Utah Traffic Violation Records

In Utah, traffic violation records are maintained by the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) through its Driver License Division. In addition, court-related traffic case records are separately maintained by the Utah State Courts.

Traffic violations in Utah cover a range of offenses such as speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, and driving under the influence (DUI). According to a recent report, speeding continues to be a major traffic violation in Utah. About 11.97% of all drivers in the state have a prior speeding violation on record. This is higher than the 10.54% national average.

Utah uses a point system to track and manage driver behavior. Points are assigned based on the severity of each offense. For example, speeding 1-10 mph over the limit attracts 35 demerit points. Drivers who accumulate 200 points or more within three years may face a suspension or revocation of their driver's license.

Are Traffic Violation Records Public in Utah?

Traffic violation records are generally considered public records in Utah. However, sensitive information contained in these records is restricted from public access under the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which prohibits the release of personal information such as Social Security numbers, addresses, and driver's license numbers.

Also, court case information related to traffic violations in Utah can be accessed through the Utah State Courts XChange System or by visiting the local court that handled the violation. Most traffic crimes are handled by the justice courts, while the district courts usually handle traffic violation cases involving felony charges or appeals from the justice court. Certified copies of traffic violation records can also be requested in person from the respective court clerk's office.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Utah?

You may look up a traffic ticket online by visiting the Utah Courts Payment and Lookup System. To perform a search, you will need the citation number. If you have lost your citation, you may contact the law enforcement or other agency that issued the citation.

Several third-party platforms offer online tools that allow individuals to access traffic ticket information. You may use one of such platforms, such as publicrecord.us, to look up Utah traffic ticket information.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

You may receive traffic fines in Utah in the following ways:

• Online: Traffic fine payments may be made via the Utah Courts ePayment system. If the citation was issued in Salt Lake City, you may pay online via the Salt Lake City Justice Court online payment system. To pay your citation online, you will need your citation number, court case number, or driver's license number.
• By Mail: Send a check or money order payable to the appropriate court.
• In-Person: Visit the courthouse listed on your ticket to pay by cash, check, money order, or card.
• Call the Court: You may also call the court to make arrangements to pay the ticket. For instance, in Salt Lake City, you may call the justice court at (801) 535-6300.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

You may obtain your driving record (Motor Vehicle Report) from the Driver License Division of the Utah DPS online, in a Utah DPS office, or by mail. To request a driving record online via the Utah MVR online portal, you will need:

• Full name as it appears on your driver's license
• Date of birth
• Utah driver's license number
• The last four digits of your Social Security Number
• A credit or debit card for payment

If you are completing this request in person, you must schedule an appointment for your visit and submit a completed DLD60b form and pay the applicable fee. For mail requests, send the completed DLD60b form and the appropriate fee to:

The Utah DPS charges $8 for a Utah MVR request, and the Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) provides details such as citations, arrests, license suspensions, and revocations. While most information is displayed for three years, any charges related to DUI or drug offenses are displayed for a longer period, typically ten years.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Utah?

Moving violations in Utah are traffic violations that happen when a vehicle is in motion. Examples include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light
• Distracted driving (texting while driving)
• DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
• Failure to yield

Unlike moving violations, non-moving violation occurs when a vehicle is not in motion. Examples include:

• Expired registration
• Parking violations
• No insurance
• Equipment violations (like broken tail lights)

Penalties for moving violations may include fines, points on driving records, increased insurance rates, and license suspension or revocation. The penalties for non-moving violations also include fines, but are typically lower than those for moving violations. Non-moving violations do not add demerit points to driving records. Other penalties for non-moving violations may include corrective actions (such as resolving faulty equipment issues and providing proof of corrections) and towing or impoundment in specific cases.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Utah?

​A DUI conviction in Utah remains on your driving record for 10 years. Utah DUI laws are codified under Utah Code §§ 41-6a-501 through 41-6a-530. According to these laws, you may be charged with a DUI if you operate a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.05% or higher or if you operate a motor vehicle and your ability to drive safely is impaired by alcohol, regardless of the concentration, or by any drug or controlled substance. Utah ranks in the top three states for the lowest rates of drunk-driving-related deaths in the United States. The state records 394 DUI arrests and 3 DUI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers.

Per Utah Code §§ 41-6a-503 and 41-6a-509, a first-time DUI offense in Utah may lead to serious consequences. Possible penalties include:

• A minimum of two days in jail or completion of a 48-hour compensatory service (community service) requirement.
• Fines and fees totaling at least $700.
• A mandatory suspension of your driver's license for at least 90 days.

For a first or second DUI offense, the charge is generally classified as either a Class B misdemeanor or, in more serious circumstances, a Class A misdemeanor. According to Section 41-6a-503 of the Utah Code, the offense may be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor if the impaired driving resulted in bodily injury to another person or there were passengers under the age of 16 in the vehicle at the time of the offense.

After one DUI conviction, any subsequent DUI offenses are punished much more severely under Utah law. The classification of the offense becomes higher, and the penalties increase significantly. Repeat offenses may lead to felony charges, longer jail or prison sentences, higher fines, extended license suspensions, and mandatory alcohol or drug treatment programs.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Utah?

Utah's minimum speed laws are codified under Sections 41-6a-605 and 41-6a-701 of the Utah Code, while the state's maximum speed law is outlined under Section 41-6a-601 of the Utah Code. Posted speed limits in Utah are typically:

• Reduced speed school zones: 20 mph
• Residential areas: 25 mph
• Other highways and roads: 25 mph
• Other highways and roads, unless otherwise posted: 55 mph
• Urban freeways and interstates: 65-70 mph
• Other limited access roads: 75 mph
• Rural interstates: 75-80 mph

Under Utah Code Ann. § 41-6a-601, speeding fines are determined based on how far over the posted speed limit a driver was traveling. For general speeding violations, fines begin at $120 for driving 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit. Others include the following:

• 11-15 mph over the limit: $150
• 16-20 mph over the limit: $200
• 21-25 mph over the limit: $270
• 26-30 mph over the limit: $370
• 31+ mph over the limit: $470 (additional $10 for every mph over 31)

However, the location where the speeding occurs is also important. Speeding in a construction zone carries higher penalties. In such zones, fines start at $170 for 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit and escalate to:

• 11-15 mph over the limit: $220
• 16-20 mph over the limit: $320
• 21-25 mph over the limit: $470
• 26-30 mph over the limit: $670
• 31+ mph over the limit: $870 with an additional fee of $20 for every mph over 31

Also, when a driver is found guilty of speeding, points are added to their driving record. Points are assigned based on the speed over the limit:

• 35 points for speeding 1 to 10 miles per hour over
• 55 points for 11 to 20 miles per hour
• 75 points for 21 miles per hour or more.
• Reckless driving, a separate but related offense, results in 80 points.

Note that accumulating over 200 points within three years may lead to a suspension of driving privileges. Accumulated points may also impact insurance rates, with potentially higher premiums after violations.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Utah?

A speeding ticket typically remains on your driving record for three years in Utah, but DUI-related charges are maintained on driving records for 10 years.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

You may contest a Utah traffic ticket using the following defenses:

• Faulty Speed Detection Equipment: If you received a speeding ticket based on radar or laser readings, you may challenge the ticket by questioning the accuracy of the speed detection device. Devices like radar guns must be properly calibrated and maintained. If the equipment was outdated, improperly calibrated, or used incorrectly by the officer, the results may be unreliable.
• Mistaken Identity: In situations involving heavy traffic or multiple vehicles, it is possible that the officer pulled over the wrong car. You may argue that the officer mistakenly cited you instead of another driver, especially if you can present evidence such as dashcam footage or witness testimony.
• Inadequate or Obstructed Signage: Traffic signs must be clear, visible, and placed according to legal standards. If a speed limit sign, stop sign, or other regulatory sign was missing, damaged, hidden by foliage, or otherwise difficult to see, you may argue that you were not properly informed of the regulation you allegedly violated.
• Justified Emergency: You may defend yourself against a traffic violation by proving that you broke the traffic law due to an emergency situation. For example, you may argue that you were speeding to get someone to emergency medical care or that you made a sudden maneuver to avoid a collision.
• Officer's Subjective Judgment Was Inaccurate: For certain offenses, such as unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, or improper passing, the officer's ticket relies heavily on personal judgment. You may contest the officer's interpretation of the situation by providing additional photographs and eyewitness accounts showing that your actions were reasonable under the circumstances.

While many minor traffic tickets can be handled personally, you should consider hiring a traffic attorney if you are facing criminal charges such as DUI. Also, hiring an attorney to defend you is recommended if you are a commercial driver and in situations where your violation may result in loss of employment, significant fines, or increased insurance rates.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

The Driver License Compact (DLC) and the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC) are two driver reciprocity agreements that allow states in the nation to share driver violation information. Utah is a participant in both compacts. Therefore, if you violate traffic laws in another state, the offense may be reported to the Utah DPS, where penalties may be assessed on your Utah driving record. In addition, your driving license may be suspended until you resolve the out-of-state ticket.

You may fight out-of-state traffic tickets in the following ways:

• Request a Court Hearing in the Issuing State: The first step to contesting a ticket is usually requesting a court date in the state where the violation occurred. Most traffic tickets list instructions on the back about how to plead "not guilty" and request a hearing.
• Hire a Local Traffic Attorney: If appearing in court personally would be difficult due to distance, you can hire a licensed traffic attorney in the state where the ticket was issued. Many attorneys may appear on your behalf, negotiate with prosecutors, and potentially resolve the case without you needing to travel.
• Submit a Written Defense or Affidavit: Some states allow defendants to contest minor traffic tickets by mail rather than appearing in person. You may submit a written statement or affidavit explaining your defense, providing evidence such as photographs, maps, or witness statements that support your case.
• Challenge the Evidence: You may question the calibration and use of radar or laser devices or argue that the traffic signs were missing, obstructed, or unclear.
• Negotiate for a Reduction or Dismissal: You or your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor or traffic court to seek a plea agreement. In many cases, the charge can be reduced to a lesser offense (with fewer or no points) or dismissed entirely in exchange for attending a defensive driving course or paying a reduced fine.

How Do Utah Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

While Utah follows many of the standard traffic laws observed across the United States, it also modifies certain key regulations to address specific local needs. As a result, Utah's traffic laws contain several unique features that distinguish them from those in other states. Some of Utah's unique traffic regulations include the following:

• Unique Emissions and Inspection Rules by County: Unlike many states that have statewide vehicle inspection requirements, Utah mandates emissions testing and safety inspections only in certain counties, such as Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, and Weber counties.
• Mandatory Use of Safety Belts: Utah has a primary seat belt law that authorizes law enforcement officers to stop and cite drivers solely for not wearing a seatbelt.
• No Left Turn on Red: Unlike many states, Utah prohibits left turns on red lights, even when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
• Strict DUI Limit: Utah has the lowest legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States, set at 0.05%. This applies to both alcohol and drug-related impairment.
• Highway Speed Limits: Some rural highways in Utah have speed limits as high as 80 mph, which is higher than in many other states.