Reckless driving in Utah is more than just a traffic violation—it’s a serious offense that can lead to hefty fines, points on your driving record, and even jail time. Whether you’re speeding excessively, weaving through traffic, or ignoring road signs, reckless driving puts both you and others at risk. In Utah, strict laws are in place to curb dangerous driving behaviors, and if you’re caught, the consequences can be severe. Knowing what qualifies as reckless driving and how Utah handles these offenses can help you avoid legal trouble and protect your safety on the road.
What Qualifies as Reckless Driving in Utah?
In Utah, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. This can include driving at excessive speeds, aggressive lane changes, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals.
Under the Utah Code, reckless driving is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, and it applies when a driver commits two or more moving violations simultaneously or displays clear indifference to the rules of the road.
Let’s overview each of the actions that can lead to a reckless driving charge:
- Excessive Speeds: Driving at least 21 miles per hour over the speed limit in Utah is considered reckless driving. On highways with a 70 mph limit, driving at 91 mph or more qualifies, while on freeways with a 65 mph limit, going 86 mph or higher can lead to the same charge. In urban areas with a 45 mph limit, driving 66 mph or more, and in residential areas with a 25 mph limit, going 46 mph or higher, also qualify as reckless.
- Aggressive Lane Changes: Swerving in and out of lanes without signaling or cutting off other drivers can easily lead to accidents. In Utah, these erratic movements, especially in heavy traffic or at high speeds, are clear signs of reckless behavior.
- Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely is not only aggressive but also dangerous, as it reduces your reaction time if the driver in front stops suddenly. Utah law recognizes tailgating as reckless when it’s combined with speeding or other unsafe driving practices.
- Ignoring Traffic Signals: Running red lights or stop signs in Utah goes beyond a simple traffic violation—it’s a reckless act that can result in deadly accidents. Ignoring these signals puts pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers at risk, making it one of the most severe forms of reckless driving.
Unique to Utah, drivers can also face reckless driving charges for behavior that endangers cyclists or pedestrians, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting all road users.
Each of these behaviors is taken seriously under Utah’s reckless driving laws, with fines, potential jail time, and points added to your driving record. Let’s now take a closer look at the specific fines and punishments for reckless driving in Utah to understand the consequences in more detail.
What Is the Fine and the Highest Punishment for Reckless Driving in Utah?
In Utah, reckless driving is treated as a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to six months in jail under the Utah Code § 76-3-204. Beyond the financial cost and potential jail time, a reckless driving conviction adds 50 points to your driving record according to Utah Administrative Code R708-14, increasing the risk of a license suspension. The penalties become more severe if the reckless behavior results in serious injury or property damage.
As we’ve mentioned, reckless driving can stem from various actions, each with its penalties:
- Excessive Speeds: Driving 21 miles per hour or more over the speed limit may lead to reckless driving charges (Utah Code § 41-6a-528). Penalties include up to $1,000 in fines, 50 points on your record, and possible jail time.
- Aggressive Lane Changes: Erratic lane changes without signaling, particularly in heavy traffic, can result in fines up to $750, 50 points added to your record (Utah Code § 41-6a-528), and possible civil liability for damages if it causes an accident (Utah Code § 41-6a-401).
- Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely, especially when combined with speeding or aggressive driving, can lead to fines starting at $500 and up to 50 points on your record (Utah Code § 41-6a-711).
- Ignoring Traffic Signals: Running red lights or stop signs (Utah Code § 41-6a-305) can result in fines starting at $300, and if it leads to a crash, penalties can escalate, including potential jail time.
If reckless driving occurs alongside DUI charges or repeated offenses, the consequences can include longer jail terms and higher fines. Having an experienced car accident attorney in Utah can make a significant difference in navigating these charges, helping to reduce penalties, negotiating plea deals, or exploring alternative sentencing options like probation.
How Long Does Reckless Driving Stay on Your Record in Utah?
In Utah, a reckless driving conviction typically stays on your driving record for up to three years. However, the 50 points added to your record as part of the penalty will remain for two years according to the Utah Administrative Code.
If you accumulate too many points within a short period, it can lead to a suspension of your driver’s license. While the conviction itself is public, you may be eligible to request an expungement after a specific waiting period, depending on your driving history and whether any other offenses are on your record. Working with a Utah reckless driving lawyer can help you explore options for expungement or even reduce charges, minimizing long-term impacts on your driving record and insurance rates.
How to Fight a Reckless Driving Ticket in Utah and Reckless Driving Defense Tactics
Fighting a reckless driving ticket in Utah requires a strategic approach, often starting with challenging the evidence or the officer’s judgment. You may argue that your driving behavior was not reckless, such as showing that you were not speeding excessively or that external factors, like weather conditions, affected your driving. Another common defense is questioning the accuracy of speed detection devices or the validity of the officer’s observations. If you were cited for reckless driving due to an emergency or necessity, that can also serve as a defense. In some cases, an attorney may be able to negotiate probation or a deferred sentencing agreement, which could allow you to avoid jail time or have the charges dismissed after completing the terms of probation.
A skilled car accident attorney from Esquire Law can review the circumstances of your case, gather evidence, and build a strong defense. Our lawyers will negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charge to a lesser offense, such as careless driving, which carries fewer penalties. In some cases, they may help get the charges dismissed altogether, saving you from the long-term consequences on your driving record and insurance premiums.