Utah Driving Record
Utah Driver License
Every resident in Utah who drives a motor vehicle on the highway (any public roadway) must have a valid Utah driver license or learner permit.
The Utah Criminal and Traffic Code requires that a driver must have a valid driver license in his/her immediate possession at any time when operating a motor vehicle. Out-of-state drivers who have not been licensed in the state of Utah, first time drivers, and drivers that change from one license type classification to another will be issued an original license. The license will expire on the applicants birthday five years after issue.
Utah Speeding Law
In Utah, there is the Basic Speed Law which states that you may never drive faster than is reasonably safe. However, when there is no sign, and where no special hazards exist, the following speeds are permitted:
- 20 miles per hour
- When passing a school building or grounds during school recess.
- While children are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours or when flashing lights are operating.
- 25 miles per hour In any business or residential area.
- 45 miles per hour MINIMUM SPEED on a freeway under normal conditions.
- 55 miles per hour On major highways, as posted
- 65/75 miles per hour On rural interstate highways. Because rural interstate is defined by census boundaries, it may be confusing to know which areas are 65 mph and which are 75 mph. I thought this was a 75 mph zone is not a valid response if you are pulled over. Remember, only when posted on interstate highways is 65 or 75 mph allowed. The 65/75 mph transition zones in Utah are indicated with pavement markings and additional signs.
Revoked License in Utah
Your driver license will be revoked if a court finds you guilty of any of the following
- Manslaughter or negligent homicide while driving
- A second or subsequent conviction for driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle or a motorboat while intoxicated or while any measurable controlled substance or metabolite of a controlled substance is in your body (including prescribed medications).
- Making a false statement under oath when applying for a driver license
- Using a motor vehicle to commit or facilitate a felony, including automobile homicide
- Failure to stop and give aid if you are involved in a motor vehicle crash resulting in the death of, or personal injury to another
- Two charges of reckless driving in one year. (The court may recommend that your license be suspended for three months on the first conviction.) Reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle in a willful and/or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property
- Attempting to flee or refusing to stop after receiving a visual or audible signal from a police officer
- Discharging or allowing the discharge of a firearm from a vehicle
- Using, allowing the use of, or causing to be used any explosive, chemical or incendiary device from a vehicle
- Driving with a measurable or detectable amount of alcohol in your system when you have an alcoholrestricted status
- Driving a vehicle without an ignition interlock device installed when you have an ignition interlock restricted status
Suspended License in Utah
Your driver license may be suspended for as long as one year. Some reasons the Division may suspend your driving privilege are
- You have been convicted of an offense for which mandatory suspension is required
- By reckless or unlawful conduct, you have caused or contributed to a crash in which someone was injured or killed or which resulted in serious property damage.
- You are incompetent to drive, or have a mental or physical condition that would make you an unsafe driver
- You have unlawfully or fraudulently used your license or permitted its use by someone else
- You have refused to take or failed to pass a review examination as ordered by the Division.
- You have been convicted of sufficient traffic violations to be subject to the Division Point System.
- You have been arrested for DUI or been found guilty of any drug offense
- You operated or permitted to be operated a motor vehicle owned by you without the required security
- As a Utah driver, you failed to appear in court for a traffic violation when it occurred in Utah or in a Non-Resident Violator Compact member state, or that you failed to satisfy fees, fines, or restitution to the court on any criminal charge
- Failure to show proof of no-fault insurance or other security as required under the Utah Automobile No-Fault Insurance Act
- Operating a vehicle or allowing a vehicle registered to you to be operated without required insurance or proof of financial responsibility
Drunk Driving
Driving after even one drink is asking for trouble. The bottom line is that when you drive after drinking, you are driving with impairment. After alcohol reaches your stomach, it enters your blood and goes to all parts of your body and reaches your brain in 20 to 40 minutes. Alcohol affects those parts of your brain that control your judgment and motor skills. The more you drink, the more trouble you will have judging distances, speeds, and the movements of other vehicles. You will also have much more difficulty controlling your own car
Utah Point System
The point system is part of Utahs Driver Improvement Program. Points are assigned for specific types of violations. If you acquire 200 or more points within a three (3) year period, you will be asked to appear for a hearing. Based on the hearing, you may be placed on probation, requested to take the Defensive Driving Course, or have your driving privilege suspended. The suspension may be for three (3) months, six (6) months, or one (1) year, depending on your record.
| Points | Type of Violation |
|---|
| 80 | Reckless Driving |
| 75 | Speeding (Depending on Severity) |
| 60 | Failure to Yield Right-of-Way |
| 60 | Following too Closely (Tailgating) |
| 60 | Wrong Side of Road |
| 60 | Wrong Way on One-way Street |
| 50 | Red Light |
| 50 | Stop Sign |
| 50 | Improper Lookout |
| 50 | Improper Passing |
| 50 | Negligent Collision |
| 40 | Other Moving Violations |
Additional Utah Resources
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