the excep-
tion) must complete and sign the exception form, and
it must be carried by the licensee and presented to law
enforcement if the holder is stopped.
Intermediate license suspension
An intermediate license will be suspended for 30 days
for any violation of these provisions.
- 15 -
Intermediate license expiration
An intermediate license automatically expires 30 days
after the holder’s 17th birthday.
Licenses for disabled drivers
WYDOT understands that most people place great value
in being able to drive and that, without the widespread
availability of public transportation in Wyoming, it is
even more important for persons with disabilities to
have driving privileges whenever possible. Therefore
Driver Services wishes to facilitate the licensing process
for disabled people while making sure that the applicant
is able to drive safely before actually issuing a license. It
may be necessary to have a medical and/or vision state-
ment completed by a physician before a license is issued.
Many applicants need or use special equipment to
drive safely. It is WYDOT’s responsibility to license an
applicant with any restrictions recommended by their
physician, optometrist or ophthalmologist and as a
result of a skills test, when deemed necessary to safely
operate a motor vehicle.
Additional driver/
motoring services
Wyoming Amber Alert System
In 2003, Wyoming Law Enforcement, the Association of
Broadcasters, the National Weather Service (NWS), the
Cable TV Association and the Department of Transpor-
tation (DOT) coordinated the Amber Alert Plan. The
Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is
the designated liaison between the local law enforcement
agency and the NWS, broadcasters and DOT. All of the
following criteria must be met prior to DCI activating
an Amber Alert:
• A child has been abducted.
• The child must be 17 years of age or younger.
• The child must be in immediate danger of serious
bodily harm or death.
• There must be enough descriptive information to
believe a broadcast will assist or help in the recovery.
The Wyoming Amber Alert Plan is designed to broad-
cast critical information about an abducted child
believed to be in danger, using the Emergency Alert
- 16 -
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- 17 -
System, via radio and television. If an Amber Alert is ac-
tivated, please do be aware of the information provided.
Accessing your driving record
WYDOT maintains a computerized driving record of
every driver in the state. It contains a record of all con-
victions, motor vehicle convictions, and adverse actions
as a result of these convictions.
You may obtain a copy of your driver record at any of the
local exam stations upon presenting your driver license
or other legal forms of identification and payment of the
fee. A legal parent or guardian can obtain a copy of a
child’s driver record, if the child is a minor under the age
of 18 years. It is possible to obtain another’s driver record
provided a written release is presented to the examiner
from the person whose driver record is being released.
A person can also obtain a copy of their driver record by
submitting a written request along with the required fee
to the department. The fee for the driving record may
be paid by credit card; however, this must be stipulated
in the written request with a phone number and email
address to contact the person requesting the record.
The Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act prohibits
WYDOT from providing personal information to in-
dividuals and businesses for the purposes of surveys,
marketing and solicitations. Personal information
includes photographs and digital images, signatures,
telephone numbers and medical/disability information.
It does not prohibit the release of records pertaining to
vehicular crashes, driving violations and driver license
or registration status.
Wyoming Organ
and Tissue Donor Registry
Applications for a Wyoming driver's license or identi-
fication card ask whether or not you wish to register to
be an organ donor. The Department of Transportation
is authorized to electronically transfer donor status to
the Donor Registry. A parent's or guardian's signature is
required to approve an anatomical gift for minors under
eighteen (18) years of age.
If you wish to be a donor, a donor designation is
indicated on your driver's license or identification
card. You can directly register or remove your name
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from the Donor Registry by accessing the website at
www.WyomingDonorRegistry.org.
Organ donation is a deeply personal decision only you
and your family can make. You’ll feel good knowing that
you could leave the one thing money cannot buy – life.
Disabled placards
Permanent disabled placards are issued to persons who
suffer from physical impairments. The impairment must
last a minimum of 12 months. Temporary placards
may be issued to persons who suffer an impairment
for up to 6 months.
Applications are available at all driver license exam sta-
tions and on the website at http://www.dot.state.wy.us/
driverservices, then navigate to the forms page. The ap-
plication must be completed by a physician. To obtain
disabled plates, you must complete an application for a
placard and indicate on the form that you want license
plates. You may be issued one placard and one or more
sets of plates, or two placards and no license plates.
Disabled placards are available at no cost to the ap-
plicant.
Medical Alert
Applications for a Wyoming driver's license or identi-
fication card ask whether or not you wish to specify a
medical condition to first responder or law enforcement
officer in the event you are unable to communicate it
yourself.
If you with to specify a medical condition, a medical
alert designation is indicated on your driver's license
or identification card. The designation information
can be removed or changed in the system anytime by
contacting Driver Services.
Wildlife Conservation
Applications for a Wyoming driver's license or identi-
fication card ask whether or not you wish to donate to
Wildlife Conservation. If you choose to donate, you will
indicated the amount you are donating on the applica-
tion and the examiner will collect this amount along
with any other fees.
Funds in the wildlife conservation account shall only be
used to provide for wildlife conservation efforts related
- 19 -
to the transportation system, including signage, wildlife
corridors, wildlife crossings and game fences.
Losing the privilege
to drive
License suspensions,
cancellations and revocations
Driving in Wyoming, as in all states, is a privilege, not a
right. Abuse the privilege, and you may lose it.
Drinking and driving suspensions
Administrative Per Se Suspension
An Administrative Per Se Suspension and a Disquali-
fication of Commercial Driving Privileges results when
you have been arrested for DWUI and the results of
your chemical test show an alcohol concentration of
0.08 percent or greater. Dismissal of the DWUI in court
will not affect the Administrative Per Se suspension.
Length of suspension: 90 days. (If you are convicted of
the DWUI in court, the time served for the Administra-
tive Per Se suspension will be credited toward the DWUI
suspension.)
Length of disqualification: One year if this is a first
major offense and lifetime if this is a second or subse-
quent major offense.
Start of suspension/disqualification: 30 days after the
issuance of the temporary driver’s license and notice of
suspension given by the officer at the time of the arrest,
or at the end of any existing suspension or revocation.
The procedure to apply for limited driving privileges
or a contested case hearing is explained on the form
issued by the officer.
Am I eligible for limited driving privileges? You may
be eligible, if you have not been issued a probationary
driver license in the past five years and are otherwise
eligible. NOTE: You cannot have an ignition interlock
requirement.
Reinstatement requirements:
• Completion of all suspension actions on record; and
• Payment of reinstatement fee.
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Driving While Under the Influence
A DWUI results when you have been convicted in court
of Driving While Under the Influence. (In addition to
an Administrative Per Se/Refusal, you may be convicted
of DWUI or receive a deferred prosecution under W.S.
7-13-301.)
1st offense (within previous 10 years)
Length of suspension: 90 days. (If you served or are serv-
ing a suspension for Administrative Per Se, the suspension
period will be the same.)
Am I eligible for limited driving privileges? You may
be eligible, if you have not been issued a probationary
driver license in the past five years, are otherwise eligible
and do not have an ignition interlock requirement.
Ignition Interlock Requirement: If your BAC (blood
alcohol content) at the time of arrest was .15% or greater,
you will be required to hold an ignition interlock re-
stricted driver license for a period of 6 months before
you are eligible for any other type of driver license.
Reinstatement requirements:
• Completion of all suspension actions on record; or
• Application for an ignition interlock restricted driver
license, if .15% BAC or higher at arrest, must show
proof of ignition interlock device installation; and
• Filing of an SR-22; and
• Payment of reinstatement fee.
2nd offense (within previous 10 years)
Length of suspension: One year. (If you served or are
serving a suspension for Administrative Per Se, an ad-
ditional nine-month suspension will be added to your
record.)
Am I eligible for limited driving privileges? No, accord-
ing to Wyoming law. Limited driving privileges cannot
be issued for any DWUI after the first offense, unless
convicted of DWUI that includes alcohol.
Ignition Interlock Requirement: If convicted for DWUI
which includes alcohol, you will be required to hold an
ignition interlock restricted driver license for a period
of one year before you are eligible for any other type of
driver license.
- 21 -
Reinstatement requirements:
• Completion of all suspension actions on record; or
• Application for an ignition interlock restricted driver
license, if required, must show proof of ignition
interlock device installation; and
• Filing of an SR-22; and
• Payment of reinstatement fee.
3rd or subsequent offense (within 10 years)
Length of revocation: Three years.
Am I eligible for limited driving privileges? No, unless
convicted of DWUI that includes alcohol.
Ignition Interlock Requirement: If convicted of 3rd
DWUI which includes alcohol, you will be required to
hold an ignition interlock restricted driver license for
a period of two year plus the remainder of the revoca-
tion period before you are eligible for any other type of
driver license.
If convicted of 4th or subsequent DWUI which includes
alcohol, you will be required to hold an ignition inter-
lock restricted driver license for life, but you may peti-
tion to the court, 5 years from your conviction date, for
removal of the lifetime ignition interlock requirement.
Reinstatement requirements:
• Completion of all suspension/revocation actions on
record; or
• Application for an ignition interlock restricted driver
license, if required, must show proof of ignition
interlock device installation; and
• Filing of an SR-22;
• Payment of reinstatement fee;
• Undergo an alcohol/drug evaluation;
• Successfully complete an alcohol/drug treatment
program;
• Complete and pass a re-examination of the ability to
safely operate a motor vehicle. If you are re-licensed,
you may be restricted to “No alcohol or substance
abuse offenses," and must follow counselor's recom-
mendations. NOTE: If you have obtained an ignition
interlock restricted license and there are no viola-
tions, your re-examination and additional restriction
may be waived.
- 22 -
Youthful Driver Suspension
If you are younger than 21 years of age and are in actual
physical control of a vehicle with an alcohol concentra-
tion of two one-hundredths of one percent (0.02 per-
cent) or more, you will be suspended for DWUI.
First offense:
Length of suspension: 90 days.
Second or subsequent offense: (within two years)
Length of suspension: Six months.
Am I eligible for limited driving privileges? You may
be eligible, if you have not been issued a probationary
driver license in the past five years and are otherwise
eligible. NOTE: You cannot have an ignition interlock
requirement.
Ignition Interlock Requirement
First offense:
If your BAC (blood alcohol content) at the time of ar-
rest was .15% or greater, you will be required to hold an
ignition interlock restricted driver license for a period
of 6 months before you are eligible for any other type
of driver license.
Second offense:
If convicted for DWUI which includes alcohol, you will
be required to hold an ignition interlock restricted driver
license for a period of one year before you are eligible
for any other type of driver license.
Other types of suspension
Reckless Driving Suspension
This suspension results upon receipt of a conviction of
driving a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for
the safety of persons or property.
First offense (within previous five years)
Length of suspension: 90 days.
Am I eligible for limited driving privileges? You may
be eligible if you have not been issued a probationary
driver license in the past five years and you are other-
wise eligible.
- 23 -
Reinstatement requirements:
• Completion of all suspension actions on record;
• Filing of an SR-22; and
• Payment of reinstatement fee.
Second offense (within previous five years)
Length of suspension: Six months.
Am I eligible for limited driving privileges? You may be
eligible if you have not been issued a probationary driver
license in the past five years and are otherwise eligible.
Reinstatement requirements:
• Completion of all suspension actions on record;
• Filing of an SR-22; and
• Payment of reinstatement fee.
Third or subsequent offense (within five years)
Length of revocation: One year.
Am I eligible for limited driving privileges? No.
Reinstatement requirements:
• Completion of all suspension/revocation actions on
record;
• Filing of an SR-22;
• Payment of reinstatement fee;
• Complete and pass a re-examination of the ability to
safely operate a motor vehicle.
Transporting Liquor to a Minor Suspension
This results from a conviction for the intent of furnish-
ing any alcoholic liquid or malt beverage to any person
under the age of 21 while operating or occupying a
motor vehicle.
Length of suspension: One year.
Am I eligible for limited driving privileges? You may be
eligible if you have not been issued a probationary driver
license in the past five years and are otherwise eligible.
Reinstatement requirements:
• Completion of all suspension actions on record; and
• Payment of reinstatement fee.
- 24 -
Non-Resident Violator
Compact Suspension
This results when a court informs the department that
you have not complied with the terms of a traffic cita-
tion. This includes citations from other states as well as
Wyoming. The state where the violator is licensed takes
suspension action, not the state where the offense oc-
curred. (It is named the Non-Resident Violator Compact
to ensure that non-residents receive the same treatment
as residents when they receive a traffic citation.)
Length of suspension: Until notice of satisfaction of the
requirements of the citation are received from the court,
and payment of the reinstatement fee.
Am I eligible for limited driving privileges? No.
Reinstatement requirements: (prior to start date of
suspension)
• Notice from the court indicating you have satisfied
the requirements of the citation. (Suspension will be
deleted from record.)
Reinstatement requirements: (after start date of sus-
pension)
• Notice from the court indicating you have satisfied
the requirements of the citation; and
• Payment of reinstatement fee.
Moving Violation Suspension
You are allowed up to three moving violations within
a 12-month period. Upon receipt of conviction for a
fourth moving violation, you will be notified that your
driving privilege will be suspended. A moving violation
means an act of control or lack of control by the driver
of a motor vehicle while the vehicle is in motion that
results in a conviction, including a conviction for driving
in violation of the restriction.
Length of suspension: 90 days. Each additional moving
violation received within a 12-month period will cause
an additional 90-day suspension. The date of the offense
is used when determining the 12-month period. (**See
section “Restricted Class RC/RM Licenses" and "Inter-
mediate License Suspension” on page 24 for additional
suspension information.)
- 25 -
Am I eligible for limited driving privileges? You may be
eligible if you have not been issued a probationary driver
license in the past five years and are otherwise eligible.
Reinstatement requirements:
• Completion of all suspension actions on record; and
• Payment of reinstatement fee.
Compulsory Insurance Suspension
This is a result of a conviction in court of not having
liability insurance.
Length of suspension: Until an SR-22 insurance form
has been filed with the department.
Am I eligible for limited driving privileges? No.
Reinstatement requirements: (prior to start date of
suspension)
• Filing of an SR-22 (Suspension will be deleted from
record.)
Reinstatement requirements: (after start date of sus-
pension)
• Filing of an SR-22
• Payment of reinstatement fee
Unlawful Use & False Application
Suspension and/or Cancellation
This suspension results from displaying, or using some-
one else’s license or identification card -OR- having
in your possession any license or ID card which has
been tampered with or altered. It is unlawful to lend
your license or ID card to someone else to use as their
identification, to knowingly make a false statement, give
fictitious information, use a false name, or conceal a fact
on an application for a license or ID card. It is against
the law to apply for a license or ID card using a name,
address, Social Security number or birth date belonging
to another person. These actions may result in the can-
cellation of the card, and/or a 90-day suspension for the
person using or lending the driver’s license or ID card.
Child Support Suspension
This results upon notification from the Department of
Family Services (DFS) that you are in arrears of $5,000
or more for 90 consecutive days. The suspension will
- 26 -
remain in effect until notification is received from DFS
that the person has complied in full or has entered into
an approved payment plan, and a $5 reinstatement fee
is paid.
Restricted Class RC/RM License
Suspension
This suspension is the result of a moving violation
conviction when the driver is holding a class RC/RM
license at the time of offense. A 90-day suspension is
imposed for a first offense and a one-year suspension
for a second or subsequent offense.
Intermediate License Suspension
This suspension is the result of a violation of the restric-
tions for an intermediate license. A 30-day suspension
is imposed for this offense.
Driving under Suspension,
Revocation or Cancellation
This results in a 30-day suspension of your driving
privileges if you are under 21 years of age.
Uninsured Accident Suspension
This is a result of the driver's insurance not being verifi-
able at the time of the crash.
Reinstatement requirements: If you were uninsured,
you can do one of the following:
• Submit a notarized release from the other party(s)
involved in the crash stating they are not holding you
liable for their damages and/or injuries or that you
have made restitution to them; OR
• Submit a conditional release signed and notarized
by you and the other party(s) stating an agreement
has been made for you to make payments for their
damages and/or injuries; OR
• Post a cash deposit for the total amount of property
damage, plus $25,000 per injury. One year from the
date of the crash, you will be entitled to a refund of
your cash deposit; provided there are no judgments
against you.
• If you are unable to provide any of the above, you
can provide a signed and notarized affidavit one year
from the date of the crash, stating that there are no
unsatisfied judgments as a result of the crash.
- 27 -
Should you be suspended, you will be required to pay
the reinstatement fee and file an SR-22 in addition to
one of the above requirements.
Suspension-related matters
Requests for limited driving privileges
and/or contested case hearings
In some suspension cases, you may be eligible for
limited driving privileges. If so, you may request a
Record Review to see if you are eligible to be issued a
probationary driver license which will allow you limited
driving privileges during the suspension period. You
must submit your request in writing and include the
required fee. Both the written request and the fee must
be postmarked within 20 days of the date of notice you
receive. You can only be issued one probationary driver’s
license in a five-year period
If you wish to contest the suspension of your privilege
to drive, you may submit your request for a Contested
Case Hearing, in writing, along with the required fee.
Your written request must be postmarked within 20 days
of the date of the notice you receive.
License reinstatement fee
Generally, the reinstatement fee for suspensions is $50.
This fee is in addition to any fees for a new driver license,
if one is issued to you. The reinstatement fee for a child
support suspension is $5.
Revocation
A revocation cancels your driver license, and you must
go through a driver investigation to be re-licensed once
the revocation is over. You cannot have limited driving
privileges during a revocation. Offenses that will cause
a revocation are:
• Third or subsequent Driving While Under the Influ-
ence (DWUI);
• Third or subsequent Reckless Driving;
• Leaving the Scene of an Injury Accident;
• Homicide by Vehicle;
• A felony which is a direct result of the manner of
driving.
SR-22
An SR-22 is an insurance certificate that your insurance
company files with the department. Wyoming Statute
- 28 -
31-9-401 requires that proof of financial responsibility
be required for certain violations or actions. Proof of
financial responsibility must be maintained for three
years from the date it is required. When an SR-22 is on
file, the insurance company must notify the department
when there is a cancellation of the insurance. During a
suspension, the SR-22, for the duration of your ignition
interlock requirement, if required, is required to main-
tain your vehicle registration or for a probationary driver
license, if one is issued to you. If the SR-22 is not on file
by the end of your mandatory suspension, your driving
privilege will remain suspended until the SR-22 is filed.
Start of suspension/revocation
The start of a suspension/revocation is 30 days from
the date the order is mailed to you by the department
or given to you by law enforcement, or at the end of any
suspensions already on your record.
Ignition Interlock Devices
Ignition interlock devices are required to be installed,
at the applicant's expense, upon conviction of the fol-
lowing offenses:
• Six-month ignition interlock requirement if con-
victed, or receive a deferred prosecution, of a 1st
DWUI and the department’s administrative action
indicates a BAC of .15 percent or greater.
• One-year ignition interlock requirement if convicted
of a 2nd DWUI when alcohol is involved.
• Two-year ignition interlock requirement if convicted
of a 3rd DWUI when alcohol is involved; however,
ignition interlock requirement for duration of three-
year revocation to legally drive.
• Lifetime ignition interlock requirement if con-
victed of a 4th or subsequent DWUI when alcohol
is involved; however, may petition for removal of
requirement five years after conviction date.
For more information, contact Driver Services at
307-777-3837.
Drivers convicted of alcohol-related offenses requiring
the ignition interlock device, are also required to do
the following:
• File an SR-22 insurance form.
• Pay the $50 reinstatement fee.
- 29 -
• Pay the $100 ignition interlock fee.
• Have the ignition interlock device installed on any
vehicle they drive at an installation site and by a
technician certified by the department.
• Bring the lease agreement/certification of installa-
tion to their local driver exam office to be issued the
IIR restricted driver license. The applicant's driving
privilege must not be suspended, revoked or canceled
in this or any other state for any reason other than the
DWUI conviction that caused the ignition interlock
requirement, or the license cannot be issued.
• Take and pass any tests required for licensing.
A driver is not eligible for any other type of driver license
until they have held an ignition interlock restricted
driver license for the period required.
A driver may apply for a 24/7 restricted driver license
if they have received an order from the Court ordering
the driver to participate in the 24/7 Sobriety Program
in lieu of the ignition interlock requirement.
For a list of ignition interlock vendors and in-
stallers in Wyoming, please visit our website at:
http://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/driver_license_records/
suspensionsignition-interlock/ignition_interlock.html
Safety laws/issues
Safety belt law
Under Wyoming law, a safety belt (seat belt) must be
worn by all occupants of the vehicle, including the
driver. It's the driver's responsibility to see that the law
is obeyed. Children must be properly restrained in ap-
propriate child-restraint systems.
Safety belts should be worn properly. The lap belt should
be drawn snugly across the hip bones. It should never be
worn across the stomach or soft part of the abdomen.
The shoulder strap should be loose enough to allow the
driver to reach important controls. The shoulder strap
should not be worn alone.
- 30 -
Child restraints
WYOMING CHILD RESTRAINT GUIDE
KEY POINTS:
Child who has not reached his/her ninth birthday.
• Applies to all drivers.
• Applies to privately owned, leased or rented non-
commercial passenger vehicles.
• Child must be secured in vehicle seat other than front seat
except in vehicles with one row of seats, or if all safety belts
are in use by other child passengers.
• Child in rear-facing infant seat shall not be placed in front of
an active airbag.
• Child must be properly secured in restraint and it must be
properly installed, both as per manufacturer’s instructions.
• Restraint must conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 213 for child restraint systems.
• Applies to residents and non-residents.
• Primary Offense: Non-use or misuse are reasonable
suspicion for stopping a vehicle to investigate a suspected
violation.
PENALTY:
• Maximum $60 fine for first offense. Fine shall be waived
by the court upon receipt of proof of purchase, lease, or
other acquisition, of an approved restraint after the offense
occurred.
• Maximum $110 fine for second and subsequent offenses.
EXEMPTIONS:
• Child within age requirement if the lap and shoulder belt fit
properly across the collarbone, chest and hips of child and
does not pose danger to neck, face or abdominal area in a
crash or sudden stop.
• Physician’s signed statement, carried in the car, certifying
that the child should not be secured in a child restraint
system.
• Vehicles that were not equipped with safety belts at time of
manufacture. (Passenger vehicles before MY1967; Vans and
trucks before MY1972).
• Emergency and law enforcement vehicles.
• School buses, including private or church, used to transport
children as well as buses or other vehicles used for public
transportation manufactured without seat belts.
• The driver is rendering aid or assistance to the child, parent
or guardian. (Effective 02/17/2006)
Who can help in your area?
Safe Kids Wyoming 800-992-GROW (4769)
Call above number for local Safe Kids chapter numbers.
Safe Kids Albany Safe Kids Campbell
Safe Kids Converse Safe Kids Fremont
Safe Kids Hot Springs Safe Kids Johnson
Safe Kids Laramie Safe Kids Lincoln
Safe Kids Park Safe Kids Platte
Safe Kids Sheridan Safe Kids Sublette
Safe Kids Sweetwater Safe Kids Teton
Safe Kids Uinta Safe Kids Washakie
Safe Kids Central Wyoming
Additional copies:
WYDOT Highway Safety
5300 Bishop Blvd.
Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340
307-777-4450
- 31 -
HINTS FOR BOOSTER SEAT USE:
Look at weight and height limits of the belt-positioning booster
which provides protection for child over 40 pounds. Review
individual instructions for booster.
For most, look at vehicle seat:
• If head rest available, use low back belt-positioning booster
and adjust head rest to middle of child’s head behind the
ears.
• If no head rest on vehicle seat, use high back belt
positioning booster to provide head protection.
Look at vehicle seat belt, if lap and shoulder belt available, then
use booster seat but if lap belt only available, other options
must be considered.
TO FIT A SEAT BELT A CHILD MUST:
Keep back and buttocks against vehicle seat back.
Keep the shoulder belt on the shoulder resting snugly over the
chest and lap belt low across the hip/upper thigh.
Keep knees completely bent over the edge of the vehicle seat.
Keep feet flat on the floor and able to stay comfortably seated
this way for the entire trip.
Proper fit of safety belt.
Provided by Federal Highway Safety Grant Funds
- 32 -
Persons not
required to wear a
safety belt include
anyone:
• With a written statement
from a physician that it is not
advisable for the person to
wear a safety belt for physical
or medical reasons;
• In any passenger vehicle not
required to be equipped with
safety belts under federal law;
• Who is a U.S. postal service
worker performing duties as
a postal carrier;
• Properly secured in a child
safety restraint system;
• Occupying a front seat in a
vehicle in which all operable
safety restraints are being
used by the driver or passen-
gers.
Yes
No
No
No
No
Proper use,
misuse of
seat belts
- 33 -
The Driver License Compact
Wyoming is a member of the Driver License Compact.
The compact provides guidelines for greater cooperation
among states in driver license issues, and provides a one
license, one record concept. All states except Georgia,
Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin are
currently members.
How alcohol and drugs affect
you and your ability to drive
Alcohol the major cause of crashes
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is the
major cause of ALMOST HALF of the crashes in which
someone is killed. Nationwide, nearly 25,000 persons die
each year because of drivers who have been drinking.
Alcohol is a drug that slows the activity of the brain
and spinal cord. When alcohol enters the stomach, it
goes directly into the blood and to all parts of the body,
including the brain. Its effect is to put the brain to sleep
when taken in sufficient amounts.
Alcohol directly affects a person’s ability to drive. If
a person drinks increasing amounts of alcohol, the
amount of alcohol in the blood will rise accordingly,
and the degree of impairment and the intensity of the
effect will rise rapidly.
The amount or concentration of alcohol in the blood is
known as Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC. Three
factors influence a person’s BAC:
• The amount of alcohol consumed;
• The period of time over which the alcohol was con-
sumed; and
• The person’s body weight.
Effects of the amount of alcohol
Pure ethyl alcohol is a colorless liquid that looks like
water but has a burning taste. It mixes readily with
other liquids. Its strength is reduced by the amount of
water or mix used. Beer usually contains about 5 percent
alcohol, wines 12 or 20 percent, and hard liquors, such
as whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, brandy, etc., about 40 to
50 percent. Therefore, 12 ounces of beer, three to five
ounces of wine, and one and one-half ounces of 86 proof
hard liquor each have about one-half ounce of alcohol.
- 34 -
Effects of time
When alcohol reaches the stomach, it is absorbed di-
rectly into the blood stream. As more and more alcohol
is absorbed, the percentage of alcohol in the blood gets
higher and higher.
A person may feel the effects of alcohol shortly after
starting to drink. The effects will increase with the
passage of time since it takes 30 to 40 minutes to totally
absorb the alcohol contained in a single drink.
While food or milk in the stomach does slow absorption,
two hours later it won’t matter if you had been drinking
on a full stomach or not. If two persons of equal weight
drink the same amount they will have about the same
BAC at the end of that two-hour period. TIME IS THE
ONLY SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN REDUCING BAC
LEVELS.
Approximately 90 percent of the alcohol in your body is
eliminated by the liver. It is eliminated at a constant rate
and this rate is about the same for all persons, about one
drink per hour. It CANNOT be eliminated any faster.
SHOWERING, DRINKING COFFEE OR EXERCISING
IN AN EFFORT TO SOBER UP ARE USELESS. Only
TIME can do the job.
Effects of body weight
Heavier people do have more blood and body fluids
which dilute a given amount of alcohol more than a light
person’s blood and fluids. Therefore if a heavy person
and a light person drink the same amount of alcohol,
the heavy person will likely have a lower BAC.
Drunkenness is not always apparent
A BAC of 0.02 percent is considered low and most
persons are not significantly affected by alcohol at this
level. On the other hand, a BAC of 0.08 percent is con-
sidered to be high, and people at this level are impaired
mentally and physically whether or not they show it.
Many people think that drunkenness is determined by
outward signs. They have in mind individuals who stag-
ger, slobber or put lamp shades on their heads. However
there are individuals who regularly drink to relatively
high BACs that do not show any of the outward signs.
Even though they are able to compensate and cover up
their drunkenness, they still increase their chances of
- 35 -
being in a crash, if they drive with a BAC of 0.02 per-
cent or higher. As a person’s BAC rises, their ability to
judge and make accurate decisions in traffic become
more and more impaired, regardless of whether they
appear to be impaired.
Effects on decision-making
Alcohol seriously impairs the ability to drive safely because
the ability to IDENTIFY, PREDICT, DECIDE and EX-
ECUTE is seriously reduced.
• IDENTIFY: Senses such as vision, hearing, and body
position are reduced, and therefore a person’s ability
to detect hazards in a pat-
tern of traffic is seriously
affected. Impaired driv-
ers tend to fix their vision
on a particular object
and not see others. The
ability to detect persons
and vehicles to the side
is almost completely lost.
Hearing is reduced, as is
the ability to judge distances. Drivers with a high
BAC may also lose their sense of body position, and
with increasing impairment, they may fade across
the center line, wander from lane to lane and even
run off the road.
• PREDICT: Effective drivers predict what other driv-
ers might do to cause them problems, and driving
under the influence of alcohol, with the ability to see,
hear, and feel body position impaired, makes such
predictions difficult, if not impossible.
• DECIDE: The ability to make good decisions in
critical situations is also vitally important to safe
driving, and that ability is seriously affected when
it is based on faulty senses, faulty judgments and
poor predictions. Couple this with the false sense of
confidence and lack of good judgment that alcohol
provides, and you can see how very likely it is that the
impaired driver will make bad decisions in critical
driving situations.
- 36 -
• EXECUTE: In demonstrations using driving simula-
tors, test subjects often turn left when they think they
are turning right. They jam on the accelerator when
they think they are applying the brakes. This happens
even though the people being tested may be sober
by outward appearances and legal definition. Even
if they execute correctly, they do so much slower.
Because of this reduced ability to execute, a drinking
driver, traveling at 55 mph, will drive an additional
32 feet or more before he can apply the brakes. Even
at lower speeds, this added two-fifths of a second can
be the difference between crashing and not crashing.
Other factors
There are several other factors that influence a driver’s
ability to operate a vehicle safely when drinking. These
factors help explain why people behave differently when
affected by alcohol, and why some drivers show greater
impairment than others with the same BAC.
• DRIVING EXPERIENCE: Alcohol affects the inex-
perienced driver more than the experienced driver.
The poor or inexperienced driver will become a
much worse driver quicker when drinking, and even
small amounts of alcohol are likely to increase the
number of errors dramatically.
• DRINKING EXPERIENCE: The same can be said
of less experienced drinkers. Beginning drinkers
will often show greater impairment and be less able
to drive after drinking than a person who is a more
experienced drinker.
• DRIVING CONDITIONS: Unusual weather, lighting
and road conditions make driving more difficult and
call for a higher level of performance, while drinking
only reduces a person's ability to perform. The drink-
ing driver will not be able to lift his performance
level.
• MENTAL STATE: A person who is tired, angry, anx-
ious, emotionally upset, or even elated, may already
be impaired as a driver. The good driver will com-
pensate for these conditions, but alcohol reduces the
ability to do so. In fact, anger and alcohol have been
found to be one of the most dangerous combinations.
Simply put, alcohol makes it much more difficult for
people to control themselves.
- 37 -
Drinking and driving — Is it worth it?
If you are placed under arrest for driving under the
influence, a chemical test or tests to determine your
BAC may result. Under the Implied Consent law, driv-
ers are deemed to have given their consent to such tests
whenever driving on a public street or highway.
• If you REFUSE to take the required test or tests, law
enforcement may obtain a warrant to require the test
or tests to be administered by an approved tester.
• If you submit to the required test or tests and your
BAC is 0.08 percent or more, your driver license and
driving privileges will be suspended for 90 days and
you may be subject to criminal penalties.
• And while a BAC of 0.08 percent or more may result
in a conviction, you may also be convicted of DWUI
with a BAC of 0.05 percent and other supporting
evidence.
It’s your decision
We would suggest you seriously consider planning
ahead so that you do not have to drive after you have
been drinking.
Other drugs
Most of the common drugs (diet, sleeping, allergy,
tranquilizers) affect at least one of the major skills you
need as a driver. Drivers need to know how drugs affect
their ability to Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute.
• Diet and "stay-awake" pills, known as “pep pills,”
“uppers” and “speed,” give drivers a false feeling of
alertness and often increase self-confidence, which
may lead to excessive risk-taking. Some drivers try
to drive longer by taking “stay-awake” pills. However
these drugs keep drivers from realizing how tired
they are and that they therefore do not have the
ability to identify critical objects and make quick
decisions. Attempts to stay awake with drugs can
cause additional problems.
• Sleeping pills are intended to relax and help persons
sleep. They can make thinking difficult, affect emo-
tions and cause sleepiness. They can affect all of the
driving IPDE skills for several hours.
- 38 -
• Allergy pills and cold remedies: These pills can con-
tain a variety of antihistamines, bromides, codeine
and alcohol. They can cause a person to become
sleepy and impair a person’s ability to think clearly.
• Tranquilizers: These pills are intended to help a
person calm down. The drugs cause a person to
become less alert and sleepy. They also make think-
ing difficult and affect emotions. The pills can affect
alertness, attention, judgment and reactions. The
effects may last for several hours.
• Mind-altering drugs: Marijuana, LSD, heroin and
similar drugs are illegal. They are often impure and
may vary in strength. These drugs often affect a
person’s mood, vision, reaction and ability to judge
time and space. They tend to make users indifferent
to or even unaware of their surroundings. The total
effects are often unpredictable. Anyone under the
influence of these drugs must not attempt to drive a
motor vehicle.
Be cautious of new medicines. Do not drive until you
are certain that they will not impair your driving. You
should know that Driving While Under the Influence
of any controlled drug is not legal. You may be charged
and convicted of DWUI.
Ask your doctor about what effects any drugs he pre-
scribes might have on your driving.
Read the label carefully before you buy or use any over-
the-counter or non-prescription drug.
What to do when you are
stopped by law enforcement
There are many different reasons why a police officer
might stop you. Whatever the reason, the officer needs
your cooperation.
• The police may want to warn you about a potentially
dangerous situation.
• You may have committed a traffic violation.
• Your vehicle may match the description of one used
in a criminal act.
- 39 -
• The officer might think you are in trouble and need
help.
• You may have witnessed a crime.
If you are stopped by the police while driving, you may
feel confused, anxious, or even angry. These are natural
feelings, but remember, traffic stops can also be stressful
and dangerous for the police officer. Each year, many
law enforcement officers are killed or seriously injured
while making the “routine” traffic stop. When you see
the blue and red overhead lights and/or hear the siren,
remain calm, slow down, and pull over to the right of
the roadway in a safe location. Do not stop in the lane
of travel, on bridges, or against guardrails.
• Put your vehicle in park.
• To facilitate communication with the officer, roll
down your window, end phone calls, and turn down
your radio.
• Do not exit your vehicle unless asked to do so. This
is for safety reasons. Drivers and passengers may be
ordered to stay in the vehicle, or told to exit. Wait for
direction from the officer.
• Keep your hands on the steering wheel so the officer
can see them.
Understand that each situation is unique, and the
police officer must alter his or her response to fit the
circumstance. Generally, however, a police officer:
1. Will provide his/her name upon request.
2. Will inform a person of the reason for being
stopped.
• Inform the officer of any weapons in your vehicle and
their location. Do not reach or point to the location.
• Avoid any sudden movements, especially toward the
floorboard, rear seat, or passenger side of the vehicle.
• Turn on your interior lighting if stopped at night.
• Comply with the officer’s request to see your driver’s
license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.
Wyoming law requires you to carry these with you.
- 40 -
• If your documents are out of reach, tell the officer
where they are before you reach for them.
• If there are passengers in your vehicle, encourage
them to remain quiet, and cooperate with instruc-
tions. You, as the operator, are solely responsible for
your vehicle and its occupants.
• Answer all questions truthfully.
• The officer may issue you a ticket. If you feel the
reason is vague or unclear, politely ask the officer
for details.
• Avoid becoming argumentative. Arguing will not
change the officer’s mind. If you contest the violation,
you will have an opportunity to address the matter
in court.
• You have the right to politely deny a request by a
police officer to search your car; however, if probable
cause is present, the officer has the right to search
your vehicle without your consent.
• If you come across an emergency or maintenance
vehicle with its lights activated on the side of the
road, remember Wyoming law requires you to merge
into the lane farthest from that working vehicle (in-
terstate) or to reduce your speed by at least 20 mph
(two lane road).
• If you are being overtaken by an emergency vehicle
with its lights activated, Wyoming law requires you
to pull off to the right side of the road and stop until
the emergency vehicle has passed.
- 41 -
rules of the road
Speed
Legal speed limits (All unless otherwise posted)
Interstate Highways ............................. 80 mph, 75 mph
Secondary Highways ...........................................70 mph
Residential Areas .................................................30 mph
Business Areas .....................................................30 mph
School Zones ........................................................20 mph
Adjust speed for road conditions
The only contact your car has with the road is through
its tires, and each only has an area of rubber about the
size of a person's hand on the surface of the road. The
grip provided by the tires, then, is very dependent on the
condition of the road itself. It is imperative, therefore,
that motorists drive according to road conditions.
On curves
Adjust speed BEFORE entering a curve. Going too fast can
break the grip that tires have on the road.
At intersections
Trees, bushes or buildings at intersections can block
the view of vehicles coming from the side. Therefore
approach a “blind” intersection at no more than 15 mph.
On slippery roads
Slippery roads reduce your the tires' grip, so drive slower
than you would on a dry road. When driving on:
Wet road Reduce speed by at least 5-10 mph.
Packed snow Reduce speed by at least half.
Ice Reduce speed to a crawl. You may have
to slow even more if vehicles are ahead.
Adjust speed for traffic conditions
Crashes tend to happen when one driver is going faster
or slower than other vehicles on the road:
• If you are going faster than traffic, you will have to
pass other vehicles. The chances of a crash increase
if you pass many vehicles.
• Going slower than traffic or stopping suddenly is as
dangerous as speeding. The risk of rear-end collisions
- 42 -
is added to the risk of vehicles passing you.
• You should be able to identify slower-moving ve-
hicles. Adjust your speed gradually. Slowing suddenly
is a major cause of traffic crashes.
• Remember that you are sharing the road with bicy-
clists, and that they have as much legal right to be
on a public roadway as you. All bicycles should be
identified as slow-moving traffic and your speed and
driving should be adjusted to accommodate them.
Adjust speed for light conditions
Darkness
Never drive so fast that you cannot stop within the dis-
tance you can see ahead with your headlights. Your lights
will only let you see clearly about 250 feet. If you then
drive faster than 55 mph on a dark road, you are really
“driving blind” because you won't be able to stop within
the 250 feet ahead of you that is lit well enough to see.
Rain, fog or snow
In a very heavy rain, snowstorm or thick fog, you may
not be able to see more than 100 feet ahead. When you
can’t see any further than that, you cannot drive safely
at any speed. Whenever you cannot see well enough,
pull off the road and wait until it clears.
Right of way
“Right-of-way” laws tell who must yield at intersections
or other places where two or more motor vehicles, bi-
cycles, pedestrians, or combinations of these cannot all
go at the same time.
Laws do not give anyone the right of way. They only
indicate who must yield the right of way. Therefore you
must always be alert for those who fail to yield and you
should do everything possible to avoid a crash. This
includes recognizing other vehicles and pedestrians. It
is important to remember that bicyclists are classified
as vehicles and are granted the same rights and respon-
sibilities that operators of motor vehicles have.
Right of way at intersections
Intersections with no signs or signals
Where no signs or signals are in place, you must watch
for any driver coming from your right and yield the
right of way regardless of who first reaches and enters
- 43 -
the intersection.
The diagram below illustrates such a right-of-way
situation.
• Car “A” yields to Car “B” if Car “A” is going straight
ahead.
• If Car “A” turns left, Car “A” yields to both “B” and “C.”
• Car “B” yields to Car “C.”
A
B
C
Right of way
Anytime you come to a place where others may cross or
enter your path, check to the sides to make sure no one
is coming. Do not depend upon traffic signs or signals
to provide a safe path. Check in front of you, and then
check to the left, since you will meet vehicles coming
from the left first. Check for vehicles coming from the
right. Then make another check in both directions.
Intersections with “YIELD” signs
• Check for cross traffic before reaching the intersec-
tion.
• If a yield sign is in your lane, yield the right of way
to cross traffic close enough to be dangerous.
• When turning onto a street or highway, yield to any
vehicles close enough to be dangerous.
• Check for a gap in traffic, merge and adjust your
speed.
Get a Winter Wheelin’ brochure at:
www.dot.state.wy.us/home/travel/winter.html
or by writing:
WYDOT Public Affairs
5300 Bishop Blvd.
Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340
Conditions on Wyoming highways can
become slick, icy and treacherous
quickly when a winter storm hits.
That’s why it’s important to move slowly along
winter Wyoming
roads and to
check out the
surface you are
driving on, when
traffic permits.
Touch the brakes
to see if your
vehicle begins
to slow down or swerve. Watch for ice on bridges,
overpasses and shaded areas, where it can remain,
even after the sun comes out.
Black ice is treacherous
Black ice is invisible and is treacherous, so always
watch for sudden changes in road surface condi-
tions, from merely wet, to extremely icy. These
changes occur often at bridge decks, overpasses, on
Traffic can quickly back up when a storm hits.
IT’S ICY
Be careful
out there!
- 44 -
Make it, "Count on it being icy!!"
high fills, in deep cuts and near snow fences. Drive
slowly and in full control in order to avoid skidding.
And thawing temperatures can also leave a thin
film of water over melting ice, making it even more
slick.
Start & drive slowly, steadily
Starting your car moving on snow and ice requires
slow, steady and careful acceleration and front wheels
that are pointed straight ahead. Many
rely on second gear, or “drive,” in
an automatic, for safer starts.
Four-wheel-drive and front-
wheel-drive vehicles generally
allow better traction, but be
aware they can skid with sudden
changes in power to drive wheels,
such as when the accelerator is quickly released. And
four-wheel-drive vehicles with high centers of gravity
are also more likely to tip over in a skid.
Be prepared to stop
Whatever your type of vehicle, be prepared to stop,
and increase your following distance. Allow the car
ahead to pass a landmark, and then count “one-
thousand-one" through "one-thousand-four.” If your
car reaches the same landmark before you finish,
you are following too closely.
- 45 -
How brakes can best be used depends on whether
a vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS) or conventional
brakes. Locked wheels and skids typically result
when drivers jam on conventional brakes. Pumping
those brakes once every second is a good rule of
thumb. But don't pump ABS brakes. That’s achieved
automatically.
If you begin to skid
On a slippery road, keep your speed
down. Stopping will be a simpler
maneuver, and the risk of
skidding will be reduced.
But if you begin to skid,
gently turn into the skid and
ease your foot off the gas until
you regain control.
In a ground blizzard
Icy roads topped by a blowing ground blizzard
make for double trouble. Slow down, of course, but
also keep moving and don’t panic. Don't do any-
thing quickly. Any steering or braking movements,
as well as the speed you maintain, should be SLOW.
If you do lose your bearings, roll down the window
and look on the downwind side of the car to deter-
mine where you are on the road, by using either the
center stripe or the edge of the road.
Most of all, be patient when driving on ice or snow.
If the vehicle in front of you spins out on an icy hill,
stay in line. Wait for a snowplow to clear the way.
You’ll get through much quicker.
If one person skids, others may
If you stop to help someone who has slid off the
road or been in a crash due to ice, be careful. Park
well away at the crash site, and be ready to get out
of the way should anyone else lose control at the
same icy location.
- 46 -
- 47 -
At yield signs
Intersections with four-way stops
At a four-way stop intersection, common courtesy re-
quires that the driver who stops first should be permitted
to go first. IF IN DOUBT, YIELD TO THE DRIVER
ON YOUR RIGHT. It's important to remember to never
insist on the right of way at the risk of a crash. If you
enter an intersection while violating the speed law, you
forfeit any right of way you might have had.
STOP
STOP
STOP
STOP
A
B
C
A yields to B because B is on the right.
At four-way stops
C arrived at intersection first.
A and B yield to C because
- 48 -
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are a safer, more cost-effective way to build
some intersections. By keeping traffic moving and re-
quiring fewer stops and starts than conventional intersec-
tions, roundabouts reduce crashes, delays and congestion,
resulting in drops in fuel consumption and emissions.
Traffic moves at slow speeds in a counterclockwise direc-
tion, and is constantly moving except when yielding to traf-
fic in the roundabout and pedestrians in the crosswalks.
To navigate a roundabout:
1. Slow down as you approach the roundabout and yield
to pedestrians and traffic already in the roundabout;
2. Look to the left, wait for a gap in traffic and merge
into the roundabout;
3. Once in the roundabout, keep moving, don't stop;
4. Proceed to your exit, use your turn signal to indicate
you are leaving the roundabout and yield to pedestrians
as you leave the roundabout;
5. Pedestrians should cross only in crosswalks.
1. Slow
and yield
2. Merge
3. Keep
moving
4. Signal
and exit at
your route
5. Pedestrians
cross only at
crosswalks
At Roundabouts
Right-of-way involving emergency vehicles
When you hear the siren or see the flashing lights of
a fire truck, police car or ambulance approaching you
from behind:
- 49 -
• Pull as close as possible to the right-hand curb or
edge of the roadway and stop;
• Do not stop in an intersection;
• Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has
passed;
• Keep your foot on the brake so the emergency driver
knows you are stopped; and
• Watch for other emergency vehicles to pass you
before you begin moving.
• When approaching a roundabout, pull over and
let the emergency vehicle pass. If you are already
in a roundabout, continue to your exit, leave the
roundabout and then pull over to the right so the
emergency vehicle can pass.
• Except when otherwise directed by a police officer,
when you are driving on a highway with two or
more lanes, upon approaching an authorized emer-
gency vehicle or municipal, public utility, highway
construction or maintenance vehicle parked with
lights flashing or visual signals, you must merge your
vehicle into the lane farthest from the emergency
vehicle. On roads with only one lane in each direc-
tion, you must reduce your speed to at least 20 mph
below the speed limit when approaching a parked
emergency vehicle.
Right of way to pedestrians
The driver and the pedestrian are both responsible for
traffic safety. Statutes require a driver to give the right
of way or yield to a pedestrian:
• When a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk on your
side of the roadway with or without traffic control
signals;
• When making a lawful turn on a red light, after com-
ing to a complete stop; and
• When a blind pedestrian is carrying a clearly visible
white cane or is accompanied by a guide dog.
Braking/stopping
You cannot stop on a dime! You must look ahead to
IDENTIFY dangers. PREDICT what could happen,
and DECIDE what to do. This takes at least one second.
You must then EXECUTE your decision. It takes about
3/4 second to move your foot from the accelerator to
the brake. The distance it takes to stop after the brake
- 50 -
is applied depends upon your initial speed, your brakes,
tires, road surface and weather conditions.
A tractor-trailer rig takes considerably more time and
distance to stop than a passenger vehicle traveling at the
same speed. A passenger vehicle traveling 55 mph can
typically stop in about half the length of a football field
(about 130-140 feet). A heavy vehicle with a loaded trailer
will usually take over two-thirds the length of a football
field (about 190-200 feet) to stop. In heavy traffic, when
a truck's brakes may be hot, the stopping distance may
double to 1.5 times the length of a football field (400 feet).
If you are tired, have been drinking, or simply are not
paying attention, you may not identify the danger at
all. You won’t be able to predict what may happen until
it is too late to decide what you should do. Finally, you
may not be able to execute your decision soon enough
because your reaction time may also be slower.
Required stops
You MUST always stop your vehicle:
• When meeting or overtaking, from either direction, a
stopped school bus with flashing red lights. The driver
shall not proceed until the school bus resumes mo-
tion or the flashing red lights are no longer activated.
Exception: You may pass a school bus with activated
flashing red lights, only if there is a physical barrier
or separate roadways between your vehicle and the
school bus. You MUST use extreme caution, however,
watching for pedestrians.
• Before the crosswalk at all stop signs, red traffic lights
and flashing red lights;
• When entering a street from a driveway, alley, build-
ing, or parking lot (W.S. 31-5-506) and when entering
a business district from a side road;
• When directed to do so by a police officer. A police
officer’s directions outweigh traffic lights or signs;
• For flashing red lights or crossing gates at a railroad
crossing;
• When signaled by a flag person at or near railroad
crossings or construction sites;
• For blind persons attempting to cross a street who
are carrying a white cane or guided by a guide dog;
and
• If you are in any way involved in a traffic crash.
- 51 -
STOP
SCHOOL BUS
STOP
SCHOOL BUS
On a two or four lane undivided highway, vehicles going
each direction must stop when a school bus stops.
However, on divided roadway, only vehicles on the
same side of the separation as the bus must stop.
Changing lanes
Proper lane changing rules
Before changing lanes:
• Check in your rear view and side mirrors;
• Check over your left or right shoulder. Make sure no
one is in your blind spots;
• Check for other drivers who may also be moving into
the same lane; and
• Signal and change lanes.
Do not change lanes before or while in an intersection.
Turning
Turn signaling
All drivers must signal:
• When turning or changing lanes; and
• At least 100 feet from an intersection. Signaling at
least 4 to 5 seconds BEFORE you wish to turn is
better at higher speeds.
Drivers may signal in two ways:
• With electrical turn signals (Flash the right turn
signal for a right turn and the left turn signal for a
left turn.); or
• With hand and arm signals. Signals should be given
with your left arm. For a right turn, the hand and arm
are extended straight up from the elbow. For a left
turn, the driver’s hand and arm are extended straight
- 52 -
out to the left. To slow down or stop, the hand and
arm are extended down from the elbow.
Right Turn Left Turn Slow or Stop
Turns
Proper turning rules
• Plan ahead.
• Be in the proper lane well before the turn (follow
proper steps to change lanes).
• Signal the direction you plan to turn.
• Slow and check for persons and vehicles in your
turning path.
• Turn into the proper lane (see turning diagrams).
• Adjust speed to flow of traffic.
Two-way
Two-way
Two-way
Two-way
- 53 -
Two-way
One-way
Two-way
One-way
One-way
Two-way
- 54 -
One-way
One-way
Backing
Check behind your vehicle by walking behind it before
you back up. When you back up, do not depend upon
your mirrors. Turn your head and body so that you can
see where you are backing. Place your hand at the top
of the steering wheel and back up slowly. Always be
prepared to stop.
Passing
Decide if it is safe to pass
• Do not pass if signs or pavement markings prohibit
passing. If you see any vehicles, pedestrians, bridges,
curves, hills, intersections or railroad crossings just
ahead, do not pass; WAIT.
• Do not try to pass more than one vehicle at a time
on a two-lane road.
• Do not follow another vehicle that is passing a car in
front of you.
• DO NOT pass a school bus with flashing red lights,
unless there is a physical barrier or separate roadways
between you and the bus.
How to pass
DECIDE if it is necessary to pass, then:
• START at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead.
• MAKE SURE you have time and space to pass safely.
• SIGNAL AND CHECK all around your vehicle
before passing.
• INCREASE SPEED and pull into the passing lane.
• MOVE BACK into the right lane when you see the
front of the vehicle in your rear view mirror. A driver
may exceed the speed limit by up to 10 miles an hour
- 55 -
while passing another vehicle that is traveling at less
than the legal maximum speed.
No-Passing Zone
Curve
Passing vehicle is breaking the law
Passing on the right
Never try to pass on the right unless you are sure you
can do it safely.
You may pass on the right:
• When the vehicle you are overtaking is making a left
turn (It is not legal to leave the pavement to pass on
the right.); or
• When two or more lanes of heavy traffic are mov-
ing in the same direction. However this can be very
dangerous if the other driver does not see you and
decides to change lanes.
- 56 -
Hill
Railroad,
Bridge,
Tunnel,
Viaduct
Passing vehicle is breaking the law
Passing bicyclists
Drivers have a responsibility to avoid crashes whenever
possible. Because bicyclists have the right to access all
public roads, there are some practices that will aid driv-
ers of motor vehicles when sharing the road:
• When approaching a bicyclist, unless you have a clear
and empty lane, do not attempt to pass.
• If you do not have adequate space to pass a bicyclist,
slow to the speed of the cyclist and follow him or her
until you do have the room needed to pass.
• Avoid prolonged driving next to a bicyclist when
sharing a single lane of traffic.
• When passing a bicyclist, reduce your speed to reduce
the danger of a crash.
• When space allows, maintain at least 3 feet of separa-
tion between your vehicle and the bicyclist.
- 57 -
Passing parked cars
When driving past parked cars, watch for cars pulling
out in front of you. Check for clues such as:
• Exhaust coming from the tail pipe;
• Brake lights on, a turn signal flashing, or white back-
up lights on;
• Front wheels turning out; or
• A person sitting behind the wheel.
Also, check for pedestrians or bicyclists trying to cross
the road from between parked cars.
Passing heavy vehicles
When a passenger vehicle cuts in too soon after passing
a heavy vehicle, then abruptly slows down, truck driv-
ers are forced to compensate with little time or room
to spare.
Because it takes longer to pass a large vehicle, you should
maintain a consistent speed when passing and be sure
you can see both headlights and the entire cab of the
truck in your rearview mirror before pulling back into
your lane. Take into account the vehicle's total length,
particularly rigs with double trailers. Some can be as
much as 100 feet long.
Be sure to pass with sufficient speed to avoid loitering
in the truck driver's blind spot (No-Zone) and simply
taking too long to pass. The passenger vehicle's position
while passing makes it impossible for the truck driver
to take evasive action if an obstacle appears in the road
ahead. When your car loiters in the truck's blind spot,
perhaps because your set cruise-control speed is only
slightly faster than the truck's, or when you are pass-
ing on the right, the driver cannot take evasive action
without striking your car - which he cannot see.
Passing emergency vehicles
When approaching emergency vehicles parked by the
road, you must move over or slow down. See page 69.
Blind spots
One of the most serious misjudgments made about
trucks concerns the truck driver's field of vision. Many
motorists believe that because a truck driver sits twice
as high as the driver of a passenger vehicle, he can see
further ahead and can react sooner.
- 58 -
True, the truck driver has a better view over the top
of any cars ahead of him, but heavy vehicles also have
sizeable blind spots that passenger vehicles do not have.
Unlike cars, heavy vehicles have large blind spots direct-
ly behind them. Avoid tailgating in this No-Zone area.
The truck driver can't see your car in this position and
your view of the traffic flow ahead is severely reduced.
Following too closely not only greatly increases your
chances of a rear-end collision with the truck (or any
other vehicle) in front of you, but creates a hazardous
situation if debris, such as ice, rocks or tire recapping
material, ends up in your path or strikes your vehicle
through no fault of the other driver.
Heavy vehicles also have much larger blind spots on both
sides. When you drive in these blind spots (No-Zones)
for any length of time, you cannot be seen by the truck
driver. If the truck driver needs to change lanes quickly
for any reason, a serious crash could occur when a pas-
senger vehicle is located in a No-Zone.
Stay out of trucks’ No Zones (blind spots).
A "right-turn squeeze" occurs when the driver of a pas-
senger vehicle finds himself in the blind spot located on
the right side of a heavy vehicle that is in the process
of turning right. Motorists who are aware of No-Zone
areas when sharing the road with heavy vehicles are better
prepared to avoid such potentially dangerous situations.
Parking
Parking restrictions
It is not legal to park in the following places:
• On the roadway side of any stopped or parked vehicle;
• On a sidewalk, within an intersection, or in a crosswalk;
- 59 -
• Where the curb is painted yellow near intersections
or driveways;
• Alongside or opposite any street construction sites.
• On any bridge or within a highway tunnel;
• At any place where official signs prohibit standing,
stopping or parking;
• In front of a public or private driveway;
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant; or
• In a parking space designated for the “disabled,” un-
less your vehicle displays a disabled parking placard
or bears disabled license plates.
Parking on hills
If you park facing uphill where there is a curb, you
should set the parking brake and turn the wheels away
from the curb. In any other situation, turn the wheels
towards the curb or edge of the road. Turn off the engine,
take the keys and lock the car.
to curb.
Turn wheels Turn wheels
Down
Curb Curb
Turn wheels
from curb. to right.
the
Hill
Uphill
with
Uphill
without
Parking between cars
1. Pull ahead of parking place 2. Back rear of car in
3. Back front of car in 4. Pull close to curb
Emergency parking
When you have to make an emergency stop, park with
all four wheels off the pavement, if possible. Do not stop
on a hill or curve where your car cannot be easily seen.
Turn on your emergency flashers.
- 60 -
Leaving a parking space
To leave a parking space:
• CHECK to see if anyone is coming. Be especially
watchful for bicyclists or motorcyclists;
• SIGNAL before you start to move;
• YIELD the right of way to oncoming vehicles and
motorcycles; and
• ENTER traffic. Do not dart out into traffic.
Interstate driving
Entering the Interstate
You get on the Interstate by using an entrance ramp, but
be alert for “DO NOT ENTER” and “WRONG WAY”
signs that might indicate that you are about to begin go-
ing the wrong way on an exit ramp instead. If you find
yourself going the wrong way on a ramp, you should
pull onto the shoulder, stop and only turn around when
there is no oncoming traffic.
The entrance ramp usually takes you to an acceleration
lane. Its purpose is to let you match your speed to that
of Interstate traffic.
As you approach the Interstate:
• CHECK over your shoulder for a gap in the traffic
on the Interstate;
• ADJUST your speed to meet that gap and signal;
• DO NOT STOP unless there is no gap in traffic; and
• As you MERGE, make sure you are driving about the
same speed as other traffic.
Check for gap.
Adjust speed. Merge.
If another vehicle is ahead of you on the entrance ramp,
be ready in case it slows or stops without warning. Do
not forget that traffic on the Interstate has the right of
way. You cannot always count on other drivers seeing
you or moving over to give you room to enter.
- 61 -
Proper driving techniques on Interstates
Once you are on the Interstate, you should:
• MAINTAIN a steady speed, keeping pace with other
traffic.
• OBEY posted speed limits.
• DO NOT follow too closely to the vehicle in front of
you. Always leave at least two seconds space cush-
ion between you and the vehicle ahead. When the
weather is bad or the pavement is slick, double or
triple your following time. Rear-end collisions are
the most frequent type of crashes on the Interstate.
• WATCH for vehicles entering the Interstate. If it is
safe, move left to allow them a smooth, safe entry.
• AVOID unnecessary lane changing. Stay in the right
lane unless overtaking and passing another vehicle.
• SIGNAL lane changes.
• PASS with caution. Check your blind spots when
making lane changes. Make sure you can see the
vehicle you are passing in your rear view mirror
before pulling back in.
• If you MISS your exit, go on to the next exit. Backing
up on the Interstate is dangerous.
• DO NOT cross the median of an Interstate highway.
• To AVOID drowsiness, open the windows to get fresh
air, sing along with the radio, keep your eyes moving
and do not stare in one direction.
• If you become DROWSY, stop and take a break.
Drowsiness is one of the greatest dangers in driving.
• If you are really SLEEPY, pull off the highway, check
into a motel and get some sleep.
Leaving the Interstate
Do not slow
on Interstate.
Be aware of two-way traffic.
Plan ahead.
Slow in
deceleration lane.
When you wish to leave the Interstate you should:
• PLAN ahead. Look for signs telling you about your
- 62 -
exit and the lane you must use. Signal and move into
the proper lane a mile or more before the exit.
• NEVER slow on the Interstate.
• SLOW after turning into the deceleration lane.
• Once off the Interstate, be aware of two-way traffic
and check your speed.
Emergency stopping on the Interstate
In the event of a breakdown or other emergency, drive
the vehicle as far onto the right shoulder as possible.
Make certain that all four wheels are well off the road.
Even with a flat tire, a vehicle can be driven slowly to
reduce the hazard of stopping on a bridge or underpass.
Turn on your four-way emergency warning lights. At
night, use flares or reflectors. Do not open the doors
or get out on the traffic side of your vehicle. Raise the
hood and trunk lid or tie a white cloth to the antenna
if you need help.
If you cannot get your vehicle off the road, remove all
passengers and get them away from the area in case the
vehicle is hit.
Traffic signs, signals
and road markings
The different shapes and colors of signs are significant
and mean different things. If fading light, fog, rain, snow
or darkness makes them difficult to read, their shapes
can still tell informed drivers generally what to look for
or what to do. For instance, diamond-shaped signs are
meant to warn drivers of such things as road hazards,
while rectangular signs give regulatory information
about lawful speeds and directions.
Either turn left or
proceed straight
ahead. Right turn
is prohibited.
Driver must turn
left.
ONLY
Driver must turn
right.
ONLY
- 63 -
The different shapes of signs are explained and shown in
full color on the inside and outside of the back cover. Be
sure to familiarize yourself with them. Pavement mark-
ings also provide the driver with important information
about the proper position of vehicles on the road.
Overhead signs
Overhead lane signs tell you what direction you must
go. When the word “ONLY” is used, you must go in
the direction the arrow points; there is no other op-
tion. Arrows painted on the roadway and arrows on the
overhead signs have the same meaning.
Use of lanes
On a two-lane road (one lane going in each direction)
you are required to drive on the right side and to yield
the left half of the roadway to oncoming traffic.
On multilane roads, drive in the lane that has the
smoothest flow of traffic. It helps you keep a safe space
cushion and saves gas. When there are three or more
lanes going in one direction, the middle lane or lanes
are usually the smoothest. The left lane is for drivers
who want to go faster, pass or turn left. Slower drivers
and those turning right use the right lane.
If the road has two lanes going in one direction, the right
lane usually has the smoothest flow of traffic. On roads
that have special left-turn lanes, the left lane may have
the smoothest flow of traffic.
Pavement markings (Yellow shown as red)
White lines separate traffic going the same direction.
Yellow lines separate traffic flowing in opposite directions.
Broken lines indicate passing or lane changing is per-
mitted if the way is clear.
Solid white lines indicate that passing or lane changing
is hazardous.
Solid yellow lines indicate no passing or lane chang-
ing — unless making a left turn into or from an alley,
private road or driveway.
- 64 -
A
Car A may
pass if way is
clear.
Broken yellow
lines separate
traffic flowing
in opposite
directions.
Broken white
lines separate
traffic flowing in
same direction Solid
yellow lines
separate
traffic
flowing in
opposite
directions.
A
that lane changing is hazardous.
Changing lanes to make a left turn
could now be hazardous to car A.
A solid white line indicates
- 65 -
With a solid
yellow line
in your lane
Car A
cannot
pass.
A
A
Car A may
pass if way is
clear.
With a solid
yellow line in
oncoming lane
A
With double
yellow line
separating
traffic
Car A
cannot
pass.
- 66 -
Railroad crossings
Where public highways and railways intersect, one or
more of the following warning devices mark the cross-
ing for your safety.
Advance warning signs advise you to slow down, look
and listen for the train, and be prepared to stop if a train
is approaching.
Pavement markings consist of an
R-X-R followed by a stop line
closer to the tracks. They may be
painted on the paved approach to a
crossing. Stay behind the stop line
while waiting for a train to pass.
Crossbuck signs are yield signs.
You are legally required to yield
the right of way to trains. Slow down, look
and listen for the train, and stop if
a train approaches. When crossing
more than one set of tracks, there
will be a sign below the crossbuck
indicating how many there are.
Flashing red light signals: When
the lights are flashing, STOP!
A train is approaching. You are
legally required
to yield the
right of way
to the train. If there is more than
one track, make sure all tracks are
clear before crossing.
Flashing-light signals with gates: Stop when the lights
begin to flash and before the area where the gate will
lower across your road lane. Remain stopped until the
gates go up and the lights have stopped flashing. Proceed
when it is safe.
PREVENTING RAILROAD
CROSSING CRASHES
IS UP TO YOU!
R A I L
ROAD
C R O S S I N G
TRACKS
3
R A I L
C R O S S I N G
ROAD
TRACKS
3
Gate with
Flashing Light
Railroad
Crossing
ROAD
C R O S S I N G
R R
Advance
Warning
R A I L
Flashing Light
- 67 -
Traffic crashes
If you’re involved in a crash
If you are involved in a crash you must:
• Stop your vehicle at or near the crash scene, and stay
there until the police have arrived and questioned
everyone involved;
• Give aid to any injured persons and send for an am-
bulance. DO NOT MOVE AN INJURED PERSON
unless there is danger of another crash;
• Warn passing traffic (Have someone warn approach-
ing traffic to prevent further damage.);
• Get the names and addresses of all witnesses as well
as persons involved in the crash;
• Record the other driver’s name and address, driver
license number, make of vehicle, insurance company
name, model and year of vehicle, damage to the
vehicle, and license plate number; and
• Contact the police if there is an injury, death or
property damage amounting to $1,000 or more. The
law requires you to give the police information on
the crash at the time of the crash. The police will fill
out and submit an accident report to the Accident
Records Section of the Wyoming Department of
Transportation.
Damaging unattended vehicles
If you damage an unattended vehicle or other property
and cannot locate the owner, leave the following infor-
mation on a piece of paper where the owner can find it:
• Your name, address and telephone number;
• Driver license number;
• License plate number;
• Date and time of crash; and
• Damage to the vehicle.
Then you must also contact the nearest law enforce-
ment agency.
- 68 -
Sharing the road safely
Sharing the road
Drivers of cars and trucks share the road with others. You
must know laws that apply to other road users.
Your vehicle and its equipment
You can't share the road safely without a safe vehicle.
Therefore, a police officer has the right to stop you and
inspect the equipment on your vehicle. If any equip-
ment is defective, you will be directed to have it repaired
immediately. If your vehicle is found to be unsafe you
could be fined.
Windshield
and wipers
Muffler and
exhaust system
Headlights
and
parking
lights
Good
tires
Brakes
Parking brakes
Mirror Horn Safety belts
Brake and
tail lights
Turn
signals
All these required items must
be in good working order.
Tire safety
Check tire pressure using the recommended psi (pounds
per square inch) found in the vehicle owner's manual
or the driver's side door jamb of the vehicle. Use a tire
pressure gauge to check your psi. If your psi is above
the number listed on your door jamb, let air out until
it matches. If below, add air (or have a tire professional
help you) until it reaches the proper number.
Once a month, or before you embark on a long road trip,
check your tires for wear and damage problems. One
easy way to check for wear is by using the penny test.
1. Take a penny and hold Abraham Lincoln's body
between your thumb and forefinger.
2. Select a point on your tire where the tread appears
to be lowest and place Lincoln's head into one of the
grooves.
- 69 -
3. If any part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread,
you're driving with the safe amount of tread. If your
tread gets below that, your car's ability to grip the road
in adverse conditions is greatly reduced.
Motorcycles
Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities
on public roads as other users. As a defensive driver,
you need to be aware of some special situations and
conditions so you can share the road safely with cyclists.
Motorcycles are not easily identified in traffic. Even
when seen it’s difficult for some drivers to judge how
far away the cyclists are or how fast they are traveling.
Be aware of this problem.
Drivers turning left in front of an oncoming cyclist cause
a large percentage of car-cycle crashes. These drivers fail
to see the cyclist in traffic or they fail to judge the speed
of the cyclist. The correct procedure is to look and look
again. Make sure you identify the motorcycle as a critical
object and know its speed before you make a left turn.
Turn signals do not turn off automatically on most
motorcycles. Before pulling into an intersection in
front of a motorcycle, be sure the rider is turning and
not continuing straight ahead.
Motorcycles are entitled to the same full lane width as
all other vehicles. A skilled motorcycle operator is con-
stantly changing positions within that lane to increase
his ability to see and be seen and because of objects in or
near the road. Never move into the same lane alongside
a motorcycle, even if the lane is wide and the cyclist is
riding far to one side. It is not only illegal, but it boxes
both of you in and does not permit you a way out.
No more than two motorcycles may be driven abreast in
the same lane and must be by consent of both motorcycle
drivers. A motorcycle shall not overtake and pass any
vehicle in the same lane, except another motorcycle.
Bad weather, slippery surfaces, crosswinds, road
conditions, railroad grade crossings, metal or grated
bridges, and grooved pavement can be hazardous to
motorcyclists. Be alert for these conditions so you can
prepare yourself for the possible quick change in speed
or direction of the motorcycle.
- 70 -
Be aware of motorcycles on the road. Regardless of who
is legally at fault in car-cycle crashes, the motorcyclist
usually is the loser.
Wyoming offers both Basic Rider Course (BRC) and
Advanced Basic Rider Course (BRC2) Motorcycle Safety
Education for a nominal fee. Applications and informa-
tion on courses offered in your area are available at your
local driver exam office, on the WYDOT Website at
www.dot.state.wy.us or by calling 307-777-4874.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians account for nearly 20 percent of all traffic
deaths. You are required to yield to pedestrians in a cross-
walk area, whether there are pavement markings or not.
Residential and school areas are especially dangerous.
Children are fun loving. All too often they forget the
dangers of playing near traffic. They can run in front
of your vehicle before you realize it has happened. It’s a
good idea to slow down and create a larger space cushion
when you see pedestrians near a school.
If your vehicle is disabled and you must walk where
there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road
facing traffic. At night, wear light-colored clothing to
help others see you.
Bicycles
Bicyclists have the right to use all public roadways, and
share rights and duties applicable to all drivers of any
vehicle. But, unlike motor vehicles, bicyclists must share
their lane of traffic. They must ride as close to the right
side of pavement as is practical and safe.
While it is legal to drive beside a bicyclist in the same
lane, you are safer if you do not. A bicyclist might turn
sharply to avoid a sewer grate, something in the road,
or a door being opened from a parked car. When you
are following or passing a bicyclist, the best advice is:
LEAVE PLENTY OF ROOM.
Any bicycle used after dark must have a front light and
rear reflectors, but these may be very hard to see. You
must watch the side of the road and be alert for them.
- 71 -
Farm and slow-moving vehicles
When you see this symbol on the back of a vehicle ahead,
it is a warning to slow down. It means the vehicle cannot
travel faster than 25 miles per hour.
Don't be impatient if you find yourself behind one of
these slow vehicles. They have the legal right to be there.
Slow-Moving Vehicle
Heavy vehicles (trucks)
Trucks are not large cars. Whether accelerating, braking,
climbing a hill, switching lanes or turning onto a side
street, tractor-trailer rigs must perform certain maneu-
vers that drivers of passenger vehicles are generally not
familiar with. The motorist is often unprepared to share
the road safely with heavy-vehicle traffic. National High-
way and Traffic Safety Administration statistics indicate
most fatal crashes involving a heavy vehicle and one or
more other vehicles are caused by the passenger vehicle.
Move Over Law
Effective July 2018, the Wyoming Statute states that
when an emergency vehicle or an authorized municipal,
public utility or highway construction or maintenance
vehicle is stopped or is moving at less than twenty (20)
miles per hour on or within three (3) feet of a roadway
with lights or other emergency signals activated, the
driver of every other vehicle should be sure to do one
of the following, as soon as it is safe:
• When driving on an interstate highway or other high-
way with two (2) or more lanes traveling in the same
direction of the emergency vehicle or other municipal
vehicle, the driver shall merge into the lane farthest
from the vehicle or at least one (1) lane of traffic apart
- 72 -
from the vehicle except when otherwise directed by a
police officer;
• When driving on a two (2) lane road with a posted
speed limit of forty-five (45) miles per hour or greater,
the driver shall slow to a speed that is twenty (20) miles
per hour less than the posted speed limit, except when
otherwise directed by a police officer.
Share with animals
Because of Wyoming’s abundant wildlife population,
collisions with animals, and particularly with deer and
other “big-game” ani-
mals, are real dangers
on Wyoming’s rural
highways.
Too often they have
very negative conse-
quences for the vehicle
and its occupants and
the wildlife. The ani-
mals are often killed,
but drivers and pas-
sengers can die too. In
addition, vehicles can
be damaged beyond
repair.
While such crashes can occur at any time of the year,
they are most prevalent during the fall and spring,
while animals are migrating between their summer and
winter habitats.
Although there is no fool-proof way to avoid a vehi-
cle-animal collision, there are steps you can take to
minimize the likelihood of such a crash and lessen the
severity of one if it does happen.
Drive cautiously and stay aware and alert by:
• Reducing your speed and being particularly cautious
in areas where “deer crossing” signs are posted;
• Constantly scanning not only the upcoming highway
as you drive but the roadside as well;
• Using your high-beam lights as often at night as pos-
sible in order to better illuminate both the highway
and the roadside;
• Being very watchful in areas near forests and water;
Not all ROADKILLis
wildlife
SL0W DOWN
at night and where curves
and hills limit sight distance
- 73 -
• Staying particularly alert at dusk and dawn, times
when animals venture out to feed and also when your
visibility is limited; and
• Watching for the reflection of your headlights in the
eyes of animals ahead.
When you see an animal on or near the roadway, reduce
your speed and tap your brakes, to warn other drivers,
and sound your horn. Of course, you can brake harder
if no one is behind you, but be careful about flashing
your headlights because one unintended effect may be
to “freeze" the deer or other animal on the road directly
ahead.
If a collision seems inevitable, don’t swerve suddenly
to avoid the animal. Your risk of personal injury may
be greater if you do. Brake as quickly as you safely can,
but keep your vehicle under control and on the road.
If a crash occurs, report it to local law enforcement,
particularly if the carcass of the struck animal is still on
the highway and thus a danger to other vehicles.
Safe driving tips (IPDE)
IDENTIFY: Defensive drivers scan for any person,
vehicle, animal or anything else that could cause them
to slow down, speed up or turn. They identify any of
these things as CRITICAL OBJECTS.
PREDICT: When defensive drivers identify a critical
object, they predict what could happen. They predict the
worst. For example: if they identify a person entering a
parked car 10 to 15 seconds ahead, they predict that the
driver will pull out in front of them without looking.
DECIDE: Decisions are based on what can be done to
prevent a crash, and not who is right or who is wrong.
Defensive driving means that all responses to a critical
object are the result of a decision and not a reaction to
an unexpected danger.
EXECUTE: The final step in the IPDE Method of de-
fensive driving is to execute the decision in a smooth,
predictable manner and in time to avoid a crash.
Driving defensively with IPDE requires that you:
• Scan ahead and to the sides;
• Communicate with other drivers;
- 74 -
• Isolate your vehicle in traffic; and
• Separate risks and compromise space when necessary.
Scan ahead
Most of what you do as a driver is in response to what
you see. Defensive drivers scan at least 10 to 15 seconds
ahead. It is easy to check how far ahead you normally
look. Just pick some fixed object beside the road and
count “one thousand and one, one thousand and two,”
etc., until you reach the object. If you’re watching far
enough ahead, you will count past one thousand and
ten before passing the object.
You should also check for weather, traffic and road con-
ditions. Check signs, signals and road markings, as well
as vehicles and pedestrians. Check for all objects that
are critical and could cause you to slow down, speed up
or turn. Drivers who have to react to unexpected traf-
fic situations may not be checking far enough ahead to
identify critical objects.
Scan the roadsides
Identify as critical objects persons, vehicles, and animals
that could move into your path or that could cause you
to change your speed or lane position. For example: if
you see a school sign, check for children and identify as
critical any child who could run into your path.
Communicate
To communicate means letting other drivers know
what you plan to do early enough to prevent a collision.
Many collisions happen because a driver fails to identify
critical objects or to communicate what he plans to do.
You can communicate with other drivers by:
• Making eye contact with pedestrians and other driv-
ers at intersections and places where there may be a
question of right of way;
• Using hand motions to give pedestrians and other
drivers the right of way;
• Using lane position to let others know what you
intend to do;
• Giving hand or electrical signals at least four to five
seconds before turning;
• Touching your brake to turn on your brake lights and
to start slowing well in advance of stopping;
• Being in the correct lane well in advance of a turn;
- 75 -
• Tapping your horn to alert others that you're there; and
• By avoiding other drivers’ “blind spots” by placing
your vehicle where you can be seen.
Isolate your vehicle in traffic
Space cushion: A proven method of defensive driving is
to isolate your vehicle from other vehicles with a cushion
of space ahead, behind, and to the sides to give you the
distance to avoid the mistakes of others.
Following distance: Rear-end collisions caused by fol-
lowing too close are a very common type of crash. One
of the easiest ways to tell if you have a large enough
space cushion ahead is to use the two-second following
distance rule. All you need to do is count off seconds.
It is easier to use and is more accurate than trying to
judge vehicle lengths.
To use the two-second following distance rule:
• Scan ahead for a fixed point such as a pole, shadow,
or pavement marking; and
• When the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead passes
the fixed point, start counting the number of seconds
it takes you to reach the same point. Count, “one
thousand and one, one thousand and two.”
If the front of your vehicle passes the fixed point before
you count off two seconds, you are too close to the
vehicle ahead.
YOU MUST ALLOW AT LEAST TWO SECONDS
FOLLOWING DISTANCE FOR EACH 20 FEET OF
VEHICLE LENGTH.
If you are driving a car, stay at least two seconds back
from the vehicle ahead. Bus drivers should stay at least
four seconds back and tractor-trailer drivers at least
six seconds back. Towing boats or trailers adds length
and weight to your vehicle and therefore requires more
following distance. The two-second following distance
rule is simple to use and works at all speeds.
It makes sense to INCREASE your
following distance by:
• Doubling the number of seconds when the roads are
wet, when you are carrying a heavier than normal
load, or at night (cars, four seconds).
- 76 -
• Tripling the number of seconds when the roads are
covered with snow and slush (cars, six seconds); and
• Quadrupling the number of seconds when ice covers
the road (cars, eight seconds).
Tailgaters
The space cushion behind is as important as the space
cushion ahead. A driver who tailgates you limits your
ability to slow rapidly in case of an emergency ahead.
Although the driver behind has more control over the
space than you, there are things you can do. You can:
• Communicate with the driver behind by using your
turn signals, brake lights, and by placing your vehicle
in the proper lane well in advance of turns;
• Provide more time and space ahead to react to emer-
gencies (Increase the following distance between you
and the vehicle in front of you.);
• Move to the right lane of a multilane highway; and
• Reduce your speed to encourage the driver behind to
pass.
Space to the sides
You also need a space cushion to the sides. If there are
other motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians or objects in
the space on both sides, you are “boxed in.” Your ability
to respond to a situation ahead is limited to speeding
up or slowing down. To keep a space cushion to your
sides, you can:
• Avoid driving next to a bicyclist for prolonged peri-
ods of time;
• Avoid driving alongside other vehicles on multi-
laned streets;
• Keep as much space between yourself and oncoming
traffic as possible;
• Avoid driving in other drivers' blind spots;
• Avoid keeping others in your blind spots; and
• Keep a space between yourself and parked vehicles.
Separate risks
Another defensive driving technique is to separate risks.
Take risks one at a time whenever possible. For example,
suppose that you identified some joggers running on the
edge of the road and an oncoming truck. You PREDICT
that you, the oncoming vehicle and the joggers will all
meet at about the same time. To separate risks, make a
- 77 -
DECISION to speed up or slow down in order to pass the
joggers before or after the truck. EXECUTE your deci-
sion, and pass the truck and the joggers one at a time.
You control the space to the sides by separating the risks.
This gives you space to move in case of an emergency.
Compromise space
A final defensive driving technique is compromise.
When you cannot separate risks and must deal with
two or more at the same time, compromise by giving
the most room to the worst danger. For example: if you
are on a two-lane street and there are oncoming cars
to your left and a child riding a bike to your right. The
child is more likely to move suddenly than the oncoming
cars, so the child is the greatest danger and you need
a larger space cushion to the right. Move closer to the
center line to create a bigger space cushion to the right.
Special driving conditions
Reduced light
To the defensive driver, darkness requires even greater
alertness. Reduced visibility, glare from oncoming
headlights, animals crossing the road, and eye strain all
combine to make night driving hazardous.
Laws and guidelines for driving in reduced light include:
• Headlights must be used from one-half hour after
sunset until one-half hour before sunrise and at any
other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavor-
able weather conditions, persons and vehicles on the
road are not clearly discernible at a distance of 1,000
feet ahead.
• Turn on low beams whenever the light begins to fade. It
helps others identify you and judge what you’re doing.
• Never use parking lights while driving. They cannot
be seen until after your vehicle is clearly visible. It
is not legal to drive with only parking lights when
headlights are required.
• If you cannot see clearly, it makes sense to increase your
following distance at least three or four seconds.
• At night your headlights give you a clear view for
only a very limited distance ahead. If you go faster
than 55 mph at night, you cannot stop in the distance
that you can see ahead.
- 78 -
• Use high beams on rural highways. Use low beams
when following other vehicles, when meeting on-
coming vehicles, and when driving in town. You
should dim at least 500 feet (about four to five sec-
onds) before meeting an oncoming vehicle.
• If the oncoming driver fails to dim, and you are more
than 500 feet from the vehicle, use a distribution of
light or composite beam high of sufficient intensity
and aimed so that the glaring rays are not projected
into the eyes of the oncoming driver. The low beam
shall be aimed to avoid glare at all times. If you are
within 300 feet from the rear of a vehicle you are ap-
proaching, dim your lights to their lowest beam.
• A clean windshield, inside and out, will help reduce
the amount of glare from oncoming vehicles. Clean
headlights will naturally give more light and help you
to see better.
• Eyestrain, fatigue and lack of concentration can be
the result of staring at the spot created by your head-
lights. It may be difficult, but keep your eyes moving,
especially at night. Scan for animals, pedestrians and
bicycle riders. Check to the sides for lights from other
vehicles that might be crossing or entering the road
ahead. Constantly check the lights of vehicles ahead
for any indication that they are changing speed or
lane position.
Weather conditions
Fog
• Use low beam headlights. Front fog lights are some-
times helpful.
• Rear fog lights (red) should only be used in heavy fog
or in similar hazardous weather conditions resulting
in seriously reduced visibility. Switch off your rear fog
lights once visibility improves. A rear fog light gives
advanced warning of your vehicle in poor visibility
conditions.
• Reduce your normal speed, but be careful. The
chance of a crash is extremely high whenever the
difference between your speed and the speed of
other traffic is more than 15 mph. Stop at the near-
est safe place whenever there is potential for a great
difference in speed.
• When you can't see at least 10 seconds ahead, consider
pulling off at the nearest safe spot and stopping.
- 79 -
• Scan ahead for taillights, headlights, pedestrians, and
for stopped or slow-moving vehicles. Create as big a
space cushion as possible.
Slippery surfaces
You MUST SLOW DOWN when the road is slippery,
because stopping distances are increased.
Rain
• Increase your space. Double the time between you
and the vehicle ahead (cars, four seconds).
• Use your headlights on low beam.
• Wait a short time after the rain starts before you turn
your windshield wipers on. This will avoid smearing
your windshield. Replace the blades if they smear or
streak the windshield.
• Be careful during the first half hour after the rain
begins. Dust and oil mix with the water and make
the roadway slippery.
• Hydroplaning may occur during rainstorms. This
is a condition where the tires ride on a thin film of
water instead of the road. To prevent hydroplaning,
SLOW DOWN.
Snow or ice
• Equip your car with snow tires or chains to prevent
skidding and to reduce stopping distance.
• DO NOT change speed or direction suddenly.
• Watch for ice on bridges and in shady areas.
• Triple your space cushion ahead on snow (cars, six
seconds). Quadruple the distance on ice (cars, eight
seconds).
• Keep your windows clear so that you can see and
communicate with others.
• Slow gradually and smoothly before stopping or turning.
• Never lock your brakes. You have no steering control
unless the wheels are turning.
• DO NOT use cruise control.
Wind
• Wind can be a problem for all drivers, and is espe-
cially hazardous for trucks, recreational vehicles,
campers, and drivers towing trailers. Driving at
slower speeds is the best defense.
- 80 -
• Watch for open spaces after driving in a protected
area. Be ready to make steering corrections because
of changes in the wind.
• When meeting large trucks and buses, be prepared
to make steering corrections for sudden changes in
the wind.
• Be very alert and careful on wet or slippery surfaces.
Blizzards
A blizzard is perhaps the worst of all possible conditions
for driving. It combines the limited visibility of fog, the
slippery roads found with ice and snow, and unexpected
steering corrections. Because of this, a defensive driver
simply avoids driving in a blizzard, if at all possible.
Listen to your local radio station for severe weather
information. If you are caught driving in a blizzard and
end up in a ditch, or are stranded on the road, use the
following rules:
• Do not panic. Stay with the car so you can be found
more easily.
• Keep a window open for a bit of fresh air. Freezing
wet snow can completely seal out oxygen.
• Be aware of carbon monoxide. Run the engine and
heater sparingly, and only with a window open for
ventilation. Make sure that snow has not blocked the
exhaust pipe.
• Do not remain in one position. Clap your hands and
move your arms and legs vigorously periodically.
• Use your emergency flashers to make your car more
visible to working crews. Turn on your dome light at
night.
• Take turns keeping watch. If more than one person
is in the car, do not all sleep at one time.
• Beware of over-exertion and over-exposure.
Emergency situations
When a crash seems imminent
Crash situations do arise. Remember these three things
to make an inevitable collision less dangerous. First, slow
as fast as possible and, second, turn away. Third, when
appropriate, speed up.
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Slow quickly to minimize impact
Pump conventional brakes for better control and steer-
ing. Pushing the brake pedal too hard and steadily can
cause a skid.
Anti-lock brakes adjust automatically so apply hard, steady
brake pressure when using this type of braking system.
Turn away quickly
If it is not possible to avoid a collision, make sure you
do not hit the other vehicle head-on. Turn away and run
off the road if necessary. The rule of thumb is to turn
right. If the other driver does the same, the crash may be
entirely avoided. Try not to use the brakes while turning
away to lessen the chance of skidding and therefore not
being able to turn away.
An alternative: speeding up
Speed up to avoid a collision from the side or from be-
hind if there is room to do so. Push the gas pedal to the
floor, but be sure to slow once the danger has passed.
In the last short seconds, remember:
• Do not panic;
• Turn away from oncoming traffic, choosing a glanc-
ing blow rather than a head-on crash; and
• If necessary, choose to hit something that will more
likely give way.
Gas pedal sticks
If your gas pedal sticks:
• Concentrate on steering (Keep your eyes on the
road.);
• Try to free the pedal with your foot (If this does not
work, push in the clutch or shift to neutral.);
• Use your brakes, stop at the nearest safe place and
turn off the ignition; and
• Find out what caused the problem and have it re-
paired.
Skids
The main thing to remember in a skid is to keep calm
and not overreact.
• Stop doing whatever you did to start the skid:
1. If you slammed on the brakes, ease up on them.
2. If you accelerated too fast, ease up on the gas pedal.
• DO NOT APPLY THE BRAKES!
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• Steer to keep going straight down the road.
• Be careful not to over steer. Be ready to steer in the
opposite direction as your vehicle begins to come out
of the skid.
• Refer to the owner's manual for special instruction about
skids when operating front-wheel-drive vehicles.
NOTE: The information above pertains to vehicles with
conventional brakes. Procedures for driving vehicles
with ABS braking systems are different. In an emergency
situation, ABS pumps the brakes for the driver — much
faster than the driver can. All drivers need to do is press
down hard on the brake pedal, hold it and steer out of
danger. Drivers should be aware that removing steady
pressure from the brake pedal or pumping the brakes
will disengage or turn off the ABS system. Make sure you
are aware of the type of braking system your vehicle has.
Brake failure
If your brakes fail:
• Pump the brake pedal rapidly;
• Use the parking brake, but hold the brake release so
you can ease up on the brake if the rear wheels lock
and you begin to skid;
• Shift to a lower gear, and look for a place to slow and
stop off the roadway;
• Do not try to drive the car to a garage.
Blowout
If you have a tire blowout, you should:
• Hold the steering wheel tightly, and keep the car
going straight down the road.
• Ease your foot off the gas pedal but do not hit the
brakes.
• After the car is under control, brake gently, and pull
off the road at the nearest safe spot.
• Use caution when changing the tire.
Oncoming car in your lane
If another vehicle is coming at you in your lane:
• Slow down and try to warn him by flashing your
headlights.
• If he keeps coming, pull as far right as possible.
• If he still keeps coming, and there could be a collision,
steer off the road to the right.
If an oncoming or stopped vehicle should suddenly ap-
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pear in your lane of travel and there is immediate danger
of a collision, STEER OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT.
Be cautious with vehicles with
steering-lock devices
Never turn your ignition key to the lock position
while the vehicle is in motion. That will cause the
steering to lock and, quite possibly, loss of control
of the vehicle.
Steering lock operation
The Transmission Park System
Park. Shift the transmission into the "park" position.
Turn key to LOCK and remove.
The Two-Hand Button System
Park. This system requires two hands. Depress but-
ton below the steering column. Turn key to LOCK
and remove.
The Lever System
Park. Depress lever located near the ignition. Turn
key to LOCK and remove.
The One-Hand Button System
Park. Depress button located near the ignition. Turn
key to LOCK and remove.
The Push-In System
Park. Turn key to OFF, push in. Turn key to LOCK
and remove.
The Turn and Remove System
Park. Turn key to LOCK and remove.
© 1992 Automobile Safety Foundation
Wheels off the road
If you should run off the road, there are certain things
you can do that could save your life:
• Do not panic.
• Grip the steering wheel tightly, and be prepared to
withstand sudden shocks.
• Stay on the shoulder. Ease off the accelerator.
• Brake gently and slow gradually.
• After speed has been reduced, check behind as well
as ahead for oncoming traffic.
• Turn sharply onto the pavement.
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Wet brakes
Wet brakes may pull your vehicle to one side or the
other, or they may not hold as well as usual. You should
always test your brakes after driving through deep water.
Brake gently several times until your brakes are dry and
work properly.
Hazardous situations
Breakdowns
If your vehicle is not working properly and you need
to stop, you should stop with all four wheels on the
shoulder. Then:
• Turn on your emergency four-way flashers;
• Get out of the side of the vehicle away from the traffic;
• To indicate vehicle problems, tie a white cloth to an
antenna or door handle and raise your hood or trunk
lid; and
• DO NOT walk for help if you are on the Interstate.
If you are driving and see a disabled vehicle parked on
the shoulder, move to the left lane if possible. The driver
might not have seen you, and may open the door or pull
onto the road.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and poisonous
gas. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are weariness,
yawning, dizziness, nausea, headache and ringing in the
ears. If you feel any of these symptoms, stop your engine
and open the windows to get fresh air. To avoid carbon
monoxide poisoning:
• Have the exhaust system checked regularly for any
leakage;
• Avoid parking for long periods of time with the
engine running; and
• DO NOT start your vehicle, or warm up the engine,
in a closed garage.
Railroad crossings (highway-rail
intersections)
Highway-rail intersections require special caution on
the part of the driver. They are marked with advance
warning signs and markings. When approaching or
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entering a highway-rail intersection:
• Always expect a train at every highway-rail intersec-
tion;
• Do not get trapped on a highway-rail intersection.
NEVER drive onto a highway-rail intersection until
you are sure you can clear the tracks on the other
side without stopping;
• When gates are down, realize the road is closed. Stop
and wait until the gates go up and the red lights stop
flashing before proceeding. NEVER drive around
gates;
• Stay alert, especially when you are at a multiple-track
crossing. Before crossing, look and listen carefully for
another train coming from either direction;
• If your vehicle stalls on the highway-rail intersection,
get everyone out of the vehicle and far away from the
tracks immediately. NEVER try to start your vehicle
or push it off the track with passengers inside. Call
911 to report the emergency situation;
• NEVER race a train to a highway-rail intersection. To
do so is foolish. If you lose, you and your passengers
may never have another chance; and
• NEVER pass another vehicle at a highway-rail inter-
section.
Road construction
Special care is needed whenever the normal pattern of
highway traffic is changed by construction. A flag per-
son may be stationed on the shoulder of the road near
the work site to protect the lives of the traveling public
and the highway workers. If the flag person directs you
to stop, do not proceed until you are directed to do so.
Drive slowly and keep alert for workers or equipment
that may enter into the traffic stream, causing you to
slow or change lanes. Extra care should be maintained
through construction work zones even though there is
no apparent work activity in the immediate vicinity.
When approaching a construction zone, if you pass a
heavy vehicle at a high speed and then cut back in front
of the truck so you won't be trapped behind it, the truck
driver is forced to use emergency braking. If there is not
enough braking distance between the truck and your
passenger vehicle, the truck will rear end your vehicle,
causing a serious or fatal crash.
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Pedestrians
Pedestrians are people who use and cross public road-
ways and paths by means other than motor vehicles and
bicycles. This includes, but is not limited to, walkers,
joggers, skaters and people using wheelchairs.
• Expect frequent encounters with pedestrians in busi-
ness districts, residential areas, school zones, park
settings and shopping areas.
• In situations where encounters with pedestrians are
likely to occur, slow your motor vehicle to a speed
allowing adequate sight distance to respond to pos-
sible situations.
• Yield the right of way to pedestrians when driving
through intersections, changing lanes or passing,
turning through intersections, and when entering
or leaving a public roadway.
Animals
Animals, both large and small, present a hazard if the
motorist takes an action that results in losing control
of the vehicle. Regretfully, the safest thing for you and
other drivers that may be near you, may be hitting the
animal. Concentrate on keeping control of your vehicle
before, during, and after the collision.
Health
Some persons have severe physical, mental or emotional
problems that prevent them from driving safely. Other
persons impose physical and mental problems upon
themselves through the use of alcohol and other drugs.
Although most drivers have some type of limitation,
they can compensate and be a safe driver. It is important
that all drivers recognize their limitations and compen-
sate or simply not drive when they are impaired.
Emotions
We have degrees of emotions. For example, we can be
upset, angry or enraged. A person’s ability to control
himself and drive safely is affected by the degree of his
emotion. However, persons have different degrees of
control. Some persons lose control of their emotions
for very little reason. Whenever persons lose control of
themselves while driving, they make more driving errors.
These errors greatly increase the possibility of crashes.
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IT IS DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE, FOR A PER-
SON TO DRIVE SAFELY WHEN THEY ARE GRIEF
STRICKEN, ENRAGED OR TERRIFIED. These and
other deep emotions can overcome a person’s power
to think clearly. The ability to identify critical objects
and make sound decisions is lost. Persons tend to react
to a situation rather than respond to it in a reasonable
manner. Deep emotions are not turned off and on easily.
Whenever anyone is overcome with emotion and not in
control of themselves, they should not drive.
Even mild emotional feelings can affect your driving.
Driving requires your full attention. You cannot identify
critical objects and make sound decisions when your
mind is occupied with something other than driving.
Vision
All drivers use their eyes to search out and identify
vehicles, persons and objects that could cause them
to change speed or to turn. How well they do it often
depends on how well they can see. Drivers with good
vision can identify critical objects sooner. Therefore,
they have time to predict what could happen, decide
what they need to do, and still have time to execute
their decision.
Good vision means:
• Seeing clearly so you can identify critical objects
ahead and do something about them;
• Having good side vision to alert you to objects mov-
ing in from the sides;
• Being able to judge distances to enable you to make
good decisions;
• Being able to see clearly at night; and
• Recovering your ability to see clearly after being
blinded by headlights.
Persons who cannot see clearly can compensate
by wearing glasses or contact lenses. Persons with
poor side vision, distance judgment, night vision
and glare recovery must find ways to adjust or
compensate for their poor vision or STOP DRIV-
ING.
• Drivers with POOR SIDE VISION must look to the
sides by moving their head as well as their eyes. They
must be especially careful to look back over their
shoulder when changing lanes.
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• Drivers with POOR DISTANCE JUDGMENT must
allow more following distance to compensate for
their inability to accurately predict what’s happening
10 to 15 seconds ahead of them. They also have to allow
more distance when deciding to pass.
• POOR NIGHT VISION is a major problem. Driv-
ers can compensate by driving at slower speeds.
Driving at speeds 10 to 15 mph slower than other
traffic can be extremely hazardous, however. These
persons should limit their driving to slower speeds on
well-lighted streets or to daytime driving only.
• Persons whose eyes do not adjust quickly after pass-
ing glaring bright lights have a very serious problem.
Looking to the right side of the road, away from the
glare, can help. The best solution is to limit driving
to daylight hours only.
Hearing
Hearing is more important for driving than many per-
sons realize. We identify many sounds as CRITICAL.
The sound of screeching tires, trains, a siren, a tap of a
horn, the sound of a motor from a car in your blind spot,
all could cause you to decide to change speed or to turn.
Drivers with poor hearing can learn to compensate.
Hearing aids and outside rearview mirrors are often the
best way to compensate for loss of hearing. Being extra
alert, looking farther to the sides and using side-view
mirrors are the other ways to adjust for loss of hearing.
Drivers with normal hearing may not realize they do not
hear critical sounds. Many vehicles are built for quiet
rides. They keep sound out and provide radios and CD
players to fill your car with music. The very things that
provide enjoyment prevent you from hearing critical
sounds. Drivers should limit the loudness of sounds
within their vehicle.
Cell phones
Cell phones are everywhere. In emergencies they can
be lifesavers, and, at other times, they can simply be a
great communications tool. But using a cell phone while
driving is dangerous.
Federal studies have shown that using cell phones, in-
cluding the hands-free variety, has precipitated many
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crashes and near misses. And, in fact, using hands-free
cell phones provides little safety benefit over hand-held
phones, according to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration. In addition, the research shows
that it is the actual process of conversing that proves to
be among the greatest driver distractions.
Wyoming law prohibits reading or sending a text mes-
sage from a cell phone or other device while operating
a vehicle. Some cities and towns in Wyoming have
ordinances against using a cell phone while operating
a vehicle within city limits, so be sure to check ahead
and watch for notifications banning use of cell phones.
WYDOT recommends vehicle operators pull well off
the highway and STOP before making a cellular call
or texting.
Always remember, your first responsibility when you
are driving is to pay attention to the road.
• If you must dial while driving on a road on which
cell phone calls are allowed, dial a few numbers,
look back at the highway and in your mirrors for
any developing safety problems, and then dial the
last numbers.
• Do not engage in extended, emotional or otherwise
distracting conversations. Tell the person you will
call back when it is safe to do so.
• NEVER read or send text messages on your cell
phone while driving. It is illegal and dangerous and
has caused numerous preventable crashes.
Illness
Some drivers have an illness, disease or a disability that
may prevent them from driving safely. It is apparent that,
when persons are unable to control themselves, they
simply should not drive. A doctor’s advice is helpful
in determining if a person is capable of driving safely.
However, physical, mental and emotional conditions
change daily. As a driver, you must judge your condition
and decide to drive only if you are FULLY able.
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County registration and titling locations
(T)= titling; (R)=registration; (B)=both
County City Address Phone #
Albany Laramie 525 Grand Ave. 721-2541 (T)
721-2502 (R)
Big Horn Basin 420 W. C St. 568-2357 (T)
568-2578 (R)
Campbell Gillette 500 S. Gillette Ave. 682-7285 (T)
682-7268 (R)
Carbon Rawlins 415 W. Pine 328-2668 (T)
328-2633 (R)
Converse Douglas 107 N. 5th St. 358-2244 (T)
358-3120 (R)
Crook Sundance 309 Cleveland 283-1323 (T)
283-1244 (R)
Fremont Lander 450 N. 2nd St. 332-2405 (T)
332-1104 (R)
Goshen Torrington 2125 E. A St. 532-4051 (T)
532-5151 (R)
Hot
Springs Thermopolis 415 Arapahoe 864-3515 (T)
864-3616 (R)
Johnson Buffalo 76 N. Main St. 684-7272 (T)
684-7302 (R)
Laramie Cheyenne 309 W. 20th 633-4247 (T)
633-4232 (R)
Lincoln Kemmerer 925 Sage Ave. 877-9006 (B)
Natrona Casper 200 N. Center 235-9211 (T)
235-9370 (R)
Niobrara Lusk 424 S. Elm St. 334-2211 (T)
334-2432 (R)
Park Cody 1002 Sheridan Ave. 527-8600 (T)
527-8630 (R)
Platte Wheatland 800 9th St. 322-2315 (T)
322-2092 (R)
Sheridan Sheridan 224 S. Main 674-2500 (T)
674-2520 (R)
Sublette Pinedale 21 S. Tyler 367-4372 (T)
367-4373 (R)
Sweetwater Green River 80 W. Flaming
Gorge
872-3737 (T)
872-3720 (R)
Teton Jackson 200 S. Willow St. 733-4433 (T)
733-4770 (R)
Uinta Evanston 225 9th St. 783-0306 (T)
783-0333 (R)
Washakie Worland 1001 Big Horn Ave. 347-3131 (T)
347-2031 (R)
Weston Newcastle 1 W. Main 746-4744 (T)
746-2852 (R)
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Definitions
Authorized Emergency Vehicles: fire, police or ambu-
lance vehicles or others approved by statute.
Bicycle: any vehicle powered solely by human power,
upon which any person may ride, having two (2)
tandem wheels, except scooters and similar devices.
Legally classified as vehicles, bicycles can be ridden on
all public roads in Wyoming. While not legally required,
a properly fitted and Consumer Product Safety Certified
bicycle helmet is highly recommended for protection
against serious head injury or death.
Blind Spot: the area near the right and left rear corners
of the vehicle which cannot be seen through rearview
mirrors. The driver must turn his/her head to view
these areas.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): the amount of
alcohol in the bloodstream.
Brakes: device used to stop the vehicle.
Critical Object: any person, vehicle, animal or anything
else that could cause a driver to slow down, speed up
or turn.
Crosswalk: a place where people may legally cross the
street or highway. The crosswalk may or may not be
marked. If there are no markings, a crosswalk is con-
sidered to be where imaginary lines would connect the
sidewalks on each side of the street or highway.
Driving While Under the Influence (DWUI): the
operation of a vehicle by a person who is under the
influence of alcohol or who is under the influence of a
controlled substance.
Emancipated Minor: a person at least 17 years of age
who is or was married, is in the military service of the
United States, or who has been emancipated by the
district court. Emancipated minors may have this status
put on their Wyoming licenses by making application to
the department and paying the required fee.
Gap in Traffic: an opening or space between vehicles in
traffic that is large enough for a vehicle to enter safely.
Helmet: protective headgear.
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Hydroplaning: when a vehicle's tires ride on a thin film
of water instead of the road.
Immigrant: any person who is not a citizen of the
United States of America.
Intersection: the area where highways or streets join
or cross each other.
Lane: a section of roadway for a single line of vehicles.
Median: a barrier of grass, concrete or other material
separating two roadways, such as the area between the
two roadways on an Interstate highway. It is not legal
to ride over, across or on the median.
Merging Traffic: a situation where two moving lanes
of traffic come together, such as an entrance ramp on
an interstate.
Moped: a vehicle equipped with two or three wheels,
foot pedals to allow propulsion by human power, an au-
tomatic transmission and a motor with cylinder capacity
not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, producing no more
than two-brake horsepower, whose motor is capable of
propelling the vehicle at a maximum speed of no more
than 30 miles per hour on a level road surface.
Motorcycle: a motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for
the use of the rider, and designed to travel on not more
than three wheels in contact with the ground but which
may have a sidecar to transport a single passenger. For
the purpose of registration and titling, "motorcycle"
includes motorized bicycles, scooters and recreational
vehicles primarily designed for off-road use and de-
signed to be ridden astride upon a seat or saddle and to
travel on four wheels, but excludes mopeds and off-road
three-wheel recreational vehicles.
Motor Vehicle: every vehicle which is self-propelled by
some power source other than muscular power and used
on public highways for transporting persons or property
or both. This includes motorcycles and mopeds.
Moving Violation: an act of control or lack of control by
the driver of a motor vehicle while the vehicle is in mo-
tion, that results in a conviction, including a conviction
for driving in violation of the restriction for corrective
lenses and/or outside mirrors.
- 93 -
Multipurpose Vehicle: a vehicle having an identifying
number, having at least four wheels, weighing 300 to
3,000 pounds and having a permanent upright seat at
least 24 inches from the ground. The vehicle must be
registered and plated to be operated on streets and high-
ways, but may NOT be operated on interstate highways
and is subject to slow-moving vehicle requirements.
The holder of any class of driver license may drive a
multipurpose vehicle. Drivers who currently hold a
"motorcycle" class license with an "R" restriction for
an "ATV vehicle only" will not be renewed with this
class and restriction, as an ATV is considered a mul-
tipurpose vehicle and does not require the "M" or "R"
on the license.
No-Zone: an area on either side or directly behind a
heavy vehicle in which another vehicle is not visible to
the driver.
Off-Road Recreational Vehicle: a recreational vehicle
primarily designed for off-road use which is 50 inches
or less in width, has an unladen weight of 900 pounds
or less and is designed to be ridden astride upon a seat
or saddle and to travel on at least 3 low pressure tires.
A "low pressure tire" is a pneumatic tire at least six 6
inches in width, designed for use on wheels with a rim
diameter of 12 inches or less and having a manufac-
turer's recommended operating pressure of 10 pounds
per square inch or less; any unlicensed motorcycle which
has an unladen weight of six 600 pounds or less and is
designed to be ridden off road with the operator astride
upon a seat or saddle and travels on two 2 tires; and any
multi-wheeled motorized vehicle not required by law
to be licensed and is designed for cross-country travel
on or over land, sand, ice or other natural terrain and
which has an unladen weight of more than 900 pounds.
Wherever practicable, off-road recreational vehicles
shall only be operated off the main traveled portion of
the roadway. Crossings of main traveled roadways shall
be made at right angles to the roadway or as nearly so as
practicable, but, in any case, yielding the right of way to
all traffic in the main traveled roadway. If the operator
is a minor, or if a minor is a rider, they shall be operated
in accordance with all Wyoming helmet laws and be
- 94 -
operated only by a person who possesses a valid driver
license with a motorcycle endorsement.
Pedestrian Vehicle: any self-propelled conveyance
designed, manufactured and intended for the exclusive
use of persons with a physical disability. In no case shall
a pedestrian vehicle exceed 48 inches in width.
Reinstatement Fee: the fee required to reinstate a per-
son’s driver license and/or driving privilege before a
suspension or revocation can be lifted and the privilege
to drive restored.
Resident: any person who is gainfully employed or
engages in any trade, profession or occupation within
this state and owns, leases or rents a place of residence
or otherwise lives within Wyoming for the purpose of
employment or remains in the jurisdiction for a period
of 120 days or more; OR any person who is registered to
vote in Wyoming; OR any person who has applied for
public assistance from Wyoming; OR any person hold-
ing a valid Wyoming resident hunting or fishing license.
Revocation: termination of a person’s privilege to drive.
Roadway: that portion of a street or highway ordinarily
used for driving.
Shoulder: that portion of the road beside the traveled
highway. It may be either hard surfaced or gravel. It
is used by stopped vehicles and helps provide proper
drainage of the highway.
Space Cushion: the space that isolates your vehicle from
other vehicles; a cushion of space ahead, behind and to
the side of your vehicle.
Suspension: the TEMPORARY REMOVAL of a person’s
privilege to drive. The license may be returned after a
specified period of time, and/or after certain require-
ments have been met.
Total Stopping Distance: the distance a vehicle trav-
els before it comes to a complete stop. It includes the
complete distance traveled while deciding to stop, then
reacting, and finally after brakes are then applied.
Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT):
the state agency responsible for the licensing of drivers
in Wyoming. WYDOT’s address is: 5300 Bishop Blvd.,
Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340.
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Traffic signs
The shapes and color of signs have meaning. If fading
light, fog, rain, snow or darkness makes it difficult to
see the letters, you should still know what to look for or
what to do.
Pavement markings provide the driver with important
information about the proper position of vehicles on the
roadway.
Regulatory signs
These signs tell you what to do. You must always obey
them.
Octagon (eight sides)
This shape is reserved for stop signs.
You must come to a complete stop.
Triangle pointing down
This shape requires that you yield the
right of way to cross traffic or to merg-
ing traffic.
Warning signs
Warning signs alert you to conditions ahead. They are
usually diamond shaped and warn you about road haz-
ards, construction sites, schools or other situations which
require your special attention. While most warning signs
are yellow, construction and maintenance warning
signs are orange.
Rectangles
Rectangular signs reg-
ulate traffic and direct
the driver’s speed and
direction.
Diamond
These signs are yellow
with black letters. They
warn of a possible danger
ahead.
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Pentagon
This sign warns of a school zone
ahead or marks a school crossing.
The absolute speed limit in a
school zone is 20 mph.
Pennant
Pennant-shaped signs are located at
the beginning of a no-passing zone.
Round
A round sign warns of a railroad
crossing ahead. Instead, a stop line
or an "X" with the letters "RR" may
be painted on the pavement before
a crossing. Or any combination of
the above may warn of an upcoming
railroad crossing.
Construction
Construction signs have black letter-
ing on an orange background.
They warn motorists of tem-
porarily dangerous or unusual
conditions on construction or
maintenance projects.
Emergency Notification Sign
The ENS (Emergency Notification
Sign) is for those emergencies that
would require stopping train traffic
due to an obstruction on the tracks,
or any other problem at the cross-
ing like if the lights or gates are not
working properly.
Guide signs
Guide signs are very helpful. They
tell you where you are, what road
you are on and how to get where
you want to go. Most guide signs
are rectangular. However, guide
signs for county roads and route
markers on freeways are different
in shape. The type of information
given determines the color of the
sign.
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Traffic signals
Red light
You must stop behind the crosswalks or
stop line. You can turn right at a RED
light unless there is a sign that prohibits
the turn. You may turn RIGHT only after
STOPPING AND YIELDING to persons
and other vehicles. You may also, after
stopping and yielding, turn left from a
one-way street onto a one-way street.
Amber light
If possible, you MUST stop before enter-
ing the intersection. If you cannot stop
safely, you should carefully go through
the intersection.
Green light
You may enter the intersection when the
way is clear. You MUST yield the right of
way to other vehicles and persons already
in the intersection.
Flashing red light
You must come to a complete stop before
entering the intersection. This light has
the same meaning as a “STOP” sign.
Flashing amber light
You must use caution. This light warns
of a dangerous intersection or location.
Turn arrows
1. A RED arrow prohibits turning in
the direction of the arrow. It is used to
remind drivers that they must turn in the
direction the arrow is pointing when the
light turns green.
2. An AMBER arrow may appear after
a GREEN arrow and warns you to clear
the intersection.
3. A GREEN arrow means that you may
turn in the direction shown by the arrow
without stopping if the way is clear. You
MUST yield the right of way to persons
and other traffic within the intersection.
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Produced by the
Wyoming Department of Transportation
Driver Services Program
Public Affairs Office
August 2021
Cover photo by Rick Carpenter, Public Affairs Office
www.dot.state.wy.us
www.aamva.org
www.nhtsa.dot.gov
www.fmcsa.dot.gov
www.ama-cycle.org
www.msf-usa.org
WYOMING
OF TRANSPORTATION
D E P A R T M E N T
Buckle up, Wyoming!
Hey! You make
that belt look
GOOD!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Wyoming DMV written test?
The Wyoming (WY) DMV written knowledge test typically consists of 20–50 multiple-choice questions. The exact number varies — check the official Wyoming DMV website for the current format.
What topics are covered in the Wyoming driver's handbook?
The Wyoming driver's handbook covers traffic laws and regulations, road signs and signals, safe driving practices, right-of-way rules, speed limits, DUI/DWI laws, and vehicle operation requirements specific to Wyoming.
Is the Wyoming driver's handbook available in Spanish?
Many states provide their driver's handbook in multiple languages. Download links for all available languages — including Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and more — are listed above on this page.
How do I pass the Wyoming DMV written test?
Study the official Wyoming driver's handbook thoroughly, then take free practice tests at DMVSOS.com to reinforce what you've learned. Most test-takers who study the full handbook and complete several practice tests pass on their first attempt.