Stop Sign Ticket Attorney

Serving Wyoming & South Dakota

Getting cited for running a stop sign can feel like a minor annoyance, until you start worrying about points, insurance, and how it might affect your record. If you received a ticket in Wyoming and South Dakota, our criminal defense team is here to help you sort out what really matters.

At Just Criminal Law, we focus solely on criminal defense. Our attorneys, led by former prosecutors, prepare every case as if it could end up in a courtroom. That approach gives us leverage when we negotiate and keeps your defense grounded in the evidence, not in guesswork.

From the first call, we work to bring order to a stressful situation. We explain what the citation actually means, what the court will care about, and what choices you have, so you are not left making a quick decision that could echo for years.

Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.

Penalties for Running a Stop Sign in Wyoming

Wyoming law is strict when it comes to traffic control devices. Under W.S. § 31-5-503, drivers are required to come to a complete stop at a clearly marked stop line or before entering the crosswalk.

If you are cited for a stop sign violation in Wyoming, you face several immediate and long-term consequences:

• Fines: A standard stop sign ticket usually results in a fine of approximately $150, though this can increase depending on the specific municipality or if the violation occurred in a construction or school zone.
• Driving Record Points: While Wyoming’s system is unique, the state typically assigns 2 points to your driving record for failing to obey a traffic control device.
• License Suspension: Accumulating too many moving violations (typically 4 in a 12-month period) can lead to a discretionary suspension of your driver’s license.
• Insurance Hikes: Most insurance companies view a stop sign violation as a "moving violation," which can cause your premiums to spike for three to five years.

Penalties for Running a Stop Sign in South Dakota

In South Dakota, stop sign violations are governed by SDCL § 32-29-2.1. The law requires a full stop and yielding the right-of-way to any vehicle already in the intersection.

The penalties in South Dakota are often classified as Class 2 Misdemeanors, which carry a surprising weight:

• Criminal Record: Because it is a Class 2 misdemeanor, a conviction technically appears on a criminal background check, not just a driving record.
• Fines and Costs: The base fine is often around $122.50, but judges have the discretion to increase this up to $500 depending on the circumstances.
• Demerit Points: South Dakota uses a point system where a stop sign violation adds 3 points to your license.
• Suspension Thresholds: If you reach 15 points in 12 months or 22 points in 24 months, your license will be suspended.

Legal Defense to a Stop Sign Ticket

Many drivers assume that paying the fine is the only option. However, paying the fine is an admission of guilt. At Just Criminal Law, we explore every possible avenue to have your ticket dismissed or reduced. Common defenses include:

The "Limit Line" Dispute

Often, an officer observes a vehicle from an angle where they cannot see the front bumper stop at the actual limit line. If you stopped, but the officer’s view was obstructed, we can use diagrams and photos to prove a "false perspective."

Obstruction of the Sign

For a stop sign to be enforceable, it must be visible. If the sign was hidden by overgrown tree branches, faded by the sun, or twisted by high Wyoming winds, you cannot be held liable for failing to see it.

The "Newly Installed" Defense

In some jurisdictions, if a stop sign was recently installed and you have been a regular commuter on that road, a judge may show leniency if there was no "New" warning plaque attached to the sign.

Avoiding a Collision

If you were forced to move through a stop sign to avoid an immediate collision—such as being rear-ended by a speeding vehicle—your actions may be legally justified under the principle of necessity.

FAQs About Stop Sign Tickets in Wyoming and South Dakota

Do I have to go to court for a stop sign ticket?

In many cases, our team can appear in court on your behalf, saving you the trip—especially if you were just passing through the Gillette or Spearfish area.

How long do points stay on my record?

In Wyoming, violations typically affect your driving status for one year, but insurance companies may track them for much longer. In South Dakota, points generally stay on your record for three years.

What is a "rolling stop"?

A "rolling stop" (sometimes called a "California stop") is when a driver slows down significantly but never reaches a 0 mph velocity. Legally, this is the same as running the sign entirely.

Can I attend traffic school to hide the ticket?

Both Wyoming and South Dakota may allow for a "deferred prosecution" or a "probationary period" where the ticket is dismissed if you maintain a clean record for 6–12 months or complete a defensive driving course. We can negotiate these deals for you.

How Our Team Handles Stop Sign Cases

When you contact us about a stop sign citation, we start by listening to your side of what happened. We review the ticket, any accident report, and your driving and criminal history. When available, we look for patrol car video, intersection photos, and officer notes, because details at the scene often shape how the case can be defended.

Our attorneys include former prosecutors who know how the state tends to evaluate these cases. That background helps us anticipate which facts the prosecutor may rely on and where the evidence might be weak or incomplete. We use that insight to identify issues that can shift negotiations or support a stronger challenge in court.

We also focus heavily on communication. We explain what each hearing is for, what filings are due, and what options are realistic at each stage. You get clear, direct answers, not vague reassurances. If a risk exists, we tell you plainly, then talk through what can be done to manage it.

From there, we tailor a strategy to your priorities, whether that is protecting your license, limiting the impact on employment, or addressing how this ticket interacts with other charges. In some cases that may mean working to negotiate a different type of charge. In others it may mean preparing to contest the officer’s account and present your own evidence.

When you work with us on a stop sign ticket, you can expect:

• Careful review of the citation, your history, and available evidence.
• Insight from attorneys who have evaluated cases from the prosecutor’s side.
• Regular updates so you know what has happened and what comes next.
• Organized management of court dates, filings, and communication with the court.
• Guidance that focuses on your long-term future, not just closing the file.

To talk with our team about your stop sign ticket, call (307) 300-2240.