F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The operation of All Terrain Vehicles and Utility Terrain Vehicles on F.E. Warren Air Force Base has been approved by Col. Steven Kravitsky, 90th Missile Wing commander, effective Nov. 30, 2016.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions concerning the driving of ATV and UTVs on base.
Does my ATV or UTV have to be registered with the state?
Yes, it must meet all state requirements and be properly licensed & insured in the State of Wyoming.
How do I make my ATV/UTV street legal in the State of Wyoming?
Your vehicle must have:
- Brakes that are capable of stopping a vehicle within 40 feet from 20 mph on a hard, flat, dry surface.
- A muffler system, and no muffler cut-out or bypass is allowed.
- A mirror mounted on the left hand side of the vehicle so an unobstructed view of the road is visible to the driver.
- A horn capable of being heard from at least 200 feet away.
NOTE: If your ATV is designed to only operate under 25 mph, it will need to have a slow moving vehicle emblem attached. If your ATV travels at over 25 mph but you cannot or choose not to attain highway speeds, you must operate it on the extreme right hand side of the road with a slow moving vehicle emblem or a reflective flag attached.
Do I have to have a Wyoming Driver’s License to operate an ATV/UTV on base?
No, you must have a valid driver’s license from any of the 50 states or US territories.
Can my kids ride their ATVs with me on base?
Maybe. If they have a state driver’s license. No drivers with learner’s permits or children too young to get a state license.
Do I have to have a license plate?
Yes. As stated before, the vehicle must be registered and licensed in the State of Wyoming. You must mount the plate on the rear of the vehicle and ensure it is visible to law enforcement personnel.
I have a license from another state which doesn’t require ATVs to be registered. Can I still ride my personal ATV on base?
No. Remember the vehicle must be registered & licensed in the State of Wyoming.
Can ATVs be driven off-road on base?
No. You are only authorized on streets and roads meant for vehicles. A good rule of thumb is: if you can’t drive your private car in an area, you can’t drive your ATV there. This includes all seeded areas like lawns, alongside roadways, plus any road restricted to only Government Owned Vehicles.
Why must I wear Personal Protective Gear?
Like persons on motorcycles, PPE protects the ATV/UTV rider from harm in case of a collision with another vehicle or if you are thrown from your vehicle.
What PPE is required?
- A Department of Transportation (DOT) or Snell Institute approved Helmet.
- Impact resistant goggles, wrap-around glasses or full face shield that meet or exceed ANZI Standard Z87.1.
- Long-sleeve shirt or jacket.
- Long trousers.
- Full-finger gloves or mittens.
- Over the ankle boots.
I have a bench or bucket style two or four seat UTV. It comes equipped with seatbelts and a roll cage. Do I have to wear all that PPE?
No, like a car you must be securely belted in while the vehicle is in motion. BUT if your UTV doesn’t have a windshield you must wear eye protection that meets the same standards for motorcycle riders.
Do I need special certification?
Yes, you need to take a Specialty Vehicle Institute of America approved course and carry the completion card with you at all times while riding on base.
What happens if I violate the rules for riding an ATV/UTV on base?
At best, you will be issued a ticket which could affect your career and/or wallet. At worst, your driving privileges can be revoked to drive any vehicle on base. Driving on base is a privilege, not a right.
Am I allowed to have passengers on my ATV/UTV?
Only in certain circumstances. First, the ATV or UTV must be designed for passengers. Second, passengers must ride in accordance with the operating instructions of the vehicle. i.e. passengers are not allowed to ride between the driver and the handle bar of an ATV. Finally, if the first two conditions apply, all passengers are held to the same PPE requirements as the driver.
For more information on the Base's ATV/UTV policy, please contact the 90th Missile Wing safety office at (307) 773-1842.