WYDOT Launches Mandatory Teton Pass Safety Certification
Drivers of trailers, RVs and heavy vehicles must complete an online self-certification before crossing Teton Pass.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Trucks
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The Wyoming Department of Transportation launched the WY22 Safe Pass mandatory self-certification program on October 1, 2026, for drivers over Teton Pass. More than 4,500 drivers from 18 countries and 48 states have completed the roughly 10-minute online certification.
Why it matters
The program targets recreational vehicles, vehicles towing trailers, and vehicles or combinations over 10,000 pounds, aiming to educate motorists on the demands of the mountain route. Teton Pass closes to all trailer traffic seasonally, making advance preparation important for affected drivers.
More than 4,500 drivers have completed the certification, which takes about 10 minutes online and applies to vehicles over 10,000 pounds. Teton Pass carries a 60,000-pound weight restriction, and WYDOT expects certification activity to dip in winter before rebuilding in spring.
The players
Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT)
WYDOT is the state agency responsible for maintaining Wyoming's highways and operating its transportation programs, including the Teton Pass corridor.
Idaho Transportation Department
The Idaho Transportation Department is the state agency that manages Idaho's highway network and worked with WYDOT on the Teton Pass program.
The details
Drivers complete a series of safety acknowledgments after reviewing instructional videos, route maps, and braking guidelines through an online portal. WYDOT coordinated the program with the Idaho Transportation Department, local governments, and major GPS navigation apps.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: WY22 Safe Pass program launched.
November 15, 2026: Teton Pass closes to all trailer traffic for the season.
April 1, 2027: Teton Pass trailer closure ends.
Roadmap
WYDOT's WY22 Safe Pass sits on top of the seasonal trailer closure that runs each winter from November 15 through April 1 on Teton Pass. The program adds a mandatory driver education requirement to a route that already restricts trailer traffic during the snow season.
Drivers towing trailers or operating vehicles over 10,000 pounds must complete the roughly 10-minute certification before using Teton Pass. Anyone planning a winter trip with a trailer should account for the November 15 closure and the April 1 reopening.
The takeaway
Plan winter routes early: trailers are barred from Teton Pass from November 15 to April 1, and completing the WY22 Safe Pass certification in advance avoids last-minute problems.
What happens next
Trailer traffic will be barred from Teton Pass beginning November 15, 2026, and the closure lifts April 1, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Trucks coverage to see how mountain route rules affect heavy-vehicle drivers in Wyoming.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wyoming News Now.
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