Wyoming Headlight & Wiper Law
Wyoming uses the 1,000-foot visibility trigger (W.S. 31-5-910) plus the half-hour night window. No standalone wiper law, but wind-driven snow or rain heavy enough for the wipers blows you past 1,000 feet fast, so lights are effectively required. Watch for WYDOT's posted 'Headlights On' sections — those regulatory signs are their own rule, not just advice. Low beams in blowing snow; DRLs won't cover your rear.
When you light up in Wyoming
Wyoming uses the 1,000-foot visibility trigger (W.S. 31-5-910) plus the half-hour night window. No standalone wiper law, but wind-driven snow or rain heavy enough for the wipers blows you past 1,000 feet fast, so lights are effectively required. Watch for WYDOT's posted 'Headlights On' sections — those regulatory signs are their own rule, not just advice. Low beams in blowing snow; DRLs won't cover your rear.
Night, low visibility, and daytime
- One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, and any time insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions keep persons and vehicles from being clearly discernible at 1,000 feet (W.S. 31-5-910).
- WYDOT posts regulatory 'Headlights On' signs on specific highways and passes; where posted, the sign creates the duty the base statute wouldn't. No general work-zone mandate. DRLs aren't required and don't satisfy 31-5-910 — they leave tail and marker lamps dark, so run full low beams.
Wyoming Headlight Law FAQ
Do you need headlights when using wipers in Wyoming?
When are headlights required in Wyoming?
What is the headlight fine in Wyoming?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/wyoming/title-31/chapter-5/article-9/section-31-5-910/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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