Minimum Driving Age
- Learner Permit: Available at 15 years old.
- Provisional License: Eligible at 16 years old, after holding a learner permit for at least six months and meeting other requirements.
- Full (Unrestricted) License: Available at 18 years old, granting full driving privileges.
Learner’s Permit Rules
- Supervision: Permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older, seated in the front passenger seat.
- Holding Period: Must hold the learner permit for at least six months before applying for a provisional license.
- Practice Hours:
- 40 hours of supervised driving, including:
- 10 hours at night
- 10 hours at night
- 40 hours of supervised driving, including:
- Driving Restrictions:
- No driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older, or for specific exceptions such as work, school, or emergencies.
- For the first six months, no passengers under 18 who are not immediate family members, unless accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older.
- No driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older, or for specific exceptions such as work, school, or emergencies.
License Types
- Learner Permit: For practicing with a licensed adult.
- Provisional License: Allows unsupervised driving with certain restrictions.
- Full (Unrestricted) License: Full driving privileges granted at 18 years old.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Required for operating commercial vehicles.
- Motorcycle License: Required for operating motorcycles; applicants must pass a motorcycle knowledge test and skills test.
Required Documents for Driving
To apply for a permit or license in Utah, applicants must provide:
- Proof of Identity: Such as a birth certificate or valid passport.
- Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card or approved document.
- Proof of Utah Residency: Two documents, such as utility bills, lease agreements, or school transcripts.
- Parental Consent: Required if under 18; parent or guardian must accompany the applicant or provide a notarized signature on the application.
- Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE): Required for applicants under 18.
Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws
- Children under 8 years old or under 4 feet 9 inches: Must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat.
- Children aged 8 to 15: Must wear a seatbelt in any seating position.
- Adults (16 and over): Required to wear seatbelts in the front seat.
- Penalties: Violations may result in fines.
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules
- Handheld Device Use: Prohibited while driving.
- Texting While Driving: Prohibited for all drivers.
- Hands-Free Use: Permitted for drivers aged 18 and over.
- Penalties:
- Fines and possible points on the driver’s record.
DUI Laws
- Legal BAC Limits:
- 21 and over: 0.05%
- Under 21: 0.00% (Zero Tolerance Policy)
- 21 and over: 0.05%
- Penalties:
- First Offense:
- Fine: Up to $1,310
- Imprisonment: Minimum of 48 hours
- License Suspension: 120 days
- Mandatory enrollment in DUI education program
- Fine: Up to $1,310
- First Offense:
Speed Limits
- School Zones: 20 mph during school hours
- Residential Areas: 25 mph
- Urban Districts: 30 mph
- Highways: 65–75 mph
- Rural Interstates: Up to 80 mph in certain areas
Utah Speed Limits & Driving Laws
Reckless Driving Laws
- Definition: Operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
- Penalties:
- Classification: Class B misdemeanor
- Fine: Up to $1,000
- Imprisonment: Up to 6 months
- License Suspension: Possible upon multiple offense.
- Classification: Class B misdemeanor
Points System
- Point Accumulation:
- Various traffic violations result in points added to the driver’s record.
- Accumulating 200 or more points within three years can lead to license suspension.
- Various traffic violations result in points added to the driver’s record.
- Point Reduction:
- Completing a defensive driving course can reduce points.
- Points remain on the record for three years from the violation date.
- Completing a defensive driving course can reduce points.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability Insurance: Utah requires minimum coverage of:
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $65,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $15,000 per accident
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $65,000 per accident
- Proof of Insurance: Must be carried in the vehicle at all times and presented upon request by law enforcement.
Renewal Frequency and Testing
- License Renewal:
- Under 65: Every 8 years
- 65 and over: Every 5 years
- Under 65: Every 8 years
- Vision Test: Required at each renewal.
- Written/Driving Test: May be required if there are medical concerns or after certain violations.
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