Wyoming's Windy Roads: Penalties For Ignoring Closures

The Wyoming wind can be miserable, especially when you're involved in a wind-related accident. Most of the time, those accidents can be avoided if you pay attention to the warning signs posted across the state.

Whenever roads are closed due to weather, some people feel they don't need to follow the warnings and will be okay. According to WYDOT, road closures due to wind conditions have been happening since 2011, after extensive research from the University of Wyoming.

Did you know that since 2024, you could be fined, and or spend time in jail if you fail to comply with the warnings from WYDOT? Light and high-profile vehicle closures bill (SF0113) passed in the 2024 legislative session.

Any person who willfully fails to observe any sign, marker, warning, notice or direction” for closures to light, high-profile vehicles is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, subject to a fine of $1,000 and potential imprisonment for not more than 30 days.

If the motorist is convicted of subsequent offenses within three years of the first offense, the violator is subject to a $2,500 fine. The conviction would be deemed reckless driving under Wyoming Statute 31-5-229, with possible driver licensing action.

This new law applies not only to commercial drivers but also to RVs, campers, moving vans, utility trailers, box vehicles, and trailers considered light and high profile.

When Wyoming elects to close the roads, they're not doing it just as an inconvenience to you. The conditions are serious and dangerous enough that closing the road is the only way to ensure safety for everyone on the road.

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Wyoming does have the "Wyoming Travel Authorization Program," which allows drivers to register and receive authorization to travel on portions of closed roads for purposes such as tending livestock, commuting to and from work or medical appointments, and other crucial tasks.

You can find out more about W-TAP and register HERE.