Vehicle Lifts in Wyoming: plates, trucks, RVs and the law

Wyoming families who carry a scooter or wheelchair on a pickup, an SUV or an RV tend to ask us two things: which lift works with a truck or a motorhome, and what the state says about a lift that sits in front of the license plate.

Wyoming's motor vehicle code answers the second question in plain terms, and it even has a definition that mentions wheelchair lifts by name.

Plates, lamps and "assistive devices" in Title 31

Wyoming's plate display rule is W.S. 31-2-205(a). License plates must be "Conspicuously displayed and securely fastened to be plainly visible," with one on the front of the vehicle (subject to a list of exclusions, including vehicles "originally manufactured without a bracket, device or other means to display and secure a front license plate") and "One (1) on the rear of the vehicle." Plates must also be "Secured to prevent swinging," "Attached in a horizontal position no less than twelve (12) inches from the ground," and "Maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible." We found no exception in the section for a wheelchair or scooter carrier.

For lighting, W.S. 31-5-913 requires tail lamps that comply with the regulations of the superintendent, and adds: "Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate." A platform or a loaded scooter that covers that lamp works against this rule.

Wyoming's vehicle definitions also recognize mobility equipment. Under W.S. 31-1-101(a)(xxxiii), "'Assistive device' means any nonstandard item, equipment, product, system or vehicle modification installed in or on a vehicle and designed to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability. 'Assistive device' includes, without limitation, wheelchair lifts, hand or arm controls, pedal extensions, special seating, vehicle kneeling systems and wheelchair securement systems." The definition does not loosen the plate rule, but it shows the state's code treats a wheelchair lift as part of the vehicle's equipment.

For help paying, Wyoming's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation lists "Assistive technology: Devices or technology that help you do the job" and "Transportation: If required to reach services or work" among its services for job seekers. The page does not name vehicle lifts, so ask a counselor whether one can be part of your plan.

Hitch platform, bed hoist or inside hoist?

Each style answers the plate question differently. A hitch platform sits behind the bumper and, loaded or folded, can stand right in front of the rear plate; that is why several Harmar platforms ship with a license plate mount and offer a riser. A truck-bed hoist lifts the device over the side or tailgate into the bed, leaving the plate and lamp alone, though the device rides in the open. An inside hoist loads into an SUV or van cargo area and keeps the device out of hail and snow, at the cost of cargo space. Start with the vehicle you already own, its hitch class and tongue weight rating, then the device's weight and size.

Wind, hail and long winters on the road

NOAA's Wyoming summary notes that the state's location near the jet stream brings "heavy snows, high winds, and low wind chill temperatures," that an early-season blizzard on October 3-5, 2013 "knocked down power lines and closed many roads," and that a 2020 derecho produced an 85 mph gust near the South Dakota line. Southeastern Wyoming averages 34 severe hail days a year since 2010. A device riding on an exposed platform faces all of that, so covers, secure tie-downs and a habit of wiping the plate and lamp before you drive are worth building in.

Lifts for trucks, RVs and SUVs

• Harmar AL300RV RV Lift: engineered for the added stress an RV puts on a lift, carrying up to 350 lb. Its standard drop hitch adapter adjusts up to 26 in of hitch height, with a pusher adapter reaching 32 in, and it comes with a license plate mount.
• Harmar AL425HD: a heavy-duty 2-axis hoist that Harmar lists for trucks only, lifting up to 450 lb into the bed with powered lift and rotation.
• Harmar AL435T Tailgater: a 3-axis truck hoist with power extension that reaches 43 in to the curb or over a 24 in tailgate, rated for 400 lb.
• Bruno ASL-275L Out-Sider: a hitch platform for lightweight power chairs and scooters that fits Class II and Class III hitches with 6 to 24 in of height adjustment. According to Bruno, the tongue weight your vehicle is rated for is often what settles whether a given lift will work.

The numbers for these four lifts are drawn from their store listings. A bed hoist keeps the plate clear entirely, which in Wyoming's plate rule is a real advantage.

WATR and other Wyoming help

Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) answers questions at no cost by phone, email, video or in person, including about "funding avenues." The AT3 Center lists device loan, demonstration, reutilization and a financial loan for WATR.

Ordering for a Wyoming vehicle

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. We ship to the lower 48 states and DC, with free shipping over $500 ($15 under $500), and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days; some brands differ. See shipping to Wyoming, then share your vehicle, hitch and device through the vehicle lift fit check.

Questions about vehicle lifts in Wyoming

Can a hitch lift cover my license plate in Wyoming?

W.S. 31-2-205(a) requires plates to be "Conspicuously displayed and securely fastened to be plainly visible," at least 12 inches off the ground and clearly legible. We found no exception for mobility carriers, so plan a plate mount that stays visible, or a truck-bed or inside hoist that leaves the plate clear.

Do I need a front plate on my truck in Wyoming?

Generally yes. W.S. 31-2-205(a) requires one plate on the front and one on the rear, with exclusions for vehicles such as motorcycles, trailers and vehicles originally manufactured without a bracket or other means to display a front plate. A rear-mounted lift therefore affects the rear plate only.

Does Wyoming law mention wheelchair lifts on vehicles?

Yes. W.S. 31-1-101(a)(xxxiii) defines an "assistive device" as equipment or a vehicle modification installed in or on a vehicle to help a person with a disability, and lists "wheelchair lifts" first among its examples, alongside hand controls, special seating and wheelchair securement systems.

Which lift works with a pickup in Wyoming?

Truck-bed hoists are built for it. Harmar lists the AL425HD for trucks only, with a 450 lb capacity, and the AL435T Tailgater reaches over a 24 in tailgate with power extension. Either keeps the rear plate in view, unlike a hitch platform that sits in front of it.

Browse the full vehicle lift collection, use the vehicle lift fit check, or take the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• Wyoming Statutes Title 31, Motor Vehicles (W.S. 31-1-101, 31-2-205, 31-5-913)
• Wyoming Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: services offered
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Wyoming (2022)
• Harmar AL300RV product page
• Harmar AL425HD product page
• Harmar AL435T Tailgater product page
• Bruno ASL-275L Out-Sider product page
• Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR)
• AT3 Center: Wyoming