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Most-missed Wyoming DMV rules
These are the numbers and rules that trip up new drivers most often on the real Wyoming knowledge test. Every fact below comes from our free Wyoming DMV practice test question bank, which has 180 questions across 9 topics.
Speed limits
- Wyoming posts differentiated interstate maximums by segment, with some rural stretches allowing up to 80 mph.
- The manual's speed table sets 30 mph as the default limit for business areas unless otherwise posted.
- The manual instructs reducing speed by at least half on packed snow, since traction is severely reduced.
- For wet pavement the manual recommends a modest reduction of roughly 5 to 10 mph to maintain control.
- Ice offers the least traction of the conditions discussed, so the manual advises slowing to a crawl.
- The basic speed law requires 'reasonable and prudent' speed with specific reduced-speed duties named for intersections, railroad crossings, curves, hillcrests, narrow/winding roads, and hazardous weather.
- W.S. 31-5-301(b)(i) sets the statutory maximum at 20 mph in a posted school zone.
- W.S. 31-5-301(b)(ii) sets the maximum at 30 mph in any urban district or residence district/subdivision, except designated private roads.
- W.S. 31-5-301(b)(vii) sets the maximum at 70 mph on non-interstate state highways.
- W.S. 31-5-301(b)(iv) sets a default maximum of 65 mph on paved roads and 55 mph on unpaved roads without a posted limit.
Right of way
- The manual's example shows a left-turning driver must yield to both the car proceeding straight and any car approaching from the right.
- At a YIELD sign the manual instructs drivers to check cross traffic and yield to anything close enough to be dangerous, stopping if necessary.
- The manual's right-of-way section instructs drivers to yield to pedestrians who are crossing in a crosswalk.
- The manual's railroad crossing section requires drivers to yield right-of-way to approaching trains rather than attempting to beat them across.
- Because the manual classifies bicyclists as vehicles for right-of-way purposes, standard uncontrolled-intersection right-of-way rules apply equally to them.
- At an uncontrolled intersection, the driver must yield to the vehicle approaching from the right, regardless of who arrives first.
- The Wyoming manual explicitly treats bicyclists as vehicles, meaning they share the same right-of-way rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.
- Do not cut through or break up a funeral procession. Slow down, be patient, and let it pass. Cutting between the vehicles is unsafe and often illegal.
- At an uncontrolled intersection, slow down and yield to any car already in the intersection or approaching from your right.
- A left-turning vehicle must yield to oncoming through traffic and to pedestrians. Only turn when the gap is safe.
- When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating and travel counterclockwise. Exit at your street; do not stop in the middle of the circle.
- At a T-intersection, traffic on the road that ends must yield to traffic on the through road that continues.
- A round green light allows a left turn but does not give you the right of way. Pull into the intersection, yield to oncoming through traffic and pedestrians, then turn when there is a safe gap.
Alcohol and DUI
- The manual notes a BAC around 0.05% with other supporting evidence of impairment can still result in a DWUI conviction.
- Wyoming's implied consent law imposes an Administrative Per Se suspension for refusal (or a BAC of 0.08% or higher), independent of the criminal DWUI charge.
- W.S. 31-5-233(b)(i) sets the per se DUI limit at a BAC of 0.08% or more.
- W.S. 31-5-233(c) states a BAC of 0.05% or below creates a presumption the driver was NOT under the influence, while 0.05%-0.08% creates no presumption either way.
- Under W.S. 31-5-234, Wyoming's zero tolerance limit for drivers under 21 is a BAC of 0.02% or more.
- W.S. 31-5-233(e) sets the first-offense DUI penalty at up to 6 months imprisonment and a fine of not more than $750.
- W.S. 31-5-233(f) requires an ignition interlock device for 6 months after a first DUI conviction if BAC was 0.15% or higher.
- W.S. 31-5-233(m) makes DUI with a child passenger under 16 a separate enhanced offense, with up to 1 year imprisonment and a $750 fine for a first conviction.
Signals and markings
- A solid yellow line on your side of a two-way road indicates passing is prohibited from that side.
- A flashing red signal functions like a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
- A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed with caution, unlike a flashing red which requires a full stop.
- A flashing red signal functions the same as a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
- On a plain green light, a left-turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before completing the turn.
- A red flashing light is treated like a stop sign: stop, then yield to vehicles already in or entering the intersection.
- A green arrow grants a protected right of way to complete that turn without yielding to opposing traffic.
- The truck apron is a raised, paved area only meant for large truck wheels; ordinary vehicles should never drive on it.
- The manual instructs drivers not to change lanes once inside a roundabout.
- A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, unlike a solid red which requires a full stop.
- A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline means you may not cross it to pass; passing is prohibited from that side.
- A dashed yellow center line indicates passing is generally permitted when it can be done safely, unlike a solid yellow line.
- A steady red light always requires a complete stop before the intersection unless a sign specifically permits turning after stopping.
- Headlights are legally required not just at night but any time weather conditions significantly reduce visibility.
- A solid yellow line on your side of a centerline pair generally means passing is prohibited in that direction, while a broken line permits passing when safe.
- When a signal is dark or malfunctioning, drivers must treat the intersection as a four-way stop, coming to a full stop and yielding to the vehicle on the right if both arrive at the same time.
- A flashing red signal is treated the same as a stop sign: come to a full stop, then proceed only when it is safe.
- A steady yellow light warns that the right of way is ending and the signal is about to turn red.
- A dashed yellow centerline indicates passing is generally allowed on that side when it is safe to do so and no other restriction applies.
- A flashing yellow arrow is a permissive signal allowing a left turn, but only after yielding to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians/cyclists in the crosswalk.
- A bike box lets cyclists position ahead of traffic; drivers must stop behind the box rather than within it.
- A flashing yellow arrow permits the indicated turn but the driver must first yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
- Double solid yellow lines indicate that passing is not permitted from either direction on that stretch of road.
- A steady yellow light warns the signal is about to turn red; drivers should stop safely if possible or proceed with caution if too close to stop.
- A flashing yellow light means slow down, look, and proceed carefully. It does NOT require a full stop the way a red light or STOP sign does.
- A flashing hand or countdown means do NOT start crossing. If you are already in the crosswalk, keep going and finish crossing safely.
- A steady DON'T WALK hand prohibits starting to cross. Only a WALK signal or walking-person symbol allows you to begin crossing.
- Always signal continuously through a turn or lane change even when you see no other cars, because pedestrians or cyclists may be near. Cancel the signal after you finish.
- A green downward arrow means the lane is open for you to use. A red X above the lane means it is closed and you may not drive in it.
- Double solid yellow lines separate opposing directions and prohibit passing. You may only cross them for a permitted left turn or a legal U-turn into an intersection or driveway.
- A broken yellow line on your side of the lane allows passing when it is safe. The solid line on the opposite side means that direction may not pass.
- White lines separate lanes going the same direction. A solid white line means stay in your lane and avoid changing lanes, while a broken white line lets you change lanes when safe.
- A two-way center left-turn lane is only for preparing to turn left or merging into traffic. You may not use it to drive straight through or to pass.
Parking
- Standard practice when parking uphill with a curb is to angle front wheels away from the curb so a rolling vehicle is stopped by the curb.
- Blocking a driveway is a standard prohibited parking location because it obstructs other vehicles' access.
Safe driving
- The manual teaches drivers not to swerve for animals, since swerving often causes worse crashes than a controlled collision or straight-line braking.
- The manual's wildlife conservation section discusses headlight use to help spot reflective animal eyes along dark rural roads.
- The manual warns that leaving a large vehicle's wind-sheltered draft can expose your car to a sudden crosswind push, requiring a steering correction.
- Given Wyoming's rural geography and big-game population, the manual dedicates a section to wildlife collision awareness and prevention.
- The manual's wind driving guidance recommends reducing speed and being ready to make steering corrections in gusty mountain-pass conditions.
- The manual advises reducing speed for wet roads, reducing it further for packed snow, and slowing to a crawl on ice, since traction decreases as conditions worsen.
- Careless driving is defined as operating a vehicle inconsistent with due and diligent care that creates an unreasonable risk of harm, a lesser and separately codified charge from reckless driving.
- Easing off the gas and holding a straight steering direction allows the tires to regain contact with the road surface safely.
- On undivided roads, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign until it resumes moving.
- Endangering a highway worker with no injury results in a fine of $500 to $1,000, rising to as much as $5,000 if great bodily injury results.
- A minimum three-second following gap gives most drivers enough time to react and stop safely under normal conditions.
- Since entering roundabout traffic must yield to vehicles already circulating, slowing down and watching for a safe gap is the correct approach.
- A 3 to 4 second following distance gives drivers enough time to react and brake safely under normal conditions.
- A minimum 3-second following distance gives drivers enough time to react to sudden braking by the vehicle ahead.
- Since farm tractors typically travel around 25 mph, the speed differential requires extra caution and clearance when passing.
- Safe lane changes require checking mirrors, checking blind spots by looking over the shoulder, and signaling the intended move before moving over.
- A several-second following distance, often cited as at least 3 seconds under normal conditions, provides reaction time to avoid rear-end collisions.
- Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions; drivers should reduce speed further and increase following distance in poor weather like heavy rain or fog.
- Rural highways through unfenced farm and ranch land require extra alertness for livestock and wildlife crossing the road.
- A minimum three-second following distance under normal conditions gives a driver time to react and brake safely, with more time needed in poor weather.
- An owner cited by a stop-arm camera faces monetary penalties instead of points: $250 for a first violation, rising to $300 for a third within 18 months.
- With a tailgater, open up more space in front of you so you can brake gradually instead of suddenly. Do not brake to retaliate and do not race away.
- Strong crosswinds can push your car out of its lane. Hold the wheel firmly with both hands, slow down, and be ready for sudden gusts.
- Do not engage. Avoid eye contact, do not brake in retaliation, let them pass, and leave a safe distance between you and that car.
- Horses and livestock spook easily. Slow down, do not honk or rev your engine, and pass very slowly with plenty of room so you do not startle them.
- When you see a hazard developing ahead, cover the brake and plan an escape route so you can react faster if you have to stop.
- In a skid, ease off the gas or brake and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Slamming the brakes makes the skid worse.
Road signs
- The downward-pointing red-and-white triangle is the standard YIELD sign, requiring drivers to slow and yield to conflicting traffic.
- The eight-sided red STOP sign requires a full stop before entering the intersection, regardless of visible cross traffic.
- STOP (R1-1): full stop at the line or crosswalk even when empty; yield, then proceed.
- YIELD (R1-2): give up the right-of-way; slow and be ready to stop.
- DO NOT ENTER (R5-1): entry prohibited; common at freeway off-ramps and one-way streets.
- WRONG WAY (R5-1a): you have entered opposing traffic. Pull over safely and turn around when possible.
- ONE WAY (R6-1): all traffic flows in the arrow's direction.
- NO U-TURN (R3-4): no U-turns at this location. This is not a no-left-turn sign (a different arrow shape) or a no-passing sign (a different shape and color entirely).
- NO LEFT TURN (R3-2). A red circle-and-slash always bans the pictured movement.
- NO RIGHT TURN (R3-1): no right turns, including on red. Going straight is still fine since the sign only bans the right-turn movement; parking is unrelated to this sign.
- White/black = regulatory. Speed Limit is the legal max in ideal conditions; drive slower when conditions are bad (Basic Speed Law).
- KEEP RIGHT (R4-7): a median or obstruction is ahead; keep to its right.
- The crossbuck (R15-1) stands at the tracks and legally works like a YIELD sign: slow, look both ways, be ready to stop.
- Advance warning (W10-1): tracks ahead. Slow down, look, and listen.
- School (S1-1): school zone or crossing. Slow down and watch for children; obey the posted reduced school-zone speed limit, which varies by state.
- Pedestrian crossing (W11-2): crossing ahead; slow and be ready to stop.
- Signal ahead (W3-3): an intersection signal is coming, useful when it hides behind a curve.
- Stop ahead (W3-1): a stop sign is coming (often obscured); start slowing now.
- Merge (W4-1): traffic joins ahead. Adjust speed and position to let them in safely.
- Lane ends (W4-2): merge early; zipper-merge when traffic is heavy.
- Two-way traffic (W6-3): you are leaving a one-way road; keep right.
- Divided highway begins (W6-1): directions separate around a median; always keep right of it.
- Slippery when wet (W8-5): slickest in fresh rain. Slow down, keep distance, steer smoothly.
- Curve (W1-2): slow BEFORE the curve; do not brake in the middle of it.
- Turn (W1-1): sharper than a curve; slow down hard, follow the advisory plaque.
- Winding road (W1-5): consecutive curves; hold a steady lower speed throughout.
- Crossroad (W2-1): an intersection ahead with traffic entering from both sides. Hospital signs are blue with an H.
- NO PASSING ZONE (W14-3): unique pennant shape, posted on the LEFT side, marks where passing becomes illegal.
- Warning signs (typically yellow, diamond shaped) inform drivers of hazards ahead like curves or crossings, distinct from regulatory signs that state legal requirements.
- School zone warning signs signal drivers to reduce speed and watch for children, consistent with the guide's emphasis on adjusting speed for conditions and hazards.
- Speed limit signs are standard rectangular white regulatory signs, distinct from the diamond-shaped yellow warning signs.
- Diamond-shaped yellow signs are standard warning signs alerting drivers to hazards like curves, merges, or crossings ahead.
- The downward-pointing triangle is the standard yield sign shape, meaning drivers must slow and give the right of way if needed rather than always stopping.
- An inverted triangle is the standard shape used for yield signs, instructing drivers to slow and give way to other traffic.
- Diamond-shaped yellow signs are standard warning signs alerting drivers to hazards ahead, such as curves, merges, or intersections.
- Drivers must stop at the marked line or crosswalk, or at the edge of the intersection if there is no marking, before proceeding.
- The eight-sided shape is reserved exclusively for stop signs so drivers can recognize it even if the sign face is obscured.
- Diamond-shaped yellow signs are the standard shape/color combination used for general warning signs about upcoming hazards or conditions.
- The circular yellow sign shape is specifically reserved in the national sign system for advance railroad crossing warnings.
- Diamond-shaped yellow signs are warning signs, alerting drivers to hazards like curves, merges, or crossings ahead.
- The five-sided pentagon shape is reserved specifically for school-related warning signs, distinct from all other warning sign shapes.
- Orange is the standard color used for temporary construction and work zone signs, regardless of the specific shape used.
- School zone and school crossing signs use a distinctive fluorescent yellow-green pentagon shape to stand out to drivers.
- A YIELD sign requires slowing down and stopping only if needed to give way to traffic or pedestrians on the intersecting road.
- The yellow pennant-shaped sign marks the start of a no-passing zone. It usually appears along with a solid yellow line on the pavement.
- A yellow diamond-shaped sign is a WARNING sign, alerting you to a hazard or change ahead such as a curve, intersection, or school, so you slow down.
- A white rectangular sign with black lettering is a REGULATORY sign stating a law you must obey, such as speed or direction of travel.
- An orange sign marks a construction or roadwork zone. Slow down and watch for workers and shifting lanes.
- A blue sign points to driver services such as gas stations, food, lodging, or hospitals.
- A green sign is a GUIDE sign, showing directions, distances, and the names of exits or places.
- A red circle with a slash means the action shown is PROHIBITED, such as no turn or no U-turn at that spot.
Laws and paperwork
- The manual notes SR-22 financial responsibility filings must typically be maintained for three years from the date required.
- The manual states applicants may take the written knowledge test twice in a single calendar day if they fail.
- The manual notes tests are administered in English only, though an interpreter may be used; there is no other-language written test.
- The manual indicates oral testing is available but must be requested in advance rather than provided automatically.
- WYDOT's manuals page cautions that information may be outdated depending on when a manual was printed, so drivers should verify current rules.
- The Class C driver manual is published by WYDOT's Driver Services Program.
- The manual describes a voluntary Wildlife Conservation donation fund connected to driver license transactions, tied to the state's animal-collision problem.
- The manual references financial responsibility requirements (such as SR-22 filings) that ensure drivers can cover crash-related liability.
- Texting while driving in Wyoming is a misdemeanor with a maximum fine of only $75, one of the lowest such fines nationally.
- Wyoming's minimum limits are $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage, the classic 25/50/20 split.
- A regular Wyoming learner's permit can be issued at age 15, is valid for one year, and must be held a minimum of 10 days before further driving privileges.
- Wyoming's intermediate license requires 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving including 10 hours at night, plus a driving skills test and driver education course.
- Intermediate license holders may not legally drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., with exceptions for a licensed adult passenger, school/religious activity, work, or medical emergency.
- Intermediate license holders are restricted to no more than one passenger under age 18 who is not an immediate family member, unless a licensed adult is supervising.
- Such a first-conviction speeding violation can be excluded from the abstract/record kept under W.S. 31-5-1214, unless it's a school zone, construction zone, or CDL-involved violation.
Emergencies
- Wyoming's Move Over Law requires moving at least one full lane away from a stopped emergency, utility, or highway maintenance vehicle with activated lights.
- Standard right-of-way and safe-driving practice requires yielding to emergency vehicles by pulling right and stopping until they pass.
- The move-over law also specifically applies to municipal, public utility, and highway construction/maintenance vehicles under these conditions.
- When changing lanes is not safe, the Move Over Law still expects drivers to reduce speed and use caution passing the stopped vehicle.
- Drivers are expected to keep a substantial following distance after an emergency vehicle passes, rather than closing in immediately.
- If pulling fully off the road isn't immediately possible, drivers should slow down and use extra caution, but the priority is always to get completely off the pavement as soon as safely possible per Pull Aside, Stay Alive guidance.
- Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling to the right and stopping, while making sure not to block the intersection.
- A move-over violation causing death carries a fine of up to $10,000 and a 1-year license suspension, compared to 90 days for bodily injury and 6 months for serious bodily injury.
- Standard guidance for hydroplaning is to ease off the gas and avoid sudden braking or steering, letting the tires regain contact with the road.
- Drivers must yield the right of way to emergency vehicles by pulling to the right edge of the road and stopping until the emergency vehicle has passed.
- Drivers should move to the right and yield the roadway to approaching emergency vehicles with active lights and sirens, stopping if necessary to let them pass safely.
- Authorized emergency vehicles may exceed posted limits during emergency duty with signals operating, as long as they do not endanger others.
- Drivers may not park their vehicle within the block where an emergency vehicle has stopped to respond to an incident.
- Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling over to the right and stopping until the vehicle has passed.
- The Move Over Law has escalating consequences: a basic violation carries a modest fine and point penalty, a violation causing a crash carries a higher fine, and one causing death or serious injury carries the harshest penalty.
- Regardless of whether a crossing has gates or signals, drivers must never attempt to beat a visible train and must stop and wait for it to clear.
- The handbook states drivers must always yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles.
- Drivers are required to stop at the scene of a crash involving injury or significant damage, provide information, and call for assistance if needed.
- Drivers must yield right-of-way, pull as far right as possible, stop, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
- If your car catches fire or smells like burning, pull over, shut off the engine, and get everyone away. Do not open the hot hood, since the rush of air will make the fire flare up.
- If the gas pedal sticks, shift to Neutral to cut the power, then brake and steer to the shoulder. Only turn off the engine after you have fully stopped, so you do not lose power steering.
Signs
Sign shape and color carry meaning before you even read the words. A red octagon always means stop, a red-bordered triangle pointing down means yield, and yellow diamonds warn of a hazard ahead. For every sign image used in our practice test, with the exact meaning and explanation, see the full road sign glossary.
Keep studying
This cheat sheet is a summary, not a substitute for practice. Test yourself with the free Wyoming DMV practice test, which explains the reasoning behind every answer, or see Wyoming DMV facts and fees before test day.