Safety Laws in Wyoming

Seat Belts

With few exceptions, everyone riding in a vehicle who is nine years old and older must wear a seat belt.

It's up to the driver to ensure all passengers follow this rule.

The only exceptions:

• U.S. postal employees when acting as mail carriers

• Anyone with a doctor's note excusing them from wearing a seat belt

• Anyone unable to obey the law due to all seat belts being in use

• Anyone riding in a vehicle that isn't required to have seat belts

Child Car Seat Laws

Any child under the age of nine must be properly fastened in an approved child safety restraint seat when riding in a vehicle. The child cannot be placed in the front seat, unless the vehicle doesn't have a rear row.

The only exception is if a doctor excuses the child from this requirement with a written statement. The statement must be carried in the vehicle the child is riding in at all times.

If you're in the market for one, you can shop online for a child car seat at any time. Before ordering, be sure to read our articles on How to Install a Child Safety Seat and How to Buy a Child Safety Seat.

Cell Phones and Texting

As of June 2012, there are no statewide restrictions on the use of cell phones while driving. However, you cannot use a hand-held cell phone while driving within Cheyenne's city limits.

Texting while behind the wheel is banned throughout the state.

Headlights

Headlights must be turned on whenever driving from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and whenever conditions make it impossible to clearly see at least 1,000 feet ahead.

Helmets

Anyone under the age of 18 riding on a motorcycle must wear an approved helmet.

Unsafe Drivers

To report possible drunk or other unsafe drivers, or other types of highway emergencies, call the Wyoming Highway Patrol at (800) 442-9090.

Call 911 or your local police department for non-highway emergency situations.

Unattended Children

While Wyoming doesn't have any statewide laws specifically addressing the issue of leaving children unattended in a vehicle, the state considers it to be child endangerment for a caregiver to knowingly or with criminal neglect violate their duty of care, protection, and support of a child's life or health.

Your Opinion Matters To Us!