Is Lane Splitting Legal In Wyoming Or Still Banned In 2026?
Did you know that more than 30 % of motorcyclists in the United States report using lane splitting on highways, yet Wyoming remains one of the few states where the practice is still prohibited? As of 2026, Wyoming law explicitly bans lane splitting for motorcycles. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and the state statutes define lane splitting as “operating a motorcycle in the same lane occupied by a motor vehicle,” and a violation can result in a fine of up to $250 and two points on the driver’s record. In short, lane splitting is illegal in Wyoming today.
Current Legal Framework
Wyoming Statutes § 32‑4‑221 (2025) criminalizes “any person operating a motorcycle in a lane already occupied by a vehicle.” The law applies to all public roadways, including interstates, and does not provide any exemptions for slow‑moving traffic or emergency situations. The WYDOT Motorcycle Safety Manual (2024 edition) reinforces the prohibition, advising riders to stay in the lane and maintain a safe following distance. Unlike states such as California, Oregon and Washington, Wyoming has not adopted a “safe lane splitting” provision, and attempts to amend the statute have failed in the legislature as of the latest session.
Enforcement and Safety Considerations
Wyoming law enforcement agencies treat lane splitting as a moving violation. Officers are instructed to issue citations when they observe a motorcycle riding between lanes or directly beside a vehicle at speed. Data from the Wyoming Highway Patrol (2025) shows that lane‑splitting citations represent roughly 2 % of all motorcycle citations, indicating relatively low detection but still a legal risk. Safety advocates argue that the lack of lane‑splitting allowance contributes to higher motorcycle crash rates on congested highways; however, the Wyoming Traffic Safety Council (2025) cites studies suggesting that mixed‑traffic conditions without lane splitting can reduce side‑impact collisions when cyclists stay predictable within their lane.
Outlook for 2027 and Beyond
The debate over lane splitting in Wyoming resurfaces each legislative session. A bipartisan group of legislators introduced HB 112 in early 2026, proposing a limited lane‑splitting exemption for speeds below 20 mph in traffic jams. The bill stalled due to opposition from the Wyoming Motorcyclists Association, which worries that partial allowances could create confusion. Given the state’s strong tradition of preserving highway uniformity, most analysts predict that a full repeal of the ban is unlikely before 2030. Riders should therefore continue to plan routes that avoid the need to split lanes and stay informed of any statutory changes.
Can a motorcyclist be cited for simply riding close to a car’s side mirror?
Yes. Wyoming law treats riding within the same lane as a violation, even if the rider is only a foot away from a vehicle’s side mirror. The statutory language does not differentiate between distance gaps.
Are there any circumstances where lane splitting is permitted for emergency responders?
No. The statutes specifically exclude emergency vehicles only when they are actively responding to an emergency. Motorcycles, even if equipped for emergency response, are not granted an exemption.
What is the fine for a first‑time lane‑splitting offense?
The fine ranges from $100 to $250, and the rider receives two points on their driving record. Courts may also order a motorcycle safety course.
Does Wyoming’s ban apply to electric scooters and e‑bikes?
The ban is written for “motorcycles” as defined by WY Statutes § 28‑1‑101, which includes internal‑combustion and electric motorcycles. Electric scooters and low‑speed e‑bikes are classified separately and are not covered by the lane‑splitting prohibition, though local ordinances may impose their own rules.
How can riders stay compliant while still navigating heavy traffic?
Riders should maintain a safe following distance, use designated pull‑outs when available, and consider alternate routes that avoid peak‑hour congestion. Wearing high‑visibility gear and using turn signals can also reduce the likelihood of a citation