Speed limits are certainly not the first thing that springs to mind when you are visiting a beautiful state such as Wyoming. However, the state’s traffic authority has set out clear guidelines that must be abided by in order to avoid receiving a traffic ticket, points on your license, subsequent insurance increases, and in some scenarios, jail time!
If you are relocating to Wyoming from another state, visiting from another state or country for vacation purposes, or simply passing through the state from another such as Colorado, and perhaps Montana due to commuting to work or other potential reasons, possessing the correct knowledge of the speed limit in Wyoming as well as the other traffic laws is incredibly important to have and follow.
Knowing the correct speed limits is not only about avoiding punishment. It is also about driving safely on the roads to prevent accidents with another motorist or passerby. Driving within the speed limit helps reduce the possibility of crashes and promotes efficient use of the road.
Traffic laws, including speed limits and other motor vehicle-related laws, are established by the Wyoming Department of Transportation. The state speed limits are defined by two different types of speed limits, basic speeding Wyoming law, and absolute speed limits.
The basic speeding law prohibits driving “at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual hazards then existing”. This means that motorists must always drive at a safe speed for the conditions and environment they are driving in.
For example, if you are driving on a 70 mph undivded road on a wet, windy, and dark evening in Wyoming, it would be a requirement for you to slow down your speed to significantly less than the signed speed limit of 70 mph. This is due to bad weather conditions for driving, making the road dangerous and unsafe, if you are caught driving at the signed limit in these kinds of conditions, expect a fine coming your way.
Speed Limits in Wyoming
The absolute speed limit in Wyoming is the speed limit you see signposted on roadways, what you see is what you get. If the weather conditions are good and safe, you may go at the maximum speed limit. Surpassing it will likely cost you fines, and other penalties.
The Equality State does not have the highest maximum speed limit in the U.S. (but it is one of them!), in fact, there is actually only one other state that has a higher maximum speed limit. The maximum speed limit at which you can travel on certain roads in Wyoming is 80 mph.
Here are the different speed limits to look out for in Wyoming:
- 30 mph is the speed limit in Wyoming’s residential districts.
- 70 mph is the maximum speed limit for undivided roads.
- 70 mph is the maximum speed limit for divided roads.
- The urban highway speed limit in Wyoming is 65 mph.
- Rural highways in Wyoming are 80 mph.
- The maximum speed limit for trucks is also 80 mph in Wyoming.
When driving through residential areas and not a state highway, something to be aware of is schools as they have temporarily lowered speed limits and enforce these limits very strictly. You don’t want to receive a hefty fine for not being aware of this.
Speed Limit in Wyoming
In Wyoming, the fines for committing speeding violations depend on the circumstances, but in general, speeding is considered to be a misdemeanor. Here are the possible penalties you will likely receive for surpassing specific speed limits:
- For a basic speed law violation = $85.
- 1 to 5 mph over the limit. = $65 + $2 for each mph over the limit.
- 6 to 10 mph over the limit = $100 + $7 for each mph in excess of 5 mph over the limit.
- 11 to 20 mph over the limit = $155 + $7 for each mph in excess of 10 mph over the limit.
- 21 or more mph over the limit = $65 + $7 for each mph in excess of 20 mph over the limit.
These penalties will have to be paid if you are caught and proven to be guilty of surpassing the speed limit in Wyoming. When you are caught speeding in Wyoming, you will only run the risk of fines, unlike most other states, speeding in Wyoming and being caught for it will not mean that points will be added to your license.
When visiting or relocating your family to Wyoming, it is normal to get carried away with the fun things to do. Knowledge of the speed limits in Wyoming – and adhering to them – will ensure your time is well spent and minimize the chance of you being fined.
