The short answer: Yes, corner crossing is legal in Wyoming after the 2026 court rulings—provided the maneuver complies with the specific conditions outlined by the Wyoming Supreme Court and the revised state traffic statutes. A landmark 2026 decision clarified that drivers may cut a corner when visibility is obstructed, as long as they maintain a safe speed, yield to on‑coming traffic, and can stop within the distance required by Wyoming Statute 311.12. This ruling has already changed the way law‑enforcement agencies issue citations and how drivers approach tight intersections across the Cowboy State.
Legal Background Before 2026
Wyoming’s traffic code historically treated corner cutting as a “failure to obey traffic signals” under Statute 311.11, which carried mandatory fines and points on a driver’s record. Courts consistently upheld citations when a driver entered an intersection without a clear line of sight, citing the state’s “reasonable care” standard. However, the language in the statutes left gray areas regarding obstructed views caused by natural terrain or roadside structures.
2026 Court Rulings Overview
In January 2026, the Wyoming Supreme Court issued State v. Jensen, interpreting §311.11 to include an “obstructed‑view exception.” The Court held that when a driver’s line of sight is blocked by permanent fixtures—such as a rock outcrop, a fence, or a building—the driver may proceed across the corner if they can stop within the distance prescribed by §311.12 (the “stop‑within‑reasonable‑distance” rule). The decision was reaffirmed in Wyoming Department of Transportation v. Murphy (March 2026), which mandated that law‑enforcement training reflect the new exception and that citation forms be updated accordingly.
Practical Implications for Drivers
- Assess Visibility – Before entering a corner, verify that any obstruction is permanent and not a temporary condition (e.g., a parked vehicle).
- Maintain Safe Speed – The speed must allow a stop within the distance calculated by the “two‑second rule” for the specific road type.
- Yield to On‑coming Traffic – Even with the exception, drivers must give way to any vehicle that has a clear path through the intersection.
- Document the Scene – If cited, photograph the obstruction and note the distance to the stop point; this evidence can support a defense based on the 2026 rulings.
Compliance Tips
- Review Updated Driver’s Handbook – The 2027 edition includes a new chapter on corner crossing.
- Take Defensive Driving Courses – Many providers now offer modules specifically covering the obstructed‑view exception.
- Use Technology Wisely – GPS and dash‑cam recordings can corroborate that the driver followed the statutory requirements at the moment of crossing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes a “permanent obstruction” under the 2026 rulings?
A permanent obstruction is any fixed structure that consistently blocks sight lines, such as fences, walls, natural rock formations, and permanently installed signage. Temporary objects like parked cars, construction equipment, or seasonal foliage do not qualify.
Can the corner‑crossing exception be applied on highways?
No. The Court limited the exception to “local roads, residential streets, and rural routes” where intersections are not signal‑controlled. Highways and interstates remain subject to the strict “no‑corner‑cutting” rule.
How is the “reasonable distance” for stopping calculated?
Wyoming Statute 311.12 requires a driver to be able to stop within the distance they would travel in two seconds at the posted speed limit for that road segment. For example, at 45 mph, the stopping distance is roughly 132 feet.
Will insurance premiums increase if I use the corner‑crossing exception?
Insurance companies evaluate claims individually. If a driver follows the statutory requirements and avoids accidents, premiums should not be affected. However, a citation—even if later dismissed—may temporarily raise rates.
What should I do if I receive a citation after the 2026 rulings?
First, request the officer’s notes and any photographic evidence. Then, gather your own documentation of the obstruction and stopping distance. You can contest the ticket in traffic court by citing State v. Jensen and the relevant statutory language.