Does Wyoming have a duty to inform law?
Asked by: Janessa Graham | Last update: January 28, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (3 votes)
No, Wyoming does not have a general "duty to inform" law requiring you to proactively tell law enforcement you have a firearm, but it is a "quasi duty-to-inform" state, meaning if an officer asks about a permit or firearm, you must provide your permit and ID, and it's strongly recommended to calmly disclose the presence of a firearm to avoid officer safety issues. You are not legally required to volunteer the information unless asked, but you must produce your permit if requested.
Which states are duty to inform?
States with an explicit duty to inform law include Alaska, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maine (without permit), Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington DC. In these states, concealed carriers must proactively inform law enforcement during a stop or investigation.
Do you have to identify yourself to the police in Wyoming?
Officers must have reasonable suspicion to detain the person and demand identification. At this time, Wyoming does not have a stop and identify law, though most of our neighboring states do.
Do passengers have to show ID in Wyoming?
As a general rule, a passenger is likely not required to show identification. However, law enforcement can require the passenger to show their ID if the officer has reasonable suspicion that the individual has violated the law or was in the process of violating the law.
Can you carry a loaded gun in your car in Wyoming?
Yes, Wyoming law allows residents to carry a loaded firearm in their vehicle without a permit, thanks to the state's constitutional carry provisions. However, how and where the gun is stored matters. Keeping a loaded gun in plain sight can raise red flags during a traffic stop, even if it's technically legal.
Wyoming Gun law Fully EXPLAINED: HEADS UP! KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
Can a non-resident carry a gun in Wyoming?
Effective July 1, 2021, Wyoming's amended permitless carry law takes effect and allows permitless carry by qualified residents and nonresidents of the state.
Can you travel with a gun across state lines?
The short answer is yes, you can legally carry a gun across state lines in the United States – but there are very specific federal laws and state regulations that you must follow to remain fully compliant. Here's what you need to know to stay compliant and avoid criminal charges.
Can you refuse a breathalyzer in Wyoming?
Can I refuse a breathalyzer or blood test? If you are arrested for a DUI you may be asked to take a chemical test for your breath or blood. You can refuse this test but if you do a special e-warrant will be obtained for testing your blood.
What is the Sunshine law in Wyoming?
Wyoming's Sunshine Laws (Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 et seq.) ensure public access to government records and meetings, requiring transparency by making most official documents and deliberations open for inspection at reasonable times, with specific exceptions for things like privacy or security, and providing mechanisms for disputes and enforcement, including an Ombudsman to help navigate the process.
Can you sleep overnight in Wyoming rest areas?
10. Wyoming. Wyoming permits overnight vehicle stays at select rest stops along I-80 and I-25, generally limited to 8 hours. These areas offer bathrooms, picnic spaces, and safe parking.
Can cops tell you to stop filming?
No, police officers in California cannot legally require you to stop filming unless your actions interfere with their duties. Your right to record law enforcement is protected under the First Amendment, allowing you to document interactions in public spaces.
Can you record without consent in Wyoming?
The consent of at least one party to a conversation is required to record “any oral communication uttered by a person who reasonably expects and circumstances justify the expectation that the communication is not subject to interception.” Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 7-3-701, 7-3-702.
How to ask police to identify themselves?
They carry both a badge and agency‑issued ID — always ask to see both. Officers should provide their badge number and agency name (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, USMS, FBI, TBI, etc.). Be cautious if they refuse.
What is the freest gun state?
There isn't one single "freest" gun state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana, and South Dakota are consistently ranked among the most gun-friendly due to permissive laws like constitutional/permitless carry, strong self-defense protections (Stand Your Ground), and lack of sales tax on firearms. Other states often cited for lenient laws include Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska, Utah, and Mississippi, though some recent political shifts in states like Arizona have impacted their rankings.
What does "duty to inform" mean?
If state or local law imposes a duty to inform, you are required to disclose the presence of your firearm upon making contact with law enforcement. There are 12 states, along with the District of Columbia, that require you to inform immediately upon contact with law enforcement.
Does Leosa cover all 50 states?
Yes, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) generally allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm in all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories, overriding most state/local laws, but it doesn't exempt officers from federal laws or state/private property restrictions (like gun-free zones in federal buildings, schools, or airports). Officers must meet specific criteria, maintain firearm proficiency, and carry proper identification, but must still respect places where firearms are banned, even under LEOSA.
Is Wyoming a no-tolerance state?
Yes, Wyoming is a zero-tolerance state for underage drivers (under 21), meaning they can face a DUI charge with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as low as 0.02%, compared to 0.08% for adults, and also has zero-tolerance laws for marijuana. This strict policy means even trace amounts of alcohol or any measurable amount of marijuana while driving can lead to serious penalties for minors, including license suspension and fines.
Can I sue someone for voice recording me without my permission?
Yes, you may be able to sue someone for recording you without your permission, especially if the recording happened in a private setting where you had a reasonable expectation of privacy. Whether the recording was legal depends on factors like consent laws, the nature of the conversation, and how the recording is used.
What is the food law in Wyoming?
In 2015, the Wyoming Legislature passed HB0056, creating the Wyoming Food Freedom Act, W.S. 11- 49-101 through 11-49-103, which became effective March 3, 2015, amended July 1, 2017. The general purpose of the Wyoming Food Freedom Act (WFFA) is to allow for the sale and consumption of homemade foods. 1.
Can passengers drink alcohol in a car in Wyoming?
Wyoming's open container law isn't applicable to passengers riding in certain types of vehicles used primarily for the transportation of passengers for compensation. Passengers inside these vehicles are permitted to possess and consume alcohol, but the beverage must not be within the driver's zone of control.
What is the harshest state for DUI?
Arizona is consistently ranked as the strictest DUI state due to severe mandatory penalties for all offenses, including significant jail time, high fines, and automatic ignition interlock devices, with Alaska and Georgia also having very harsh laws, followed closely by states like Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Connecticut, Utah, and Virginia, which enforce strict penalties like minimum jail sentences and costly fines.
Why is alcohol so expensive in Wyoming?
So what's with the high prices? Wyoming does impose fees on malt liquor distributors. The Cowboy State requires malt liquor distributors to obtain a wholesale license and pay an annual fee of $250. It should also be noted that Wyoming is a control state.
How many locks do I need on my gun case for TSA?
TSA does not require a specific number of locks, but the case must be secured so that it cannot be opened without the key or combination. At least one lock is required, and it should be one that only the passenger can open. TSA luggage locks should be avoided, as agents have master keys for those.
Can you drive with a gun in your car in all states?
No, you cannot drive with a gun in your car in all states without restrictions, as laws vary significantly, but federal law (FOPA) provides a "safe passage" for unloaded firearms if stored securely (locked, separate from ammo, inaccessible) when traveling between states where possession is legal; however, strict states like NY/NJ can still arrest you, requiring you to use the federal law as a defense later, so you must check laws for every state you enter.
Can a US citizen bring a gun into Canada?
Yes, Americans can bring guns into Canada, but it's strictly regulated; you must be 18+, have a valid reason (hunting, competition, wildlife protection), declare everything at the border, complete a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (RCMP 5589) form, pay a fee, and ensure firearms are non-restricted (like most hunting rifles/shotguns) and stored unloaded, as prohibited firearms (many handguns) are banned, and failure to declare leads to severe penalties.