In Utah, the penalty for texting while driving reflects the state’s commitment to road safety. If you’re caught texting while driving, you face a class B misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of up to $100 and points on your driving record. This includes not only sending or reading text messages, but also sending emails, manually dialing a phone number, or using apps while driving. If you’re a repeat offender, the fines can increase to a maximum of $750, and additional points may be added to your record, which can affect your insurance rates and driving privileges. These penalties emphasize Utah’s focus on reducing distracted driving and encouraging safer driving practices.
How much is a ticket for texting or being on the phone in Utah
- First Offense: For a first offense of texting while driving, you face a base fine and accrue 10 points on your driving record. If you accumulate too many points, this can lead to higher insurance rates and potential suspension of your license if you reach 200 points.
- Fine: A base fine of $100 applies for the first violation.
- Points on Record: 10 points
- Second Offense (within three years): A second texting violation within three years results in a larger fine and 20 additional points on your record. This can significantly impact your insurance premiums and may lead to a license suspension if your total points exceed 200.
- Fine: Up to $750
- Points on Record: 20 points.
Additionally, texting while driving in school zones or construction areas may result in increased fines or additional penalties to protect vulnerable road users.
If texting while driving leads to an accident, you may face additional charges such as reckless driving or negligence, along with increased fines and points. Penalties can reach up to $750 in cases involving property damage or injury, resulting in more severe consequences and higher insurance costs.
All of the above penalties also apply to commercial drivers, who can face a fine of up to $750 for texting while driving, especially if the violation involves property damage or injury. In addition to fines, texting while driving is classified as a serious traffic violation, which can result in the suspension of a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Multiple violations within three years can lead to CDL disqualification for 60 to 120 days, depending on the number of offenses. The violation also adds points to the driver’s record under Utah’s point system, contributing to further penalties.
Employers and business owners are also responsible for ensuring their drivers comply with these laws. Under federal regulations, companies can face penalties of up to $11,000 per violation if they permit or require their drivers to use handheld devices while operating a commercial vehicle. These rules emphasize the shared responsibility between drivers and their employers in maintaining road safety.
What Is The Penalty For Causing A Fatality While Texting And Driving In Utah
In Utah, causing a fatality while texting and driving can lead to severe criminal charges, that may include vehicular homicide and manslaughter both potentially resulting in up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
- Vehicular homicide is charged when a driver’s gross negligence or recklessness directly causes the death of another person. This offense can lead to a second-degree felony charge, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching $10,000.
- Manslaughter, on the other hand, involves causing death through criminal negligence, which is a less severe degree of recklessness compared to vehicular homicide. In Utah, manslaughter is typically charged as a second-degree felony, with penalties including up to 15 years in prison and significant fines.
Additionally, at-fault drivers may face civil lawsuits from the victim’s family, resulting in further financial liability.
Distracted Driving Laws in Utah
All these penalties for texting while driving are regulated under Utah’s distracted driving laws—Utah Code § 41-6a-1715. The laws cover a range of prohibited activities beyond just texting while driving, including:
- Sending or reading text messages
- Sending or reading emails
- Manually dialing phone numbers
- Browsing the internet or using apps
- Entering information into a GPS manually (unless using hands-free mode).
These actions are prohibited while operating a vehicle and might be classified as a primary offense, meaning law enforcement can pull over drivers solely for this infraction.
Also, these regulations apply to all drivers, including commercial drivers, who face stricter penalties and risk CDL suspension for violations.
Exceptions for texting while driving
There are only specific scenarios where the use of electronic devices is permitted:
- Hands-Free Systems: Drivers can use hands-free or voice-activated technology without physically handling their phones.
- Lawfully Parked or Stopped: Drivers may use their phones when legally parked or stopped outside of traffic.
- Emergency Situations: Phones may be used to report accidents or hazardous conditions during emergencies.
These regulations are in place to minimize distractions and ensure that drivers maintain focus on the road, with limited and specific exceptions to prioritize safety.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Texting and Driving Accident
Being involved in a texting and driving accident can be overwhelming, but there are critical steps you should take to protect your rights and ensure your safety.
First, check for injuries and seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Many injuries from car accidents aren’t always immediately apparent. Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety, report the accident to local law enforcement.
Texting while driving is a serious offense in Utah, and proving the at-fault driver was distracted could significantly impact your case. Obtaining cell phone records, police reports, and witness statements will be key in establishing liability. A personal injury attorney experienced in distracted driving cases can help navigate these complexities, from gathering the necessary evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. They will also ensure that your claim is handled properly under Utah’s laws within the statute of limitations, which allows you to seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Esquire Law Utah car accident attorneys can guide you through this process, helping you meet all legal deadlines, negotiate fair settlements, and, if necessary, represent you in court to secure the compensation you deserve.
Statistics on Texting While Driving Accidents in Utah to Get Drivers to Stop Texting
Finally, texting while driving is not something to ignore. It has become one of the most dangerous distractions on U.S. roads, including those in Utah, contributing to a growing number of accidents each year. According to recent NHTSA data, distracted driving, including texting, was a factor in over 11% of all reported traffic accidents, and 8 % of fatal crashes in 2022 were caused by distracted drivers. In fact, drivers who text are up to 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash, making it one of the leading causes of preventable injuries and fatalities on the road. This is why it’s crucial to follow the rules, avoid texting or other distractions while driving, and know your rights and the steps to take if you’re involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, where a car crash lawyer can assist you.