Most traffic offenses are classified as infractions (no imprisonment, and fines up to $750) or class C misdemeanors (maximum imprisonment of 90 days and fines up to $750). Some traffic offenses, such as drunk driving, are classified as more serious offenses which have penalties such as longer terms of imprisonment and higher fines.
Attorney for Traffic Crimes in Salt Lake City, UT
The attorneys at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat, LLP, help clients charged with traffic crimes throughout Salt Lake City, Utah, and the surrounding areas. Call us to find out what you need to do right now to protect your criminal record and your driving privileges.
Utah law provides for a wide variety of felony and misdemeanor traffic offenses including the following:
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Reckless Driving
Hit and Run / Leaving the Scene of an Accident
No Alcohol Conditional License Violations
Driving While License Suspended or Revoked
Failing to Stop at the Command of a Law Enforcement Officer
The Point System for Traffic Offenses in Utah
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, there are two point systems: a provisional point system for drivers under 21 and an adult point system for drivers 21 and older.
Provisional Point System
A driver under 21 years of age, who accumulates 70 or more points in three (3) years, may be suspended or denied for one (1) month to a year, depending upon the severity of the record.
Adult Point System
A driver 21 years of age or older, who accumulates 200 or more points in three (3) years, may be suspended for three (3) months to a year, depending upon the severity of the record.
Below are examples of the points added by certain convictions.
Reckless Driving - 80 points
Speeding (depending on severity) - 35–75 points
Failure to Yield Right-of-Way - 60 points
Following Too Closely - 60 points
Wrong Side of Road - 60 points
Red Light - 50 points
Stop Sign - 50 points
Improper Lookout - 50 points
Negligent Collision - 50 points
Other Moving Violations - 40 points
But the good news is, points are removed as you drive without accumulating any more violations. As it says on the DPS website, when you drive one full year without a moving violation conviction, half the points acquired will be removed. If you drive two successive years without a conviction, all points will be removed.
Finding an Attorney for Traffic Crimes in Salt Lake City, Utah
After an arrest for a criminal traffic offense in Utah, you should discuss your case with an experienced attorney for these types of cases. We represent clients on a wide range of criminal offenses committed in a motor vehicle or on the roadway. The knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat are ready to assist you.
Call (801) 532-5297 to discuss your case. Let us put our experience to work for you.
Traffic Offenses — Utah
Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Crimes in Utah
1What is the difference between a traffic infraction and a misdemeanor in Utah?
In Utah, most minor traffic offenses are classified as infractions. Infractions are not criminal offenses and do not carry jail time; they are punishable by a fine of up to $750 under Utah Code § 76-3-301.
More serious traffic offenses are charged as misdemeanors. A class C misdemeanor can carry up to 90 days in jail under Utah Code § 76-3-204, while higher-level misdemeanors carry greater penalties depending on the offense.
2How many points will trigger a license suspension in Utah?
For drivers age 21 and older, accumulating 200 or more points within a three-year period may result in a suspension or denial of driving privileges. For drivers age 20 and under, accumulating 70 or more points within three years may result in suspension or denial.
These thresholds are established by the Utah Driver License Division's administrative point system rules.
3Which traffic violations carry the highest point penalties in Utah?
Reckless driving is one of the highest-point violations and carries 80 points. Reckless driving is defined under Utah Code § 41-6a-528.
Other violations such as speeding, following too closely, and failure to yield also carry significant points, with the exact value depending on the severity and circumstances of the offense.
4How can I remove points from my Utah driving record?
Points are reduced over time with a clean driving record: half of accumulated points are removed after one full year without a moving violation conviction, and all remaining points are removed after two full years. Points from an individual violation are also automatically removed from the driving record three years after the date of the violation.
In addition, completing an approved defensive driving course may reduce a driving record by up to 50 points, and this option is available once every three years under Utah Driver License Division rules.
5Is reckless driving considered a criminal offense in Utah?
Yes. Reckless driving is a criminal offense and is charged as a class B misdemeanor under Utah Code § 41-6a-528. A person is guilty of reckless driving if they operate a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Utah law specifies that traveling at 105 mph or greater, or committing three or more traffic violations within a continuous stretch of driving covering three miles or less, both satisfy this standard.
A class B misdemeanor can carry up to six months in jail under Utah Code § 76-3-204 and fines of up to $1,000 under Utah Code § 76-3-301, along with points on the driver's record.
6What happens if I am caught driving with a suspended or revoked license?
Driving on a suspended or revoked license is generally charged as a class C misdemeanor under Utah Code § 53-3-227. The charge is elevated to a class B misdemeanor when the underlying suspension or revocation is based on certain offenses, such as a chemical test refusal or a DUI-related suspension.
Penalties may include additional suspension time, fines, and possible vehicle impoundment.
7Can a traffic conviction in Utah affect my insurance rates?
Yes. Traffic convictions and the associated points can increase a driver's perceived risk to insurers, often resulting in higher premiums. Criminal traffic offenses such as DUI, reckless driving, or leaving the scene of an accident tend to have the most significant impact on insurance rates.
For simple infractions, legal representation is often unnecessary. However, for criminal traffic charges, such as DUI, reckless driving, or driving on a suspended license, consulting an attorney is often advisable given the potential consequences for a person's license, finances, and criminal record.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this document is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Contacting Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Our office will contact you as soon as possible to arrange for you to discuss the facts of your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah. The use of this form for communication with our personnel does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
