Yellowstone Insider Your Complete Guide to America's First National Park
This Labor Day weekend, visitors throughout Yellowstone National Park will be subject to traffic safety checkpoints.
Park rangers will be at checkpoints identifying traffic and safety violations, in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies. The checkpoints will include vehicle inspections and assessments of driver awareness and impairment. Brakes, headlights, taillights, and tires, among other vehicle parts, will be inspected. Further, drivers will be assessed for drowsiness, drunkenness, and likewise impairment.
Checkpoints will also assess whether all passengers are wearing their seatbelts, in compliance with federal law. Rangers will also be reminding visitors to remain vigilant for wildlife on and near the road.
The checkpoints come after a marked increase in impaired drivers over the past few years. Past checkpoints have resulted in drivers being detained for driving under the influence, which can result in prosecution in a federal court. Penalties for driving under the influence in Yellowstone can include up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
With over 300 miles of paved roads in Yellowstone National Park, it’s important that you abide not only by all traffic laws but also prevailing weather conditions. It’s also important to be conscious of your fellow driver and Yellowstone’s wildlife.
