Seat belts and child seats in Wyoming (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Each driver and passenger must wear a safety belt. A child who has not reached the ninth birthday must be in a child safety restraint system in a seat other than the front seat, with limited exceptions.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Child restraint required untilPassenger cars | Each child who has not reached the ninth birthday must be properly secured in a child safety restraint system, unless the vehicle lap and shoulder belts fit properly across the child's collarbone, chest and hips, or a physician has determined it is not advisable. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | A child under 9 must be secured in a seat other than the front seat, unless the vehicle has only one row of seats or all rear safety belts are in use by other child passengers. [1] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | No [1] |
| Can police stop you for this alone?Passenger cars | Secondary: no vehicle may be stopped solely for a seat-belt violation. [1] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | Up to $25 for a driver and up to $10 for a passenger. Not a moving violation and not on the driving abstract. [1] |
Sources
- Wyoming Legislature: Wyoming Statutes Title 31 Motor Vehicles, Articles 13 and 14 (W.S. 31-5-1303 and 31-5-1402) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Wyoming and neighbouring states
| State | Seat belt compulsory in front seats | Seat belt compulsory in rear seats | Child restraint required until | Children in the front seat | Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | Yes | Yes | Under 9 (belt allowed if it fits properly) | Back seat, unless one row or rear belts full | Not allowed |
| Colorado | Yes (adults: secondary enforcement) | Under 18 only | Car seat/booster to age 9; belt or seat to 18 | Back seat if one is available | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Idaho | Yes, all seats | Yes, all seats | Child restraint to age 6, then belt | No seat rule; unrestrained child goes in rear | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Montana | Yes, every designated seat | Yes, every designated seat | Rear-facing under 2; booster to age 8; belt from 9 | No front-seat restriction in the statute | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nebraska | Yes | Under 18 only | Under 8 in a child seat; 8 to 17 in a belt or seat | Under 8: not the front seat if another seat is free | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| South Dakota | Yes | Only passengers aged 5 to 17 | Under 5 (seat belt at 40 lb or more) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Utah | Yes | Yes | Under 8, unless 57 in (1.45 m) tall | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Wyoming
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited (misdemeanour)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 70 mph state highways; 65 mph other paved
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (after 6 months on intermediate permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No knife rule; concealed deadly weapon offence · Locking or one-handed knives: No knife-specific rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law, $5.15) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 (federal; state basic rate $5.15)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting only) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.