Every motorcycle rider should be prepared for the possibility of an accident. Understanding Wyoming’s motorcycle laws can help you ride more safely and know your rights if you’re hurt in a crash because of someone else’s negligence.
The skilled lawyers with Olson Personal Injury Attorneys are deeply experienced with motorcycle accidents in Wyoming. Our trusted legal team can help answer any questions you have about motorcycle laws in the Equality State and guide you through your legal options after a crash. Contact us online or call (307) 317-3374 today for a free case review.
Wyoming Motorcycle Riding Laws
To legally ride a motorcycle in Wyoming, you must have a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, which requires the following:
- Proof of motorcycle insurance
- Proof of registration
- Your Social Security number and proof of citizenship
- Proof of Wyoming residency
You aren’t required to take a rider safety course to qualify for the endorsement, but if you do, you can avoid taking a mandatory written exam and in-person skills test. A vision test is also required.
You must be 17 years old to receive a motorcycle endorsement on your license. However, you can start the process of obtaining an instruction permit as early as age 15, and can receive an intermediate motorcycle license at age 16 if you complete the practice requirements.
Riding without a motorcycle endorsement in Wyoming could lead to fines of up to $750 and misdemeanor charges.
Wyoming Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Wyoming law requires all riders under 18 to wear helmets while on the road, even if they’re passengers. The helmet must also meet applicable safety standards.
If you’re 18 or older, helmets aren’t legally required but are still highly recommended. Motorcycles already offer much less protection than other vehicles in the event of an accident. Wearing a helmet can help mitigate the very high risk of suffering catastrophic injuries in a crash.
Wyoming Motorcycle Passenger Laws
To ride as a passenger on a motorcycle in Wyoming, the bike must be intended to carry more than one person in some way. That means the main seat must be large enough to seat two people, or the passenger must ride in a sidecar. At all times, the passenger must face forward with both legs on the side of the bike and cannot sit or carry anything in a way that would interfere with the operator.
Wyoming Motorcycle Inspection Requirements
The state of Wyoming currently doesn’t have any safety inspection requirements for motorcycles. However, a motorcycle brought from out of state will need a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection before you can register it with the state.
Wyoming Motorcycle Lane Splitting Laws
While lane-splitting is popular with some motorcycle riders, it’s not allowed in Wyoming. Under Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-115, lane-splitting is not allowed. That statute states that motorcycles aren’t allowed between lanes of traffic or between rows of vehicles. Violation of this law can result in fines and create many complications for a motorcycle accident claim.
How Much Insurance Is Needed For Motorcycle Riders in Wyoming?
Wyoming requires riders to maintain motorcycle insurance coverage minimums of up to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, as well as $20,000 per accident in property damage.
Motorcyclists are vulnerable on the road, and reckless drivers can cause devastating injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, our lawyers are here to help you recover the compensation you need.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
Motorcycles can be fun to ride on Wyoming’s roads. But operating a motorcycle can come with dangers, too. When you’re riding a motorcycle, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Keep an eye on the weather: Dangerous weather can spring up quickly in Wyoming, making your trip potentially more hazardous. Try to avoid driving in inclement weather whenever possible.
- Don’t ride a motorcycle when you’re tired: When people get on the road, they may feel fine, but that can change quickly. If you start to feel tired, take a break and get some rest.
- Make yourself visible: Many motorcycle accidents happen because other drivers don’t see the motorcycle. Reflective clothing and lights can help make others aware of your presence.
- Watch your speed: Speeding is a common cause of accidents, particularly when motorcycles are involved. Obey any speed limits and ensure you aren’t going too fast for conditions.
- Monitor the surroundings and the road ahead: Too many drivers stop paying attention when they get behind the wheel. But motorcyclists can’t afford to be careless. Continuously monitor your surroundings and watch out for problems.
- Leave space around you: Space is a motorcyclist’s friend. When you leave a cushion between you and other vehicles, it gives you and other drivers more time to react in an emergency.
- Wear safety equipment, such as a helmet, eye protection, and appropriate clothing: This gear can provide life-saving protection during and after an accident.
- Don’t split lanes: Lane splitting is dangerous and illegal under Wyoming law, and can put your life at risk.
- Practice skills and stay up-to-date: Practice makes perfect. When you practice your motorcycle riding skills or take ongoing motorcycle safety training, you’re helping to keep yourself safe on the road.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in Wyoming
For most accidents in Wyoming, you’ll have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. But keep in mind that some exceptions and alternative rules exist.
For example, if someone passes away because of a motorcycle accident, then you may have two years from the date of death to bring a wrongful death claim. There may be some circumstances that affect these deadlines even further.
Make sure you understand what rules apply in your case by talking to a knowledgeable attorney before it’s too late.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Motorcycle accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, potentially changing your life forever through no fault of your own. The skilled legal team at Olson Personal Injury Lawyers has your back. We can walk you through Wyoming’s motorcycle laws, help you hold negligent drivers accountable, and recover the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (307) 317-3374 to schedule a free consultation.
