The Mercury News Weekend

Readers share misery of Wyoming moving violations

- Gary Richards Mr. Roadshow

QLike April Dutta of San Jose, I received a speeding ticket in Wyoming for about 100 bucks. We got a $10 discount for wearing our seat belt.

I asked if this would this impact my driving record and insurance in California. The officer said not to worry. Wrong. When I received my next insurance bill there was a significan­t increase. I called my agent and he said there was nothing we could do but pay increased premiums for three years. — J. S., San Jose

A Ouch. Many others shared their stories about getting speeding tickets in Wyoming as happened to Dutta a few weeks ago while visiting to see the eclipse, including a lawman.

Q Most states, including Wyoming, share moving violations among themselves. So, a speeding violation in Wyoming probably will result in a point on the California driving record. — Jim McLaughlin, Retired CHP officer

A

And we’re off …

Q I’ve been pulled over three times on two trips through Wyoming for speeding since October, but I received only one ticket.

On the most recent stop in July I was going 85 mph in an 80 zone on Interstate 80 west of Rock Springs. The officer said, “You must be on a mission to meet as many Wyoming State troopers as possible,” and let me off with a warning. — Thomas Gray, Livermore

A Always fasten your seat belt, especially in Wyoming.

Q I read April Dutta’s’s letter on Wyoming being a speed trap and have to disagree. I was also in Wyoming for the eclipse outside Jackson. I also drove on rural roads and the speed limit was 70. I went by numerous police, sheriff, and highway patrol vehicles all at 74 or 75 with no issues. — Tom S., San Jose

A OK …

Q The letter about April’s Wyoming speeding ticket re- minds me of a nearly identical experience I had near Hurricane, Utah. Police were herding all outof-state cars into a parking lot. It was eerily similar to April’s experience four lanes, downhill, suddenly lowered speed limit, gotcha!

I paid the ticket and vowed to take my tourist dollars elsewhere. I would not set foot in Utah again and let everyone know that Utah and Wyoming are not friendly places for tourists. After 20 years I relented just a bit. Now I ski in another part of Utah, but I will never spend another nickel near Hurricane. — Tom Howell

A You have a long memory.

Q You can tell April that she is not alone. We were stopped twice in Wyoming. One time we got lucky and received a warning. Now whenever we go on road trips, we put on Florida plates! — John Francis, San Jose

A Said with tongue firmly planted in cheek. Contact Gary Richards at mrroadshow@ bayareanew­sgroup.com.

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