WYDOT Distracted Driving and Cell Phone Laws in Wyoming 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Wyoming law, which activity is specifically prohibited while operating a motor vehicle?
- Composing or sending text messages (Correct answer)
- Talking on a hands-free phone
- Using a built-in GPS navigation system
- Listening to the radio
Correct answer: Composing or sending text messages
Wyoming law prohibits composing, reading, or sending electronic text messages while operating a motor vehicle.
Question 2: What is the fine for a first-offense texting while driving violation in Wyoming?
- $75 (Correct answer)
- $150
- $300
- $500
Correct answer: $75
Wyoming's first-offense penalty for texting while driving is a $75 fine.
Question 3: Which group of drivers in Wyoming faces the strictest wireless device restrictions behind the wheel?
- Drivers under 18 with a learner's permit or restricted license (Correct answer)
- Drivers over 70 years old
- Commercial truck drivers only
- Drivers with a prior DUI conviction
Correct answer: Drivers under 18 with a learner's permit or restricted license
Wyoming law prohibits novice drivers under 18 with a learner's or restricted license from using any wireless communication device while driving.
Question 4: A driver stopped at a Wyoming traffic light receives an urgent text. May they read it?
- No, the law applies regardless of whether the vehicle is moving (Correct answer)
- Yes, as long as the engine is running but the vehicle is fully stopped
- Yes, if the stop lasts more than 30 seconds
- Yes, only at red lights but not stop signs
Correct answer: No, the law applies regardless of whether the vehicle is moving
Wyoming's texting ban applies whenever you are operating a motor vehicle, including when stopped at a traffic light.
Question 5: Which of the following is legal for adult drivers under Wyoming's current cell phone laws?
- Making a phone call using a Bluetooth hands-free device (Correct answer)
- Reading an email while driving on the interstate
- Sending a voice-to-text message by hand while moving
- Browsing social media while stopped at a stop sign
Correct answer: Making a phone call using a Bluetooth hands-free device
Adult drivers in Wyoming may legally use hands-free devices such as Bluetooth for phone calls while driving.
Question 6: How does texting while driving compare to alcohol-impaired driving in terms of reaction time?
- Texting can impair reaction time more than driving at a 0.08% BAC (Correct answer)
- Drunk driving always impairs reaction time more than texting
- Texting impairs reaction time slightly less than drunk driving
- Both impair reaction time equally in all situations
Correct answer: Texting can impair reaction time more than driving at a 0.08% BAC
Research shows that texting while driving can delay reaction time even more than driving at the legal alcohol limit of 0.08% BAC.
Question 7: Under WYDOT safety guidelines, what is the recommended action when a driver needs to use a phone?
- Pull completely off the road to a safe location before using the device (Correct answer)
- Use voice commands only while maintaining posted highway speed
- Limit calls to under 30 seconds while keeping eyes forward
- Use the phone only on roads with speed limits under 35 mph
Correct answer: Pull completely off the road to a safe location before using the device
WYDOT recommends pulling completely off the road to a safe location before using any wireless device.
WYDOT Distracted Driving and Cell Phone Laws in Wyoming 1
Under Wyoming law, which activity is specifically prohibited while operating a motor vehicle?