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Utah DUI laws are tough.
Get informed so you can make the right decision. On a first DUI conviction, a Utah court can sentence you to 6 months in jail and a $1850 fine.
Don't let either happen to you.
Before deciding what to do about your DUI, learn about its potential consequences and your options.
If you have questions, email us through our web form.
Utah DUIs
What is DUI in Utah?
In Utah, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charges are very serious. Utah, unlike some states, issues work or occupational driving permits only after being violation free for 1 year. In Utah if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is over .08%, you are Driving Under the Influence. Utah charges first and second DUIs a Class B misdemeanor. Subsequent DUIs are charged as felonies.
What are the punishments for DUI in Utah?
Criminal Penalties
Upon conviction, the court must sentence first time DUI offenders to:
- 48 hours in jail, 48 hours of community service, or home confinement with an ankle monitor;
- A fine of not less than $1295 (includes surcharge);
- A PRIME for Life class (Utah DUI class providers); and
- A mandatory ignition interlock for 18 months.1 (an interlock prevents your car from starting until your breath is free from alcohol )
Administrative Penalties
Under Utah law, a first time DUI conviction results in a mandatory 120 day license suspension. Additionally, The Department of Public Safety will flag you as an "Alcohol Restricted Driver;" this flag shows up on your driver's license. If you operate a vehicle with any alcohol in your system, the Department of Public Safety will revoke your license for one year and extend your Alcohol Restricted Driver status by three years.
Subsequent Convictions and other circumstances
In Utah, a second DUI conviction results in a mandatory 2 year license suspension and a mandatory interlock for 36 months. A third DUI is charged as a 3rd degree felony, punishable by 0-5 years in a Utah state prison.
Utah criminal charges are more severe if the accused has a passenger under the age of 16 years, and under DUIs with injuries or a fatalities.
How They Prosecute DUIs in Utah
Now you can know what the prosecution knows. Here is the Utah Prosecution Council's DUI Prosecution Manual. At almost 400 pages and 5.5MBs, it's big and scary but very detailed. For true research and information hounds only.
What about my car?
Although discretionary, Utah law enforcement typically impounds the vehicle of anyone it accuses of DUI. To retrieve a vehicle, the vehicle's registered owner must:
- Provide picture identification, matching the registration.
- Provide a copy of the TC-540 Vehicle Impound Report, which is provided by the arresting officer.
- Pay a $230 DUI impound fee and any other taxes or fees due.
If the vehicle is improperly registered, the impound lot will not release it; the vehicle must be registered and all taxes and fees paid before release.
Additionally, insurance premiums will increase.
What about "Under 21" DUIs?
In Utah, anyone under 21 operating a vehicle with any measurable amount of alcohol is considered a criminal offense. Under new laws, the Department of Public Safety suspends an Under 21 offender's license until the offender turns 21
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