Utah Traffic Violations

Traffic violations in Utah are offenses that breach the state's Vehicle Code or local traffic laws, or both. In Utah, minor moving violations like speeding are handled in justice courts. On the other hand, more serious traffic offenses such as reckless driving, DUI, or hit-and-run are taken to district courts.

Utah has a point system for driver improvement managed by the Driver License Division (DLD). Adults face license suspension if they accumulate 200 points within 3 years, while drivers aged 20 and under risk suspension at 70 points. Points can expire after a particular time or be reduced through safe driving or by completing an approved defensive-driving course.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in Utah?

Traffic violations in Utah are offenses that breach the state's Vehicle Code or local traffic laws, or both. TheVehicle Code of Utah (Title 41, ch. 6a) explains the rules for driving, the requirements for getting a driver's license, and the laws about impaired driving.

This law bans specific traffic violations and unsafe driving behaviors. Examples include ignoring traffic signals, driving recklessly, and being distracted while driving. In Utah, it is illegal to drive under the influence (DUI) if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.05 or higher for adults.

Types of Traffic Violations in Utah

There are many kinds of traffic violations in Utah, including:

• Speeding / too fast for conditions. This is treated as a moving violation in justice or district court. The points assigned depend on how much over the limit you were. For example, driving more than 21 miles per hour earns you 75 points.
• Running a red light or stop sign / disobeying devices. These are standard moving violations that come with point penalties. Running a red light typically earns you 50 points in Utah.
• Driving without a license / while suspended. These are different offenses that can lead to additional licensing issues through the DLD.
• Driving without insurance. In Utah, you need to have at least 25/65/15 in liability coverage (for each person, per accident, and for property damage). Utah is also a no-fault state, which means you need at least $3,000 in PIP coverage.
• Reckless driving. This involves a willful or wanton disregard for safety and can lead to serious criminal charges and high point penalties. Reckless driving earns you 80 points.
• Distracted driving (wireless devices). Utah law prohibits using manual devices while driving (like texting, emailing, dialing, browsing, entering data, or recording video); however, using voice commands is allowed. Careless driving laws can lead to extra charges if distraction is involved with another violation.
• DUI. In Utah, the legal limit is 0.05 BAC. Enforcement includes both criminal penalties and administrative actions regarding your license.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Utah

For adults aged 21 and over, accumulating 200 or more points within 3 years can result in a suspension lasting between 3 and 12 months. Drivers under 21 reaching 70 or more points may lead to a denial or suspension lasting from 1 to 12 months.

If you go one year without any violations, half of your accumulated points will be removed. After two consecutive years without violations, all points will be cleared. Points from any single conviction will automatically decrease 3 years from the date of the violation.

In addition, you can take a DLD-approved defensive driving course once every 3 years to eliminate up to 50 points.

Fines, jail, and special sanctions

Fines and surcharges differ based on the offense and the court. Offenses like reckless driving and hit-and-run can lead to criminal penalties in addition to points. DUI sentencing is determined by law (Title 41, Part 5): for a first DUI offense, you usually have to serve at least 48 hours in jail or do community service, pay fines, meet substance-use conditions, and face license penalties.

Aggravating factors (like high BAC, injuries, or having minors in the vehicle) can increase the penalties. Utah also has ignition-interlock requirements in many DUI cases.

Utah has rules for suspending driver’s licenses when a person tests at or above the legal blood alcohol limit. If you are an adult and it’s your first suspension, it usually lasts 120 days. If you refuse the test or have multiple offenses, the suspension will be longer. If you keep breaking the rules, you may face a license revocation that lasts several years, along with a required period of driving with an interlock device.

Utah’s minimum liability insurance limits are 25/65/15; being a no-fault state, it also requires $3,000 in PIP coverage. Convictions, points, and suspensions usually result in higher insurance premiums.

How to Search for Traffic Violation Records in Utah

A) Court tickets and dockets (Utah State Courts).

• MyCourtCase (a/k/a “MyCase”). This is a free portal that allows users to check their case history, view filed documents, see upcoming hearings, and pay fines or fees in Utah courts. It is beneficial for individuals who are named parties and wish to manage their own cases.
• XChange (public case search). XChange is a public case search tool that requires a subscription. It includes a repository of district and justice court dockets, covering traffic cases and providing summary information about parties, events, and outcomes. Users can also purchase public documents, but fees apply. There are limited free public terminals available at courthouses and the State Law Library.
• ePayments. ePayments allows you to pay your citation online, using either your case or citation number. Just make sure to verify the name before making a payment. Some cities even have their own payment portals.

B) Your official driving record (MVR).

• Online self-service (personal MVR). Your official driving record (MVR) can be accessed online through a self-service option. You can order it instantly via the state’s secure portal and download it within 10 days. Companies can also obtain MVRs if they have DPPA-compliant subscriber accounts.
• By mail or in the office.The DLD offers both mail-in and in-person options (using Form DLD-60), which include certified or full history records.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Utah?

Points are reduced by half after one year of driving without violations and are completely cleared after two consecutive years without any convictions. Any points from a single conviction will automatically be removed after three years. Taking a defensive-driving course that the DLD approves can eliminate up to 50 points, but you can only do this once every three years.

When it comes to driver-history visibility, your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) shows the type of record you request. Records are designated as personal, certified, or a full history. Non-certified personal MVRs can be accessed online right away, while full history and certified copies need to be processed either by mail or in person. Employers and insurance companies usually look at the most recent years for underwriting purposes, but you can still get a full history from the DLD.

Regarding DUI, Utah has a strict 0.05 BAC limit that is enforced rigorously. This can lead to administrative suspensions, interlock restrictions, and mandatory jail or community service terms, which can have long-lasting effects on your licensing and insurance, even after the points have aged.