Suspended – Revoked License in Wyoming

(SEE BELOW FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) INFORMATION)

There is a difference between having your Wyoming driver’s license suspended and having it revoked.

• A suspension means you cannot drive for a certain period of time, but can get your license back later.
• A revocation of your license means your driver’s license is cancelled, and you will need to submit to an investigation before you can obtain another license.

Insurance companies keep a close watch on license suspensions / revocations. Your insurance premiums may go up drastically, and you may be labeled a “high-risk” customer. Even worse, your insurance company may cancel your policy, leaving you to search for insurance with the “high-risk” driver tag, meaning you’ll have to pay much higher premiums. It is recommended that you get in touch with a DUI/DWI lawyer as they are experts at handling such incidents and can offer you the best advice. Additionally, you will face Heavy Fines and Reinstatement Fees and Points on your driver’s license! All this information can be found on our website. You could also contact Ticket Counsel absolutely FREE!!!

Mandatory suspensions: This type of suspension is enforced for a specific time period. Once you serve the entire suspension, you may reinstate your Wyoming driver’s license.

Indefinite suspensions: These suspensions require you to take specific action to remove the suspension. For instance, if you fail to carry Wyoming car insurance, you can prove you resolved the issue to lift your license suspension. If you obtain car insurance prior to the start date of your suspension, your Wyoming driver’s license will NOT be suspended.

The following are some of the most common reasons for a Wyoming driver’s license to be suspended or revoked. Depending on the type of conviction, the WY DOT will issue various license penalties.

• Driving Under the Influence: Your Wyoming driver’s license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The length of the suspension depends on the severity of the violation and whether it is a first or repeat offense. For a 1st offense the suspension period is 90 days. For a 2nd offense within a 5-year period the suspension period is 1 year. For a 3rd offense within 5 years, the suspension period increases to 3 years.
• Reckless Driving: A 1st offense for reckless driving will result in license suspension for a period of 90 days. A 2nd offense within a 5-year period will result in a 6-month suspension. A 3rd or subsequent offense results in a 1-year license suspension.
• Driving without Insurance: All motor vehicles driven in Wyoming must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto insurance can result in your license being suspended.
• Leaving the Scene of An Injury Accident/Homicide: Your Wyoming driver’s license may also be suspended for a period of 1 year if you leave the scene of an accident without rendering aid to any injured persons.
• Moving Violation Suspension: The Department of Transportation allows up to 3 moving violations within a 12-month period. A 4th offense will result in a 90-day license suspension. Each subsequent offense within the 12-month period will result in an additional 90-day suspension.
• Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension: A range of non-driving violations or issues can result in your license being suspended. These include: not responding to a Department of Transportation notice or not appearing in court; failing to pay traffic tickets, fines or surcharges; and not paying child support.

If you believe your license may be suspended due to one of the reasons listed above it is prudent to speak with a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer. Things to be aware of following a license suspension:

• If your license has not already been taken away from you in court, you must surrender it to the Wyoming Department of Transportation. You can surrender your license in person at a DOT Office, or mail it to:

Department of Transportation

Driver Services

5300 Bishop Blvd.

Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340

• While your license is suspended, you are not permitted to drive. However, in some cases you may be eligible for limited driving privileges. You may request a Record Review to see if you are eligible to be issued with a probationary license. You must apply in writing before the beginning of the suspension period and include the fee of $15. You may only be issued with 1 probationary license within a 5-year period.
• The start of any license suspension period is 25 to 30 days from the date the order is mailed to you by the Department.

When the WY DOT suspends your license, you can request a hearing to dispute the conviction OR a record review to request limited driving privileges. If your license is revoked, you cannot request a record review for limited driving privileges. However, you can contest the revocation of your license.

Hearings

If you wish to contest your license suspension, you may submit a request for a Contested Case Hearing. Your request must be in writing and accompanied by a $25 fee. All requests to contest an action against your driver’s license must be made in writing and mailed to WYDOT Headquarters. Your request must be delivered or postmarked within 20 days of receiving notice of a license action. Address your request to:

Wyoming Department of Transportation

ATTN: Driver Services

5300 Bishop Blvd

Cheyenne, WY 82009

In addition, drivers whose license may be suspended may be eligible to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program. Completing a Driver Improvement Program can enable an individual to avoid having his license suspended.

Record Reviews

• All requests for record reviews must be made within 20 days of the date you received notice of the department’s action. To be eligible for a hearing, you must send a written request to the WYDOT with all appropriate fees. See “Fees For Suspended Licenses in Wyoming” below.
• To receive limited driving privileges, you must demonstrate how the suspension causes an inability to obtain basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, or education.
• The WYDOT will notify you by mail if you have been approved for a probationary license. If you’re denied limited driving privileges, you may appeal the decision by requesting a hearing within 20 days of the decision with a written request.

For more information about limited licenses in Wyoming, see “Restricted or Temporary WY License” below. It is also a good idea to seek the advice of a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer, based on the reason for the suspension.

NOTE: Limited-driving privileges are NOT provided to drivers with revoked licenses. You may only request a hearing to contest the revocation.

If you were issued a mandatory suspension of your license, you may be eligible to receive a probationary license to drive to work. You must send a written request to the WYDOT Headquarters indicating how a license suspension will cause undue hardship. You will be notified if you qualify for a probationary license. If you have been approved to get a probationary license, you must:

• Complete the necessary forms you receive by mail.
• Get an alcohol counselor assessment, if convicted of an alcohol-related violation.
• You will also be required to complete a DUI course.
• Have SR-22 insurance on file, if required.
• Pay the probationary license fees. See “Fees For Suspended Licenses in Wyoming.”

Requests sent by mail should be addressed to:

Wyoming Department of Transportation

ATTN: Driver Services

5300 Bishop Blvd.

Cheyenne, WY 82009

After fully serving your suspension, you can reinstate your WY driver’s license by visiting a driver exam station, completing the required paperwork, and paying all fees. You must meet the following requirements to get your license reinstated:

• Fully serve your license suspension.
• Have NO other offenses pending that could result in a suspension.
• Satisfy all court-ordered requirements.
• If your license was suspended for driving while uninsured, you must also lodge an SR-22 insurance certificate with the Department.
• Pay the required reinstatement fee.

Reinstating a suspended or revoked Wyoming license can be an expensive process. Here is a list of general fees you must pay for license reinstatement.

• General reinstatement fee: $50.
• Child support suspension fee: $5.
• Record review: $15.
• Probationary license: $25.
• Reissuance fee: $25.

Payments with the WY DOT can be made:

• In person at the driver exam office using cash, check, money order, or credit card.
• By phone with a credit card by calling (307) 777-4810.
• By mail with a check or money order to:

Wyoming Department of Transportation

ATTN: Driver Services

5300 Bishop Blvd.

Cheyenne, WY 82009

CDL’s are suspended more easily than standard licenses. This is because commercial drivers are held to very high standards. If you hold a CDL, you can have your license suspended for any of the violation types:

Major Offenses:

Major offenses in Wyoming can lead to CDL disqualification, regardless of the type of vehicle you were driving at the time (commercial motor vehicle or non-CMV). Wyoming and federal law lists major offenses as:

• Alcohol and drug-related offenses such as driving with a BAC over the legal limit for a CDL (0.04%) or refusing a blood or breathalyzer test.
• Causing a death due to negligent CMV operation.
• Leaving the scene of an accident.
• Using the commercial vehicle to commit a felony.
• Operating a CMV when you have a suspended, disqualified, or revoked CDL.

Your CDL will be disqualified for life if you are convicted of a felony involving the use of a CMV and the transportation of controlled substances.

Major Offense Penalties:

• 1st offense: 1-year disqualification. (3 years if carrying hazardous materials)
• 2nd offense: Lifetime disqualification.

DUI offenders may be eligible for CDL reinstatement after 10 years, pending the completion of a state-approved alcohol program.

Serious Traffic Violations:

CDL drivers in Wyoming will lose their driving privileges for serious traffic violations:

• Speeding excessively or driving recklessly.
• Changing lanes improperly.
• Following another vehicle too closely.
• Causing a fatality as a result of violating any motor vehicle traffic control law with the exception of parking violations.
• Operating a CMV without a CDL, without a commercial license on your person, or without the proper commercial endorsements.

Serious Traffic Violation Penalties:

• 2nd violation in 3 years: suspension of 60 days.
• 3rd violation in 3 years: suspension of 120 days.

Railroad Crossing Violations:

• Failing to slow your commercial vehicle and check to ensure the tracks are clear.
• Failing to make stops when required.
• Driving across the tracks when the CMV doesn’t have enough space or undercarriage clearance.

Railroad Crossing Violation Penalties:

• 1st violation: suspension minimum of 60 days.
• 2nd violation in 3 years: suspension minimum of 120 days.
• 3rd violation in 3 years: suspension minimum of 1 year.

Any subsequent violations will result in the same penalty of 1 year.

Out-of-Service Violations:

Violation of an out-of-service order, will result in the following disqualifications:

• 1st violation: 90 days.
• 2nd violation: 1 year.
• 3rd violation: 3 years.

NOTE: By law, you are required to notify your employer within 30 days of receiving a traffic offense conviction or by the end of the next business day after receiving a CDL disqualification notice.

You will face CDL disqualification in Wyoming if your basic driver’s license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled due to a conviction of a traffic violation not involving a parking violation.

Additionally, your CDL will be disqualified if you lose your driver’s license privileges due to a felony involving operating a non-CMV and alcohol or controlled substances.

You may be subject to a reinstatement fee as part of your reinstatement requirements. To learn more about your reinstatement fee, contact the DOT customer service center at (307) 777-4810.

NOTE: Reinstatement fees are separate from any court fines or other costs that may be associated with your disqualifying offense.