ATV Riding Laws – Wyoming

Not among the states with the more notable tallies for ATV accidents and fatalities, Wyoming does not have a state agency that regulates all-terrain vehicles. There were 64 accident-related deaths from 1982 through 2015 per the last report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. However, there are a few laws governing their use.

First, the vehicles only need to be registered if used on designated trails and must be done so annually. Numbered decals must be placed in a visible location. Second, the state forbids the use of ATVs on public streets and highways. Riders can cross these roads to access trails, and do so for agricultural purposes outside of cities.

Definition of a Recreational Vehicle in Wyoming

The general category of off-road vehicles includes those that are less than 50 inches wide and up to 1,100 pounds. Motorcycles without a license and 600 pounds or less are included, as is a multi-wheeled motorized vehicle capable of cross country travel and weighing up to 900 pounds. The Wyoming Off Road Recreational Vehicle Program designates specific roadways to ride on, where ATVs must have an MPV license plate or be a type of vehicle that is street legal.

Operating Rules

For those operating an ATV on a street not part of the program, the rider must have a valid operator’s license, proof of insurance, and drive on the extreme right side of the road. They must also have a reflectorized flag or slow-moving vehicle emblem if not able to achieve the maximum speed limit.

When riding on designated trails or in permitted areas, a Wyoming ORV Permit must be displayed. Operators must also have a valid license and proof they have insurance. The state also requires front lighting, rear lights, and brake lights to be working if the vehicle is driven during the nighttime hours.

Ethical Driving

Many of Wyoming’s ATV riding laws pertain to ethics. It is illegal to disturb game animals or birds with a motorized vehicle or discharge a firearm from across any part of a government-maintained road. Disturbing general wildlife, land, or vegetation is illegal as well. In addition, all-terrain and other vehicles must have spark arresting mufflers to meet sound regulation requirements.

Riders are also encouraged to respect seasonal closures so not to disturb reproducing animals, view animals from a distance, and respect people too. Throttling up can cause gravel and dust to affect other motorists on the trail.

Despite the warnings and laws, people have sustained injuries and even died from ATV accidents in Wyoming. A 33-year-old man from Douglas was killed in May 2017 after his vehicle flipped over, according to KGWN, while he was spraying weeds. In Montrose County, a 15-year-old girl died the same month. Even in states like Wyoming where there are many open roads, all-terrain vehicle operators need to follow the law and safety guidelines to avoid accidents, crashes, and serious injuries that can be life threatening and debilitating.