Utah Traffic Laws
By Natalie Moritz | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq. | Last reviewed November 18, 2024
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Driving a vehicle is a serious responsibility. Understanding Utah's traffic laws can protect you, your passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians. It can also help you avoid a traffic citation from law enforcement. New and experienced drivers can benefit from staying informed on driving laws.
This article covers common Utah driving violations and traffic offenses.
Use the Utah Motor Vehicle Code and driver handbook below for the most comprehensive traffic law information:
- Utah Code, Title 41. Motor Vehicles
- Utah Driver Handbooks
The table at the end of this page links to specific Utah statutes for common driving violations and serious traffic offenses, including:
- Basic driving rules, like how to yield right-of-way, one-way streets, left turns, and U-turns
- Speed limits for varying roads, state highways, and residential areas
- Driver's license issuance, suspension, and revocation
- Crossing paths and yielding to emergency vehicles and school buses
- Restrictions on texting, dialing a phone number, or using other wireless devices while driving
- Traffic-control signals like stop signs, yield signs, crosswalks, and stop lights
- Unlawful vehicle modifications to engines, lighting, exhaust systems, mufflers, headlights, and more
- Rules for safety belts and child restraints
- Other traffic codes
Use the linked material to learn more about each topic.
Resources for Utah Motorists
The Utah Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees:
- Driver licensing
- Vehicle registration
- Vehicle titles
Find the state's points system information on the Utah Department of Public Safety website.
Drivers can find defensive driving courses and other traffic safety training through the Utah Safety Council. Register for classes in Salt Lake City and across the state. Some trainings are also available online.
The Utah Highway Patrol website allows Utah drivers to:
- Purchase a crash report
- Coordinate a vehicle safety inspection (although not required for most Utah vehicles)
- Find crash summaries and statistics
Table of Common Utah Traffic Violations and Statutes
Use the links below to define common Utah traffic violations, provisions, and penalties.
| Drinking and driving violations | Driving under the influence (UT Code, Section 41-6a-502) Penalties for driving under the influence violations (UT Code, Section 41-6a-503) Sentencing requirements for driving under the influence (UT Code, Section 41-6a-505) |
|---|---|
| Driving without a license/with a suspended license | Operating motor vehicle without license or registration (UT Code, Section 41-12a-603) |
| Driving without insurance with insufficient insurance | Operating motor vehicle without owner's or operator's security — Penalty (UT Code, Section 41-12a-302) |
| Driving without registration/with expired registration | Registration card to be signed, carried, and exhibited (UT Code, Section 41-1a-214) Operating motor vehicle without license or registration (UT Code, Section 41-12a-603) |
| Illegal U-turn | Turning around — Where prohibited — Visibility (UT Code, Section 41-6a-802) |
| Responsibility of driver after accident | Accidents responsibilities (UT Code, Title 41, Chapter 6a, Part 4) |
| Vehicle equipment: mechanical violations and unlawful modifications | Vehicle equipment (UT Code, Title 41, Chapter 6a, Part 16) |
| Reckless driving | Reckless driving — penalty (UT Code, Section 41-6a-528) |
| Running a red light/stop sign | Obeying devices (UT Code, Section 41-6a-304) |
| Seat belt/child restraint violations | Driver and passengers — Seat belt or child restraint device required (UT Code, Section 41-6a-1803) |
| Speeding | Speed restrictions (UT Code, Section 41, Chapter 6a, Part 6) |
| Traffic control devices | Traffic-control devices (UT Code, Title 41, Chapter 6a, Part 3) |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Facing a Utah Traffic Violation? Legal Help is Available
A simple traffic infraction can affect your driving record and increase your auto insurance rates. Some serious traffic offenses (like leaving the scene of an accident or DUI) are Class C misdemeanors or Class B misdemeanors with even more significant consequences.
An attorney can help you explore your options, including fighting your ticket in traffic court. An attorney can also represent your best interests if you are facing a more serious traffic charge. Legal help can reduce the impact of a traffic offense and help you get a more favorable outcome.
Contact a local Utah traffic law attorney to learn how they can support you.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex traffic tickets usually require a lawyer
- Experienced lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate penalties
- A lawyer can help you keep your license
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many traffic ticket attorneys offer free consultations.
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