JANUARY 7, 2025|
Photo – Saratoga Police Department and Town Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
In Saratoga, officials are one step closer to closing a loophole that has allowed motorists to operate vehicles in the town without carrying a valid driver’s license.
During the December 3rd Saratoga town council meeting, Acting Police Chief Lieutenant John Moore informed the governing body that he is working on an ordinance amendment that makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle in town without a valid driver’s license. Lieutenant Moore noted that, in its 147-year history, the town has never had a similar law on the books.
Wyoming state law requires all individuals to possess a valid driver’s license to legally operate a car or truck on public roads. However, the town of Saratoga does not have a corresponding law in place, meaning that local police officers are unable to issue municipal citations to violators. As a result, the Saratoga Police Department must rely on state law to prosecute offenders.
Like all ordinance changes, the amendment must be read three times during three separate public hearings. At the December 17th Saratoga town council meeting, Town Clerk Jennifer Moore read the ordinance amendment for a second time.
The ordinance states that no person shall drive, steer, or exercise any degree of control over a motor vehicle without a valid license containing the appropriate endorsements.
Acting Polie Chief Moore explained that Saratoga town law already mandates that drivers always carry their licenses. Lieutenant Moore stated that the ordinance amendment simply requires all motorists to possess a valid driver’s license before operating a vehicle within town limits.
The Saratoga town council voted to pass the ordinance amendment on the second reading. Another reading, which is expected to occur during tonight’s town council meeting, must happen before the amendment can be passed into law.
Once the ordinance is passed, the new town code will enable Saratoga to prosecute violators in municipal court. Revenue generated from the citations will help fund public service and infrastructure projects.
