Frequently Asked Questions

Wyoming Chain Law 31-5-956(e) Effective 07-01-09

31-5-956 (e)  Tires, restriction of travel under hazardous conditions; penalties

When the chain law is in effect due to snow, ice or other conditions, travel on a highway may be restricted to use only by motor vehicles utilizing adequate snow tires or tire chains, motor vehicles that are all-wheel-drive or necessary emergency vehicles, including snow-plows. In extremely hazardous conditions, travel may be restricted to use only by necessary emergency vehicles, including snow-plows, and those vehicles utilizing tire chains or to all-wheel-drive vehicles utilizing adequate snow tires with mud, snow, or all-weather rating from the manufacturer having a tread of sufficient abrasive or skid-resistant design or composition and depth to provide adequate traction under existing driving conditions. The prohibition or restriction of use shall be effective when signs, including temporary or electronic signs, giving notice thereof are erected upon that portion of the highway, and it shall be unlawful to proceed in violation of the notice.

The operator of a commercial vehicle shall affix tire chains to at least two (2) of the drive wheels of the vehicle at opposite ends of the same drive axle when the vehicle is required to utilize tire chains under this subsection...

31-5-956 (j) -Penalties - Any person who operates a motor vehicle in violation of these restrictions under subsection (e) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $250.00. Any person who operates a motor vehicle, where the results of the violation is an incident that causes the closure of all lanes in one (1) or both directions of travel of that highway, is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $750.00.  

31-5-956 (k) - As used in this section, "tire chains" means metal chains which consist of two (2) circular metal loops, one (1) on each side of the tire, connected by not less than nine (9) evenly spaced chains across the tire tread and any other traction devices differing from metal chains in construction, material or design but capable of providing traction equal to or exceeding that of metal chains under similar conditions.