State raises fine for violating trailer rule
By Cory Hatch, Jackson Hole, Wyo.
October 13, 2009
Drivers who plan to violate the no-trailer law over Teton Pass this winter may think twice after state officials raised the fine for the infraction.
Wyoming High Patrol Lt. Tom Kelly said Monday the state Supreme Court has raised the fine from $110 to $410.
“The state Supreme Court just felt that the $100 wasn’t sufficiently [getting] people’s attention,” Kelly said.
The new fine structure also applies to other restrictions and closures on roads around the state. In addition, state officials changed the chain law to make it more enforceable, but that change is being phased in and won’t apply to Teton Pass this winter.
Kelly said people typically violate the trailer law a couple of times a week.
“When the conditions are dry enough, they make it,” he said. “Other times, they are causing huge problems up there.”
And some people who violate the law are repeat offenders.
“We’ve actually had people say, ‘I got caught this time, but I made it over half a dozen times, so it’s cost effective to me,’” Kelly said.
