Legal Weight Limits

Wyoming generally mirrors federal standards, 20,000 lb single axle, 36,000 lb tandem, and 42,000 lb tridem axle, though its bridge formula tables allow up to 117,000 lb GVW on Interstate routes and up to 80,000 lb GVW under Table II on primary/secondary roads subject to spacing rules.

Overweight permits issued through the Wyoming Highway Patrol allow heavier single, tandem and tridem axle loads and higher gross weights on approved routes, predominantly for construction equipment and heavy machinery moves.

Oversize/overweight (non-divisible) permits enable even greater gross weights under strict conditions. Seasonal/segment-specific weight restrictions may apply during spring thaw or for weight-based closures related to high-profile/wind-sensitive routes, which are now actively enforced and apply to commercial vehicles as of July 2024 law updates.

Overweight Fine Structure

Wyoming law prescribes set fines based on weight excess (Wyo. Stat. § 31‑18‑805):

  • 0–2,000 lb over: $25 fine
  • 2,001–4,000 lb: $75
  • 4,001–6,000 lb: $125
  • 6,001–8,000 lb: $150
  • 8,001–10,000 lb: $200
  • 10,001–12,000 lb: $300
  • 12,001–14,000 lb: $400
  • 14,001–16,000 lb: $500
  • 16,001–18,000 lb: $600
  • 18,001–20,000 lb: $700
  • Over 20,000 lb: $1,000, plus $200 for each additional 1,000 lb or fraction thereof over that threshold.

Minor overloads may be repositioned on-site without penalty when the vehicle is within its gross weight limit and the axle excess is no more than 2,000 lb.

Violations also carry a misdemeanor charge, with $100–$500 fines, up to 30 days in jail, or both, for any violation of permit conditions or law.

Enforcement Methods

The Wyoming Highway Patrol and WYDOT operate 13 Ports of Entry in Wyoming plus one in Fort Collins, Colorado, where all commercial vehicles (including transport operators, livestock haulers and deliveries into the state) must stop, unless pre-cleared via PrePass with green light clearance and without livestock or an oversize/overweight load. Ports feature static scales and automated screening.

Portable scales and mobile inspections are deployed on secondary roads. Troopers can direct any suspected overweight truck to state scales for weighing within five miles of its declared route; for minor axle infractions (≤2,000 lb) they may simply allow load repositioning without issuing fines.

Vehicles exceeding gross or axle limits are fined under the schedule above; a permit may be issued where the vehicle or load cannot be readily dismantled, or where a load has shifted in transit and cannot reasonably be repositioned to legal limits.

Additionally, recent legislation (effective July 1 2024) empowers troopers to enforce weight-based road restrictions, especially weight-based or wind/height closures, against “light and high‑profile vehicles” including some commercial trucks. Violations are now misdemeanors punishable by $1,000 and up to 30 days jail, with a repeat offense within three years bringing a $2,500 fine and the conviction treated as reckless driving.

Bypassing a Port of Entry or ignoring closure signage is a separate violation and is enforced in addition to any overweight fine.