By Jeannette Boner
Jackson Hole News&Guide
Via- Wyoming News Exchange
JACKSON — Drivers of large or heavy rigs will need to complete a new online safety program before crossing Teton Pass beginning Oct. 1.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation opened its WY22 SAFE PASS self-certification process Monday so drivers can complete it before the requirement takes effect.
Applicants enter basic information and review materials on steep grades, braking, weight limits and other mountain driving hazards at SafePass.wyoroad.info.
They then receive a self-certification letter valid for one year.
And there is a penalty for not completing the certification.
A driver may be cited under Wyoming’s weight-based road closure law for violating the new Teton Pass certification requirement and could face a $1,000 fine and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense.
A second conviction within three years carries a $2,500 fine and up to 30 days in jail. The enhanced penalties apply to willful violations of weight-based closures; WYDOT said officers will assess each case to determine which statute applies.
Neither WYDOT nor law enforcement agencies plan to stop drivers solely to check their certification, said Stephanie Harsha, District 3 Public Relations Specialist for the Wyoming Department of Transportation.
Instead, an officer could check whether a driver has completed the program after pulling the driver over for another reason, such as speeding or reckless driving.
“This is not unusual, other state statutes are enforced similarly, like seatbelt enforcement, insurance and registration,” she said in an email to the Jackson Hole Daily. “Law enforcement has the authority to evaluate each situation and cite drivers accordingly.”
The requirement applies to RV drivers, drivers towing trailers and drivers of vehicles whose gross vehicle weight combination or gross vehicle weight rating exceeds 10,000 pounds, according to WYDOT.
Drivers in those categories who have not completed the process must take another route. The pass’ existing 60,000-pound weight restriction and seasonal restrictions remain in place.
There is no formal grace period after Oct. 1, Harsha said. The department is publicizing the program through its usual channels, local groups and the Idaho Transportation Department.
The program follows a series of crashes and other vehicle incidents on Teton Pass that killed three people and sent several others to area hospitals this summer. It also comes as public officials and community advocates press the state to impose additional restrictions on large and potentially high-risk vehicles using the steep mountain highway.
“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,” WYDOT District 3 Engineer Peter Stinchcomb said in a news release.
“Although the pre-certification is mandatory for certain users, we recommend all drivers complete the self-certification process,” Stinchcomb said. “It’s a great opportunity to learn more about safe mountain pass driving and the inherent dangers on Teton Pass.”
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