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Bill

SF 32

Unpaved roads speed limits-amendments.

2025 Regular Session

Local authorities can lower unpaved road speed limits without speed studies, including temporary reductions under 35 mph with limited consultation.

Assigned Chapter Number 158
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Bill Summary · SF 32

Summary — SF 32 (Enrolled Act No. 81 / Chapter 158, 2025)

Title: Unpaved roads speed limits — amendments
Primary sponsor: McClintock; Joint Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Interim Committee

Purpose

SF 32 gives local authorities greater discretion to lower speed limits on unpaved roads without first conducting formal speed studies or providing written justification. It also creates a streamlined process for temporary speed reductions under 35 mph for specified purposes.

Key provisions

  • Amends W.S. 31-5-303(b) and creates new subsection (f):
    • Permanent reductions: A local authority may decrease a maximum speed limit for an unpaved roadway to not less than 35 miles per hour without conducting a speed study.
    • Temporary reductions under 35 mph: A local authority may establish a temporary speed limit below 35 mph without a speed study for up to one (1) year for reasons including (but not limited to) construction, maintenance, special events, emergency situations, and changes in use.
    • Consultation requirement for temporary reductions: Before setting a temporary limit under 35 mph, the local authority must consult with its engineer or road & bridge superintendent and the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the roadway.
  • Rulemaking: The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is required to promulgate any rules necessary to implement the act. The act also prohibits WYDOT from adopting rules that would require a speed study before a local authority acts under subsection (f).
  • Signage/other procedural obligations: The enrolled text requires consultation for temporary reductions; other procedural elements (e.g., posting signs) are left to local practice and any implementing rules WYDOT adopts.

Who is affected

  • Local authorities (cities, towns, counties) — gain authority to lower maximum speeds on unpaved roads without prior speed studies.
  • Local engineers/road & bridge superintendents and local law enforcement — required consultation partners for temporary reductions under 35 mph.
  • Motorists and communities using unpaved roadways — may see more local variation in posted speeds and more temporary speed reductions tied to local activities or conditions.
  • WYDOT — tasked with necessary rulemaking but restricted from requiring speed studies in these cases.

Fiscal and legislative timeline

  • Fiscal note: No significant fiscal or personnel impact reported.
  • Enacted as Enrolled Act No. 81, Chapter 158. Governor signed (SEA No. 0081).
  • Effective dates: Generally effective July 1, 2025. Sections authorizing WYDOT rulemaking and the section on effective dates (Sections 2 and 3) are effective immediately upon completion of acts necessary for the bill to become law.

Practical implications / considerations

  • The bill increases local control and flexibility over unpaved-road speed management, particularly for short-term safety or operational needs.
  • Removing the speed-study requirement can speed implementation but may lead to greater variability across jurisdictions and potential enforcement or consistency issues unless WYDOT's implementing rules provide guidance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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