Minimum Driving Age
Wyoming follows a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with several phases:
Instruction Permit:
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Requirements: Must be enrolled in an approved driver education program (if under 16), or pass a knowledge test if 16 or older.
Provisional License:
- Minimum Age: 16 years
- Requirements: Completion of driver education, holding an instruction permit for at least 6 months, and passing a road skills test.
Regular License:
- Minimum Age: 17 years
- Requirements: Holding a provisional license for at least 6 months without any major violations or accidents.
Instruction Permit Rules
- Supervision: Permit holders under 18 must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older.
- Practice Hours: No specific state-mandated hours, but supervised driving is required for permit holders.
- Passenger Restrictions: For drivers under 18, only immediate family members or one unrelated passenger under 21 is allowed for the first 6 months.
License Types
- Instruction Permit: Allows supervised driving for new drivers learning the rules.
- Provisional License: Issued after passing the road test; has restrictions on passengers and nighttime driving.
- Regular License: Full driving privileges after holding a provisional license without violations.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Required for commercial vehicles; strict age and testing requirements apply.
- Motorcycle License: Requires passing written and skills tests specific to motorcycle operation.
Required Documents for Driving
Applicants must provide:
- Proof of identity and date of birth (e.g., birth certificate, passport).
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN card or equivalent).
- Proof of Wyoming residency (utility bills, lease agreements, etc.).
- Parental consent if under 18 (parent or guardian signature required).
Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws
- Children under 1 year or under 20 pounds: Must be in a rear-facing child safety seat.
- Children ages 1-4 years: Must use a child safety seat appropriate for their weight and height.
- Children ages 4-8 years: Must use a booster seat if under 4 feet 9 inches tall.
- Children over 8 years or taller than 4 feet 9 inches: Must wear a seatbelt.
- Seatbelt Use: All drivers and passengers aged 8 and older are required to wear seatbelts.
Child Passenger Safety Fact Sheet
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules
- Handheld Device Use: Prohibited for drivers under 18.
- Hands-Free Use: Allowed for drivers 18 and older.
- Novice Drivers (under 18): No cell phone use at all, including hands-free.
DUI Laws
- Legal BAC Limits:
- 21 and over: 0.08%
- Under 21: 0.02% (zero tolerance)
- 21 and over: 0.08%
- First Offense Penalties:
- Fine: Up to $1,000
- Jail: Up to 6 months
- License Suspension: 90 days to 6 months
- Alcohol Assessment: May be required
- Fine: Up to $1,000
- Aggravated DUI (BAC ≥ 0.15%) Penalties:
- Increased fines and longer license suspension
- Ignition Interlock Device may be required
- Increased fines and longer license suspension
Speed Limits
- Urban Areas: Typically 25-30 mph
- Rural Areas: 65 mph
- Highways/Interstates: 75 mph (some areas may vary)
Reckless Driving Laws
- Definition: Operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for safety.
- First Offense Penalties:
- Fine: Up to $500
- Jail Time: Up to 6 months
- Fine: Up to $500
- Subsequent Offense Penalties:
- Increased fines and potential longer jail time
Points System
- Points are assigned for various traffic violations.
- Accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months may result in license suspension or revocation.
Insurance Requirements
- Minimum Liability Coverage:
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $20,000 per accident
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Proof of Insurance: Drivers must carry proof of insurance when driving.
Renewal Frequency and Testing
- License Renewal: Usually every 4 years.
- Vision Test: Required at each renewal.
- Written/Driving Test: May be required after violations or medical concerns.
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