TETON PASS, WYOMING — Starting October 1, 2026, drivers of recreational vehicles, vehicles towing trailers, and any vehicle with a gross weight or rating over 10,000 pounds must complete a free online self-certification program before using Teton Pass on Wyoming Highway 22 — or risk being cited under state law.
The WY22 SAFE PASS program, launched by the Wyoming Department of Transportation, was developed in direct response to a series of serious crashes on the pass, including the July 7 brake failure crash in which a dump truck killed two people and the driver was charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle. The program opened for early registration on September 21 and becomes mandatory on October 1.
How to Certify
Drivers can self-certify at safepass.wyoroad.info by entering basic information and completing educational materials covering safe mountain driving on Teton Pass, including steep grade navigation, braking protocols, weight and load limitations, current legal restrictions, and vehicle operation. There is no cost. Certification is valid for one year, after which drivers must re-certify.
WYDOT is encouraging drivers to certify early to avoid queuing at pullouts or delays on the day of travel. “We encourage all drivers who plan to travel Teton Pass to get certified early online, in order to avoid queuing at available pullouts or any delays on their day of travel,” said WYDOT District 3 Engineer Peter Stinchcomb.
What Happens If You Don’t
Drivers of qualifying vehicles who use Teton Pass without certification may be cited for willfully ignoring an official sign, marker, warning, or direction under Wyoming statute 24-1-109. Drivers over the 10,000-pound limit who are uncertified or in violation of the existing 60,000-pound permanent weight restriction may also be cited for willfully violating a weight-based road closure under the same statute.
“Beyond the potential citations and fines, drivers who do not take the educational materials seriously could be putting themselves and others at risk through brake failure or other serious hazards,” WYDOT said.
The program does not change the existing 60,000-pound weight restriction or any seasonal restrictions already in place on the pass. Teton Pass carries 10% grades — twice as steep as the average mountain pass — and is a heavily traveled connection between Wyoming and Idaho.
Community Reaction
The announcement has drawn a mixed response from locals and frequent pass users. Several longtime residents pushed back on the certification requirement, arguing it does little to address the real problem and unfairly targets experienced drivers who have been navigating the pass for years.
One commenter questioned whether the program had any legal teeth. “I understand the idea of it but this is just one more way to harass the local guys that have been driving for years here. We understand the pass. This will do nothing for the problem at hand.” Another echoed the concern about enforcement. “I appreciate the thought behind this, that action is being taken after two lives have been lost. But, without enforcement, this is meaningless.”
Others pointed to infrastructure as the more pressing issue, noting that guardrail installations have eliminated pullout options that truckers and RV drivers previously relied on. One commenter argued that a special license requirement for large vehicle operators would be far more effective than a paper certification. “What is a piece of paper going to do if you don’t have the actual experience in the first place?”
Some expressed more concern about out-of-town visitors than locals. “I am not as concerned about locals who drive the pass as I am about the thousands of visitors who have no idea about a mountain pass. I sincerely do not believe they will avoid the pass just because they do not have a piece of paper.”
At least one commenter who completed the certification had a different take. “It is worth the few minutes to review the materials. Lots of people never consult their owner’s manual and have no idea how their brakes and lower gears work. I just got certified. I bet if you go through it there will be at least one thing you did not know about safe driving.”
Community accounts courtesy of local media and social media.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
