Is It Illegal To Change Lanes In An Intersection In Wyoming?

No, it is not illegal to change lanes in an intersection in Wyoming.

Despite this, to avoid getting into an accident, we would try to stick to the same lane when traversing an intersection.

Read on to get the legal lowdown on relevant traffic codes in Wyoming.

Is It Illegal To Change Lanes In An Intersection In Wyoming? (EXPLAINED)

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Where Are The Laws That I Can Look To In Order To Confirm Whether Lane Changes In An Intersection In This State Are Legal/Illegal?

The best place to look to confirm whether a maneuver is legal (or not) is the current and applicable laws of the state you are present in (not the DMV handbook or a news article).

Vehicles that are passing by each other but traveling in different directions are legislated for under Wyoming statute 31-5-202:

Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right and upon roadways having width for not more than one (1) line of traffic in each direction each driver shall give to the other at least one-half (1/2) of the main-traveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible.

Source: Wyoming Code 31-5-202

Care should be taken when choosing to overtake on the left side. Wyoming statute 31-5-203 gets into the specifics:

(a) The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions and special rules hereinafter stated and those contained in subsection (c) of this section:
(i) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle;
(ii) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

Source: Wyoming Code 31-5-203

The approach to an intersection and when entering it are covered under statute 31-5-220:

(a) The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway.
(b) When two (2) vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.

Source: Wyoming Code 31-5-220

Also, left turns at intersections are legislated under statute 31-5-221:

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.

Source: Wyoming Code 31-5-221

Lastly, no-passing zones allow the local municipality and law enforcement officers to implement a set zone where no overtaking is permitted. This is covered under statute 31-5-207:

(a) The superintendent and local authorities may determine those portions of any highway under their respective jurisdictions where overtaking and passing or driving on the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of such zones and when the signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof.
(b) Where signs or markings are in place to define a no-passing zone as set forth in subsection (a) of this section no driver shall drive on the left side of the roadway within a no-passing zone or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark a no-passing zone throughout its length.

Source: Wyoming Code 31-5-207

Neither changing lanes nor overtaking at an intersection was found to be prohibited, as long as it is conducted safely.

Why Do People Generally Think That It’s Illegal To Change Lanes In An Intersection?

It is pretty common to be taught that you should not change lanes in intersections while learning to drive.

However, in Wyoming, due to our research, it is still legal to do it.

If It Is Not Illegal In Wyoming To Change Lanes In An Intersection, Why Did I Get A Ticket?

A ticket issued by a peace officer might be for one or more reasons.

Violating some traffic codes will certainly do it.

Even what might seem like minor things such as following too closely with another vehicle or driving when upset causing the vehicle to respond a little erratically could break the law.

Failing to see the “no-passing zone” signage and passing other vehicles will almost certainly turn into a ticket being issued.

Whatever it is, do take it seriously because other people will do.

What Happens If A Car Accident Results?

A car accident could mean you or someone else is injured. Beyond damage to roads, property, and other vehicles, personal injuries are far more important.

If another party was injured, accusations could fly about who is responsible. If they point an accusatory finger in your direction, then you may need legal counsel.

Conferring with Wyoming personal injury lawyer will help to manage the situation when you or another party is injured from the accident.

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