Wyoming Traffic Violations

The offenses committed when an individual operates a motor vehicle are referred to as traffic violations. Under Title 31 of the Wyoming Statutes, many of these violations are classified as misdemeanors but may be elevated to felonies depending on the severity and circumstances. Therefore, it is important to understand how traffic violations work in Wyoming to avoid license suspension, criminal penalties, and fines, as well as to promote safe and responsible driving practices.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, it is considered a misdemeanor to violate Chapters 5, 6, or 7 of Title 31 of the Wyoming Statutes. However, certain offenses may fall under other laws that classify them as more serious crimes and impose harsher penalties. For example, Section 31-5-233 prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances and enforces increased penalties for repeat or aggravated offenses.

Types of Traffic Violations in Wyoming

Under Wyoming law, drivers may be cited for several types of traffic violations, such as

• Speeding: Within Chapter 5 of Title 31 of the Wyoming Statutes, multiple sections regulate obedience to traffic signals and speed limits. Therefore, drivers need to obey traffic-control devices and comply with posted speed limits.
• DUI: It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. Under Section 31-5-233of the Wyoming Statutes, an offender may face harsher penalties if their actions result in injury or death.
• Driving without a license: Section 31-7-106 requires all drivers to possess a valid driver’s license before operating a vehicle on public roads. However, it is a distinct offense to drive with a suspended, canceled, or revoked license.
• Reckless: According to sections 31:5:229 and 31-05-236, reckless driving carries more severe penalties than careless driving, with increased consequences for repeat offenders.
• Hit-and-run: Section 31-5-1102 mandates that any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury or death must stop immediately and remain until all legal duties are fulfilled.
• Failure to yield / right-of-way: Section 31-5-220 establishes that when two vehicles approach an intersection simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. Failure to do so constitutes a traffic violation.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Wyoming

Wyoming does not use a point system for tracking driving offenses. Instead, penalties are handled through fines, insurance premium increases. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) maintains records of driving history to record infractions that involve fines, suspension, or other action. Typical penalties in the state include

• Speeding penalties vary by amount over the limit, with fines.
• DUI offenses carry mandatory license suspensions and possible jail time, enforced after a court conviction.
• Use of mobile devices while driving may result in fines, starting at $50 for first offenses and increasing with repeats.
• Insurance providers in Wyoming use driving records to determine premiums and may increase rates after a violation.

How to Search for Traffic Violation Records in Wyoming

Wyoming records are primarily accessible through court records and the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) driver history database.

Wyoming county courts maintain traffic tickets and violation records. Some counties offer online searching where one can search case status by case number, defendant name, or date. To get official copies or full records, it is advisable to call the county courthouse or clerk's office individually.

They can get their driving records either online on the WYDOT site or by mail. The request requires a completed application, identification, and fees. Third parties require written authorization from the driver to obtain these records. Violations, suspensions, and points history are included in the driving history, and one may get these for a fee.

What is typically included?

• Court dockets: They contain case or citation number, charge or statute violated, docket events, disposition, and amounts due.
• WYDOT driver records: These include findings of responsibility or conviction, surchargeable events, suspensions or revocations, and any DUI administrative actions recorded.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, the duration that traffic violations remain on a driver’s record depends on:

• Driver record and suspension: Traffic violations typically stay on a driver’s record for 12 months, but suspensions and serious violations like DUI remain longer.
• WYDOT driving record: Traffic violations generally remain on the official driving record for at least three years, with more serious offenses such as DUI or reckless driving, staying up to 10 years or longer.