Wyoming Launched Teton Pass Safety Certification
Drivers of heavy vehicles and trailers must now complete a safety course to navigate the steep mountain pass.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Trucks
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The Wyoming Department of Transportation has introduced the WY22 Safe Pass program following a string of fatal accidents on the mountain route. Drivers of RVs, trailers, and vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds are now required to complete an online safety certification to use the pass.
Why it matters
The program addresses the severe risks associated with Teton Pass, which features a 10% road grade for three miles. Officials hope the mandatory education on low-gear usage and brake inspections will reduce crashes involving heavy vehicles.
The new requirement applies to vehicles rated for 10,000 pounds or more. The certification course takes approximately five minutes and remains valid for one year.
The players
Wyoming Department of Transportation
This state agency is responsible for managing highway infrastructure and establishing safety regulations for mountain roads.
Wyoming Trucking Association
This trade organization represents the interests of commercial freight carriers and is working to integrate safety alerts into telematics systems.
The details
Drivers must create an account and watch educational videos for at least three minutes before self-certifying under penalty of perjury. The curriculum emphasizes critical procedures like manual brake inspections and the use of low gears to safely descend the 10% grade.
Timeline
Between 2002 and 2012, authorities recorded 17 crashes on Teton Pass.
A 72-year-old resident died in an RV crash in August 2024.
Two people died in a dump truck crash on July 7, 2026.
A 41-year-old man died in a vehicle crash on the pass in September 2026.
The WY22 Safe Pass certification requirement began in September 2026.
Roadmap
This mandate signals an increasing effort by state authorities to regulate high-risk mountain routes using digital compliance tools. It follows a broader industry shift toward integrating GPS and telematics to alert heavy vehicle drivers of upcoming hazardous road conditions.
Drivers of heavy vehicles or trailers must complete the free, five-minute online course to legally operate on Teton Pass. Failure to comply could impact insurance coverage or liability in the event of an incident on the 10% grade.
The takeaway
Drivers should always prioritize checking their brake systems and shifting to low gear before descending steep grades. Taking five minutes to review safety protocols is a small investment that significantly increases control on dangerous terrain.
Further reading
For more information on mountain road safety, visit the /automotive/trucks/ section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cowboy State Daily.
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