Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for Wyoming, United States 2021

Motorcyclists find themselves drawn to Wyoming because they wish to travel along the winding roads that cut through the state’s mountains and plains. But before they can venture out, motorcyclists must have a good idea of the motorcycle laws and licensing process specific to Wyoming.

Since motorcycles are considered their own category of vehicle, some laws must be reviewed to ensure that riders know how to safely handle a motorcycle. However, each region of the United States has its own set of rules. Novice riders or out-of-state tourists have to know the qualifications and the rules of the road related to motorcycles if they want their trips through Wyoming to go smoothly. 

In case you ever get involved in a motorcycle accident, you are required to own Wyoming motorcycle insurance if you wish to operate a motorcycle. You must carry the motorcycle insurance with you to indicate that you are financially liable and can pay compensation for any harm or damage done to another person.

If you are found at fault for an accident, motorcycle insurance that is allowed in Wyoming has to be able to pay off at least the minimum expenses for bodily injuries and property damages:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to a person per accident

• $50,000 for bodily injuries to multiple people per accident

• $20,000 for property damages sustained per accident

If the expenses exceed the minimum requirements of your liability coverage, you may want to consider acquiring additional forms of coverage:

• Collision coverage

• Uninsured coverage

• Underinsured coverage

• Comprehensive coverage

• Bodily injury coverage

If you are below 18 years old, you are legally obligated to always wear a motorcycle helmet while riding or operating the vehicle. Even if you are over 18, it is recommended you put on a motorcycle helmet to mitigate the severity of head injuries. A motorcycle helmet must meet the safety guidelines of both the U.S. Department of Transportation and Wyoming’s state standards. The two models that you can choose from are three-quarter and full-face helmets.

If you wish to know why it is better to wear a motorcycle helmet at all times, consider the following statistics:

• Almost one out of five motorcycle crashes result in severe head or neck injuries. 

• Most collisions occur during short trips about or less than five miles or when motorcyclists are traveling at or below 30 miles per hour 

• Riders who wear a motorcycle helmet are three times more likely to survive severe head or neck injuries

Listed below are the requirements and features to look for in a motorcycle helmet to maximize protection for your head and face:

After you have reached 15 years old, you can begin registering for a Wyoming motorcycle instruction permit. Until you pass the required tests upon turning 16, you will not be permitted to operate a motorcycle. You will have to pay $11 to complete the registration for a motorcycle instruction permit.

You may apply for a Wyoming motorcycle intermediate license upon reaching your 16th birthday. You will have to pay $15 plus an additional $3 to get access to full motorcycle privileges provided by the motorcycle intermediate license.

Listed below are the details, requirements, and restrictions for the Wyoming motorcycle instruction permit and intermediate license:

*While optional, if you are applying for a motorcycle instruction permit and decide to take the skill test, it will be valid for at least one year if you pass.

To get your Wyoming motorcycle endorsement, you have to be at least 17 years old or 16 ½ years old with proof of completing a driver's education course and holding a valid Wyoming intermediate motorcycle license.

You will be required to pay $11 to finish the process of earning your motorcycle endorsement.

Listed below are the requirements you will need to fulfill to finally obtain a Wyoming motorcycle license:

*Upon reaching the age of 17, you can be issued a Wyoming motorcycle license without having held an intermediate license or instruction permit previously.

*If you submit proof that you completed a Basic Rider safety education course, you will have the option of waiving the written and skills portions of the Wyoming motorcycle license test. 

Written Portion:

• Complete 25 multiple-choice questions 

• Can request an oral system to aid with the test

• Questions based on Wyoming Motorcycle License Manual

• Need a passing grade of 80% or higher

• You may only retry the test once

Riding Portion:

• Required to provide own motorcycle

• Will be conducted on a closed course

• Will be canceled if the weather is raining or snowing or the ground is wet or icy

• Examiner will confirm insurance and registration

• Examiner will inspect motorcycle to see it meets safety standards

• Demonstrate basic motorcycle maneuvers

• Examiner will determine when you can retake test based on the quality of performance if you fail

There is no age restriction for motorcycle passengers in Wyoming.

If your passenger is below the age of 18, he/she is required to wear a motorcycle helmet while aboard your ride.

It is only plausible for you to carry a passenger if your motorcycle has features that provide comfortable and secure seating without sacrificing your vehicle’s performance. Make sure the following criteria are fulfilled before transporting another person:

• The passenger is seated in a driver’s saddle big enough to fit two people 

• Or the passenger is seated in a separate saddle near the rear 

• Or the passenger is seated in a sidecar 

• There are adjustable footholds the passenger can reach

• The passenger is facing forward with a leg hanging on each side

• The passenger cannot carry baggage that could obstruct the driver

Motorcyclists are prohibited from practicing lane splitting while in Wyoming. When on the road, you are not allowed to try the following:

• You cannot ride on top of the dividing lines between lanes

• You cannot ride in between adjacent rows of vehicles that are stopped

• You cannot overtake another vehicle sharing the same lane 

While you are restricted from lane splitting, motorcyclists do still have mobility compared to larger vehicles on highways:

• You can make full use of the space within the lane

• You can share a lane with another motorcycle so long as you are two abreast apart and both parties have agreed beforehand

For your motorcycle to be considered street legal in Wyoming, it must be outfitted with the following equipment:

• Horn

• Wheels

• Tires

• Handlebars 

•  Brake system 

• Controls

• Headlight

•  Taillight 

•  Brake light  

•  Reflector 

• Exhaust system

•  Muffler 

•  Left rear-view mirror  

•  Turn signals (Optional) 

Wyoming Rules of the Road for Motorcyclists

Wyoming Statutes - Motor Vehicles