Wyoming drivers often ignore basic rules of the road, such as not passing on the right or following too closely.
Wyoming’s traffic code is in place to help protect everyone using the state’s highways and roads. Complying with the rules of the road helps keep all travelers safe. Yet, many motorists continue to disobey traffic laws every time they drive.
In this article, you’ll find seven of Wyoming’s most commonly ignored traffic laws. Keep reading to discover the seven laws and find out what you can do to remain compliant.
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1. Wyoming Slower Traffic Keep Right Law: The “Move Over” Rule
Wyoming’s code requires you to keep to the right if you are driving slower than the regular speed of traffic. This means you need to keep to the furthest right lane or close to the right curb. The only exceptions are when you are preparing to pass or make a left turn.
Upon all roadways except one-way streets any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into an alley, private road or driveway.
2. Wyoming Flow of Traffic Law: The “Minimum Speed” Rule
In Wyoming, it is illegal to drive in the far left lane if you are slowing down or blocking traffic behind you. Though there is no statewide minimum speed, you must travel at least that quickly if one is posted. If there is no minimum posted, you still are required to move at least fast enough to not block other traffic. Unless you need to slow down for safety or to comply with the law, you must maintain a pace equal to the flow of traffic.
No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
Whenever the superintendent determines that slow speeds on any part of a highway consistently impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, the superintendent may determine and declare a minimum speed limit below which no person shall drive a vehicle except when necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law and that limit is effective when posted upon appropriate fixed or variable signs.
Notwithstanding any minimum speed that may be authorized and posted, no person shall operate a vehicle in the extreme left-hand lane of a controlled-access highway for a prolonged period in a manner which impedes the flow of other traffic traveling at a lawful rate of speed.
3. Wyoming Driving in Left Lane Law: The “Passing on the Left” Rule
Wyoming requires drivers to pass other vehicles on the left. You can speed up to 10 mph over the speed limit when passing. However, once you have completed the pass, you must move back to the right and return to the speed limit as soon as it is safe.
If you need to cross the center line to pass, you must be back in the right lane before you come within 200 feet of any oncoming traffic. You must ensure the opposite lanes are safely clear of traffic before beginning the maneuver.
When you are being passed by another driver, you must give the other vehicle space and cannot speed up until they have completed their pass.
The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
A driver of a passenger car, motorcycle, autocycle or pickup truck, not towing any other vehicle, may exceed the speed limit by up to ten (10) miles an hour while passing another vehicle traveling at less than the legal maximum speed, in order to safely pass the vehicle. The overtaking vehicle shall return to the right-hand lane and reduce speed to the posted speed limit as soon as practicable.
No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle unless the left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit the overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken.
In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within two hundred (200) feet of any approaching vehicle.
4. Wyoming Rear-End Collision Law: The “Following Too Closely” Rule
Wyoming requires drivers to leave a “reasonable and prudent” space between vehicles. If you are outside of a business or residential district, this means leaving enough space for another car to pass you and merge in front of you. Otherwise, what is considered a large enough gap will depend on weather and traffic conditions.
The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.
The driver of any vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district, and which is following another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy the space without danger.
5. Wyoming Mobile Phone Driving Law: The “Hands-Free Driving” Rule
When driving in Wyoming, you can use your cell phone in hands-free mode or when you are parked. Otherwise, using a mobile device for texting or emailing is illegal. You can hold your phone if necessary to contact emergency services.
No person shall operate a motor vehicle on a public street or highway while using a handheld electronic wireless communication device to write, send or read a text-based communication. This section shall not apply to a person who is using a handheld electronic wireless communication device while the vehicle is lawfully parked; to contact an emergency response vehicle; or when using voice operated or hands free technology.
6. Wyoming Four-Way Intersection Law: The “4-Way Stop” Rule
Wyoming law requires drivers to the left to yield when two cars reach an intersection simultaneously. The other driver has the right of way and can proceed first.
When two (2) vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
7. Wyoming Left Turn Intersection Law: The “Right of Way” Rule
Before you make a left turn, Wyoming’s rules of the road require you to ensure no cars that are close enough to present a safety issue are approaching from the opposite direction. First, you must let these vehicles clear, then you can begin your left turn.
The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.
To be a safer, more courteous driver on Wyoming’s streets, you should obey all traffic laws. That starts with following the rules of the road, including the ones that are often overlooked. So, remember these seven parts of the traffic code the next time you get behind the wheel.