Texting and driving in Wyoming is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $75. Commercial truck drivers may face license suspension if they are caught using their phones while driving.

Wyoming

has had a texting and driving law since 2010. However, it continues to be the third most deadly state when it comes to distracted driving. In 2018 alone, 229 car accidents were caused by drivers using their cell phones or other electronics behind the wheel.

Texting and driving is illegal in Wyoming, and some areas have even implemented additional laws to cut down on distracted driving. To guide you through Wyoming’s texting and driving laws, car insurance super app

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What are the texting and driving laws in Wyoming?

Wyoming defines distracted driving as “anything that takes the eyes off the road, mind off of driving, and hands off of the steering wheel while operating a motor vehicle.” Texting and driving meets all three parts of this definition:

Visual distraction: moving your eyes off the road to look at your phone screen.

Manual distraction: taking one or both hands off the steering wheel to type on your phone.

Cognitive distraction: taking your mind off of driving to compose a message or think about what is on your screen.

For these reasons, texting and driving is particularly dangerous. Texting and driving is a primary offense in Wyoming, which means that a law enforcement officer can pull you over for texting, even if you haven’t broken any other traffic laws.

Commercial truck drivers need to be extra vigilant about not using their phones while driving, as a texting and driving ticket will not only cost you in terms of fines but could also cost you your commercial driving license.

Cities such as Powell and Cheyenne have passed additional laws about using your phone while driving. These laws will be posted on the way into these areas, usually including an advisory to put your hand-held device away while driving.

Key Takeaway Texting and driving in Wyoming is a primary offense. Be aware that some cities have additional laws about using your phone on the road.

What are the penalties for texting and driving in Wyoming?

Texting and driving in Wyoming is a misdemeanor. You will likely have to pay a fine of up to $75 depending on the circumstances of your charge.

The table below breaks down the penalties for texting and driving.

License	Type of violation	Charge	Fine	Additional penalties
All	Texting and driving	Misdemeanor	Up to $75
CDL	Any hand-held phone use	Misdemeanor	Up to $75	Possible license suspension or revocation

If you receive four misdemeanors in one year, you could be looking at license suspension or additional penalties.

It’s also important to note that texting and driving cases that result in an accident, injury, or death will likely be charged with reckless driving or even vehicular manslaughter. Since you cannot control the outcome of texting while driving, the best way to avoid additional charges—and the severe penalties associated with them—is to put your phone away when you’re on the road.

Are there special rules about texting and driving for young drivers?

There are no special rules for novice drivers in Wyoming. All drivers can be charged with texting and driving and will have to face the same penalties.

MORE:

9 common reasons your license can be revoked

Can texting and driving raise my insurance rates?

Texting and driving will definitely have an impact on your insurance premiums.

In Wyoming, the average driver pays around $2,012 per year on their car insurance. After a texting and driving ticket, that average amount will spike by 13%—bringing your yearly insurance to $2,275!

There’s an easy way to keep your insurance rates low—when you get behind the wheel, put your phone away. You can also turn off your phone or set it to “do not disturb” so that the notification alert doesn’t tempt you to check your messages while driving.

Many modern vehicles are equipped with Bluetooth technology, and your phone likely has hands-free options and voice-to-text features that you can use instead of texting and driving.

And remember—you can always pull over and stop your vehicle if you want to send a message.

MORE:

Wyoming car insurance laws

How to save money on car insurance in Wyoming

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FAQs

Can you go to jail for texting and driving in Wyoming?

Texting and driving is a misdemeanor in Wyoming, but will only result in a $75 fine. If an accident, injury, or death resulted from your texting and driving violation, you may face additional charges and possible jail time.

How serious is texting and driving?

Texting and driving is one of the most serious kinds of distracted driving because it takes your visual, manual, and cognitive attention off of the road. Hundreds of preventable accidents take place every year in Wyoming because of texting behind the wheel.

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