Wyoming treats driving on a suspended license as a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation
Driving on a suspended license in Wyoming is illegal under Wyoming Statute § 31-7-502. If you drive while your license is suspended, you face criminal charges — not a civil fine — and the penalties increase sharply if you have prior convictions. The state distinguishes between a suspended license (temporary removal, usually for unpaid fines or traffic violations) and a revoked license (permanent removal, typically for serious offenses like DUI). Both are illegal to drive on, but the consequences differ.
Wyoming law also recognizes a third category: disqualified, which applies to commercial driver's license (CDL) holders who have committed certain violations. Driving with a disqualified CDL carries separate penalties under federal regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Driving on a suspended license in Wyoming is a criminal misdemeanor, not a traffic ticket, and results in jail time and fines rather than points alone.
- A first offense carries up to 30 days in jail and a fine of $100 to $750; a second offense within five years carries up to 90 days and $300 to $1,500.
- You can check your license status through the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) online portal or by calling their driver services line before driving.
- Wyoming offers a limited hardship license in some cases, which allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments while your license is suspended.
- Reinstating your license requires paying all outstanding fines, fees, and court costs, plus a reinstatement fee to WYDOT.
Criminal penalties for driving on a suspended license in Wyoming
Wyoming Statute § 31-7-502 sets the criminal penalties. For a first offense, you face up to 30 days in jail and a fine between $100 and $750. For a second offense within five years, the penalties increase to up to 90 days in jail and a fine between $300 and $1,500. A third or subsequent offense within five years can result in up to 180 days in jail and a fine between $500 and $2,000.
These are criminal convictions, not traffic violations. A conviction will appear on your criminal record and can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. The judge has discretion to impose jail time, fines, or both, and may also order you to pay court costs and restitution.
If you were involved in an accident while driving on a suspended license, the charges and penalties may be enhanced, and you may face additional civil liability for damages.
How to check if your Wyoming license is suspended
Before you drive, you can verify your license status through the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). The easiest method is the online driver license status check at the WYDOT website, which requires your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or disqualified.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call WYDOT Driver Services at 307-777-4800 during business hours. They can tell you the reason for the suspension, the date it will be lifted (if applicable), and what you need to do to reinstate it.
Common reasons for suspension in Wyoming include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, medical suspension (for certain health conditions), and administrative suspension (for accumulating too many points). Each reason has different reinstatement requirements.
Hardship licenses and limited driving privileges in Wyoming
Wyoming allows courts to issue a hardship license (also called a limited license) in some cases, which permits you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs while your license is suspended. You must petition the district court in the county where you live or where the violation occurred.
To request a hardship license, you typically need to show that the suspension causes undue hardship — for example, that you cannot reach your job, school, or medical care without driving. You will need to file a written petition with the court and may need to appear before a judge. The court will consider your circumstances and may grant limited driving privileges with conditions, such as restricting you to specific routes or times of day.
A hardship license is not automatic and is not available for all suspension reasons. Suspensions related to DUI convictions, reckless driving, or criminal convictions have stricter rules. Contact the district court clerk in your county to learn the current process and whether you may be may be able to access.
Steps to reinstate your Wyoming driver's license
Reinstatement requirements depend on why your license was suspended. In most cases, you must:
- Pay all outstanding fines, fees, and court costs related to the suspension.
- Pay the reinstatement fee to WYDOT (the amount varies by suspension reason).
- Provide proof of payment to WYDOT.
- Complete any required programs (such as a defensive driving course or substance abuse treatment, depending on the reason for suspension).
For suspensions due to unpaid traffic fines, you must contact the court that issued the citation and pay the full amount owed. For suspensions due to failure to appear, you may need to resolve the underlying case first. For medical suspensions, you may need to provide a doctor's clearance.
Once you have met all requirements, you can submit your reinstatement request to WYDOT in person at a driver services office, by mail, or online through the WYDOT website. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive a new license in the mail or can pick it up at a driver services office.
What to do if you are stopped while driving on a suspended license
If a law enforcement officer stops you and discovers your license is suspended, you will be cited for violating Wyoming Statute § 31-7-502. The officer will issue you a citation and may impound your vehicle, depending on the circumstances and whether you have prior violations.
Do not argue with the officer or admit fault. Provide your driver's license and vehicle registration. If you believe your license should not be suspended, you can contest the citation in court. Ask the officer for the court date and location, or contact the district court clerk to find out when your case is scheduled.
You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, you can request a public defender at your first court appearance. Many people charged with driving on a suspended license benefit from legal representation, especially if there are circumstances that might reduce the charges or penalties.
Suspended vs. revoked vs. disqualified: what each means in Wyoming
Wyoming uses three different terms, and they carry different legal weight. A suspended license is temporary — it will be restored once you meet the reinstatement requirements. A revoked license is permanent and typically results from serious violations like multiple DUI convictions or reckless driving causing injury. To drive again after revocation, you must wait a specified period (often years) and then reapply for a new license, which may require retesting.
A disqualified CDL applies only to commercial driver's license holders and results from violations like DUI, reckless driving, or leaving the scene of an accident while operating a commercial vehicle. Disqualification periods are set by federal law and are typically longer than suspension periods.
Driving on a revoked license carries the same criminal penalties as driving on a suspended license under Wyoming law, but the underlying offense is usually more serious. Driving with a disqualified CDL is a federal violation and can result in additional penalties beyond state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license if my license was suspended for unpaid fines?
Possibly, but it depends on the court's discretion and your specific circumstances. You must petition the district court and demonstrate undue hardship. Courts are more likely to grant hardship licenses for suspensions related to unpaid fines than for suspensions related to DUI or criminal convictions. Contact your local district court to ask about the process.
What happens if I am caught driving on a suspended license a second time?
A second offense within five years is a criminal misdemeanor with penalties of up to 90 days in jail and a fine of $300 to $1,500. The judge may also order your vehicle impounded and may impose additional conditions such as probation or mandatory counseling.
How long does it take to reinstate my license after I pay the fines?
Processing typically takes one to two weeks after WYDOT receives your reinstatement request and proof of payment. You can submit your request online, by mail, or in person at a driver services office. You will receive your new license in the mail or can pick it up at an office.
Does driving on a suspended license show up on a background check?
Yes. A conviction for driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense and will appear on your criminal record. Employers, landlords, and others who run background checks will see it. This can affect job prospects, housing, and professional licensing.
Can I appeal a license suspension in Wyoming?
Yes, you can appeal certain suspensions, particularly administrative suspensions or those related to points accumulation. You must file an appeal with WYDOT or the district court within a specified time frame (usually 30 days). Consult with an attorney or contact WYDOT to learn the appeal process for your specific suspension reason.