Truckers face jail time, fines up to $2500, for violating Wyoming weight-based road closures

Drivers who violate Wyoming’s weight-based road closures are now subject to stiff penalties.

Effective July 1, 2024, drivers are subject to new penalties for violating weight-based highway closures, including wind-based weight restrictions, according to the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

In late 2023, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) debuted the Weight-based Wind Closure (WBWC) system intended to curb blow-over crashes by adding weight restrictions to wind warnings on I-80 and other blow-over “hot spots.'”

During the 2024 legislative session, Wyoming lawmakers passed the “Light and high-profile vehicle closures bill” to punish drivers who violate those weight-restrictions.

According to the language of the new law, “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, with possible penalties of a $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail.

Drivers caught violating light and high-profile vehicle restrictions again within three years of the first offense could face a reckless driving charge and a fine up to $2500, with the possibility of licensing action.

“Also new with this legislation, the driver of the light and high‑profile vehicle at the time of the violation would be liable, upon conviction, for any of the above penalties,” WYDOT said.

WYDOT notes that the new law applies not just to wind-related travel restrictions, but also to weight-restricted roadways.

“Even on highways without strong wind restrictions, like Wyoming Highway 22/Teton Pass, drivers who willfully disregard weight restriction signage will be subject to these steeper penalties,”  said Col. Tim Cameron with the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

The new law applies to commercial vehicles but also to RVs, campers, moving vans, utility trailers and other large, boxy vehicles or trailers,

“We hope these new penalties will be a better deterrent for drivers who otherwise may decide to test their luck and chance the wind closures to save some time,” said Cameron. “We see time and time again that this gamble results in crashes, injuries and lost time for everyone if the road has to close for cleanup.”