Traffic Violations in Utah

A Utah traffic violation is any act committed by a driver that contravenes the rules of the road. Traffic violations can range from minor infractions, such as speeding or failing to signal, to more serious offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI).

The Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) enforces traffic laws and ensures that drivers adhere to them in Utah. The DMV can issue citations or take other enforcement action against drivers who violate traffic laws. In addition, Utah State Courts are tasked with prosecuting offenders found guilty of these code violations.

The severity of a traffic violation will typically dictate the penalties that a driver may face. For example, a speeding ticket may result in a fine, while a DUI can lead to jail time. In some cases, multiple violations can result in the suspension or revocation of a driver's license. Whichever the case, most traffic violations are penalized, and records of these offenses are featured in the violator's Utah traffic records.

Types of Traffic Violations in Utah

In Utah, traffic violations are distinguished by their level of severity. The three classifications of traffic violations are moving, non-moving, and parking violations.

Moving violations are offenses committed by the driver while the vehicle is in motion. This can include speeding, running a red light, or illegal turns. Non-moving violations do not involve the car being in motion; they include having an expired registration or license plate. Parking violations are offenses committed while the vehicle is parked, such as parking in a handicapped spot without a permit.

Utah Traffic Violation Code

The Utah traffic violation code is a set of statutes that establishes the rules of the road in the state of Utah. These statutes are codified in Title 41 of the Utah Code, also known as the "Uniform Motor Vehicle Code". The code was established to ensure that all drivers in the state operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. It sets forth the minimum standards for driver behavior, including insurance coverage, registration, and licensing requirements. The code also establishes penalties for violating its provisions.

Utah Felony Traffic Violations

In Utah, a felony traffic offense is a severe traffic offense, one that usually results in extensive damage or serious bodily injury or death to another person. The penalties for a felony traffic offense can be very severe and may include prison time, hefty fines, and a driver's license suspension. Some examples of felonies that can be committed while driving include: DUI/DWI, reckless driving, hit and run, and vehicular homicide.

Generally speaking, a felony traffic offense might be deemed a misdemeanor if the defendant has no prior convictions for similar crimes and if the victim did not sustain serious bodily injury or death due to the defendant's actions. However, each case is unique, and the severity of the offense will ultimately determine whether it is classified as a felony or misdemeanor.

Similarly, a misdemeanor can be considered a felony if it is a 3rd-degree misdemeanor and the person has two prior convictions of any misdemeanor. Or if it is a 2nd-degree misdemeanor and the person has one prior conviction of any misdemeanor.

Utah Traffic Misdemeanors

A Utah misdemeanor traffic offense is typically a less serious crime than a felony, but it can still carry significant penalties. Some examples of misdemeanor traffic offenses include driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and hit and run. In Utah, misdemeanor traffic offenders are typically fined and may also face jail time. The severity of the offense will determine whether the misdemeanor traffic offense is considered a felony. For example, a DUI that results in injury or death would be considered a felony.

Utah Traffic Infractions

In Utah, traffic infractions are classified as either Class C or Class B.

The examples of Class C infractions are:

• Speeding 1-10 mph over the limit
• Failure to signal
• Failure to wear a seatbelt
• Expired registration

The penalties for Class C infractions are:

• A fine of up to $750
• Up to 90 days in jail
• Up to 180 days of driver's license suspension

Class B infractions are more serious and include:

• DUI/DWI
• Hit and run accidents
• Drag racing

The penalties for Class B infractions are:

• A fine of up to $1,000 - up to 180 days in jail
• Up to 1 year of driver's license suspension

In Utah, traffic infractions may be considered criminal offenses. However, they are less severe than felonies and misdemeanors. Traffic infractions usually result in a fine or points on your driving record, but they don't carry the possibility of jail time.

Utah Traffic Violation Codes and Fines

Motorists caught violating traffic laws in Utah can expect to be fined. The amount of the fine will depend on the severity of the offense and whether it is a first or repeat offense.

Here is a list of common traffic violations in Utah and their associated fines:

1. Speeding: $50 for going 1-10 mph over the posted speed limit; $100 for going 11-20 mph over the posted speed limit; and $200 for going 21+ mph over the posted speed limit
2. Running a red light: $250
3. Failure to yield: $200
4. Texting while driving: $100
5. DUI/DWI: First offense – $700-$1,000 and 48 hours to 180 days in jail; Second offense – $1,500-$2,500 and 10 days to 1 year in jail; Third offense – $3,000-$5,000 and 120 days to 5 years in jail
6. Not wearing a seatbelt: $45
7. Parking in a handicap spot: $250
8. Illegal U-turn: $100
9. Expired registration: $50-$200
10. Reckless driving: Up to $1,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail

How to Pay a Traffic Violation Ticket in Utah

There are several ways to pay a traffic ticket in Utah. Motorists can pay online, by mail, or in person.

If they choose to pay online, they will need to visit the Utah State Courts website and click on the "Pay Traffic Tickets" link. From there, they will be able to enter their ticket information and payment method.

If the offender opts to pay via mail, they will need to send their payment and accompanying information to the following address:

Utah State Courts
P.O. Box 142351
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2351

The requesting party may visit the courthouse indicated on the citation or any other Utah State Court location to pay the ticket in person. They will need to bring their ticket and payment with them.

Traffic Violation Lookup in Utah

Interested members of the public may look up traffic violations in Utah by visiting the state's website, contacting the Utah Department of Public Safety, or visiting their local county courthouse.

Looking Up Utah Traffic Violations Online

The Utah State Courts website offers a case lookup feature that allows users to search for court records by name and case number. To access this service, users must create an account. After creating and logging into the account, the user may click on the "Name Search" tab and enter the required information. If the inquirer knows the case number, they can enter it in the "Case Number" search field. This service is only available for cases that were filed after January 1, 1999.

Looking Up Traffic Violations In Person

Motorists who would like to look up traffic violations in person may do so by visiting their local county courthouse. The court should have records of all traffic violations that have been filed in that county. To find contact information for the local county courthouse, inquirers can visit the Utah State Courts website

Looking Up Traffic Violations With The Utah Department Of Public Safety

The Utah Department of Public Safety offers a service known as "Driver Record Request" that allows members of the public to request driving records online. To order a driving record, users must create an account and log in. Once logged in, they can click on the "Driver Record Request" link and follow the instructions. This service is only available for records of drivers who are 21 years of age or older.

The Utah Department of Public Safety also offers a service called "Crash Reports" that allows members of the public to request copies of crash reports online. To request a crash report, users must enter the report number, last name, and date of birth of one of the drivers involved in the crash. This service is only available for crashes on or after January 1, 2010.

How to Plead Not Guilty to a Traffic Violation in Utah

A motorist can plead not guilty to a traffic violation in Utah if they believe they did not commit it. If the motorist is found not guilty, they may avoid penalties such as points on their license, a fine, or even jail time.

To plead not guilty to a traffic citation in Utah, the offender must do the following:

• Request a hearing within 21 days of the citation issuance
• Appear in court on the date and time of the hearing
• Bring any evidence that may help their case
• Prove to the court that they did not commit the violation beyond a reasonable doubt

Pleading not guilty may result in harsher penalties if the motorist is found guilty.

What Happens if You Plead No Contest to a Traffic Violation in Utah?

If an offender pleads no contest to a traffic violation in Utah, they will be found guilty and must face the penalties designated for the offense. The points associated with the violation will also be added to the offender's driving record. In some cases, the court may order the offender to attend traffic school or take other measures to improve their driving habits. If the offender is a commercial driver, they may face additional penalties, such as losing their commercial driver's license. In some cases, an offender who pleads no contest to a traffic violation may be eligible for a deferred sentence, which means that the conviction will not go on their record if they complete the terms of their sentence without incident.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Your Record?

In Utah, traffic violations remain on a motorist's driving record for a set period. The length of time primarily depends on the severity of the violation. For example, a speeding ticket will remain on a driving record for three years, while a DUI will stay on a record for ten years. However, some violations, such as hit and run, will indefinitely remain on a driving record.

There are some things that a motorist can do to get traffic violations removed from their record sooner. They can complete a defensive driving course or appeal the ticket through the Utah Traffic Court.

Can Traffic Violations be Expunged or Sealed In Utah?

Traffic violations can be expunged or sealed from a person's record in Utah. This process is known as "expungement". Expungement means that the record of the violation will be removed from the public record and will not be accessible to employers, landlords, or other interested parties.

To petition for expungement of a traffic violation, the person must first file a petition with the court where the conviction took place. The court will then set a hearing date. At the hearing, the person will need to provide evidence that they have satisfactorily completed any sentence or probation imposed for the violation and that they have not committed any other violations since the original conviction.

If the court grants the petition, the record of the violation will be expunged. If the court denies the petition, the person can appeal the decision to a higher court.

What Happens if You Miss a Court Date for a Traffic Violation in Utah?

In Utah, when a motorist is issued a traffic citation, they are typically given a court date to appear before a judge. If the motorist does not show up for their court date, a warrant may be issued for their arrest.

If a motorist is arrested on a warrant for a missed court date, they will likely have to post bail before they are released from custody. The bail amount will depend on the severity of the original offense and the jurisdiction in which the arrest is made. In addition, the motorist will face a new court date and may be subject to additional penalties. To avoid missing a court date, the offender may want to hire an attorney to represent them or reschedule the court date if they cannot appear.