Introduction
Utah has some of the strictest laws in the U.S. when it comes to driving under the influence (DUI). The state lowered its legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in late 2018 to make the roads safer. Understanding what counts as a DUI under Utah law—and knowing the penalties—can help you avoid serious legal and personal consequences.
Key Legal Rules in Utah
| Topic | Rule / Law |
|---|---|
| BAC Limit for Drivers 21+ | 0.05% BAC. If your BAC is at or above this when driving, you can be charged with DUI. DUI.org+2dui.drivinglaws.org+2 |
| Commercial Drivers | Lower BAC limit for commercial vehicle operators (typically 0.04%). DUI.org+1 |
| Drivers Under 21 | Utah has a “Not-a-Drop” / zero-tolerance policy. Any measurable alcohol in your system is illegal. Utah Driver License Division+2DUI.org+2 |
| Metabolite DUI | You can be charged even if no active impairment but you have measurable controlled substances or their metabolites in your body. Prescription medicine matters. dui.drivinglaws.org+2justice.utah.gov+2 |
Penalties & Consequences
| Offense | Classification / Severity | Possible Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| First DUI (within 10 years) | Class B Misdemeanor | • Minimum: 2 days in jail or 48 hours community service Schatz Anderson+2paweleklaw.com+2 • Fines (often over $1,300) paweleklaw.com+2Schatz Anderson+2 • License suspension—often around 120 days paweleklaw.com+2justice.utah.gov+2 • Ignition Interlock Device (IID) may be required especially for high BAC (.16 or higher) or repeat offenses justice.utah.gov+2Defense Law Utah+2 • Probation, substance screening/treatment, DUI education required justice.utah.gov+1 |
| Second DUI (within 10 years) | Still a misdemeanor (usually Class B), may be upgraded depending on aggravators | • More jail days or community service (e.g. minimum of 10 days jail or service) Schatz Anderson • Longer license revocation or suspension • IID requirement longer duration Defense Law Utah+1 • Increased fines, treatment requirements Schatz Anderson |
| Third DUI or Subsequent (within 10 years) / Felony DUI | Third-Degree Felony in certain conditions (e.g. prior DUI felonies, serious injury or death) justice.utah.gov+1 | • Prison term possibilities (0-5 years) in felony cases justice.utah.gov+1 • Mandatory minimum jail days for certain elevated scenarios (e.g. high BAC or with aggravating factors) Schatz Anderson • Heavy fines, ignition interlock, longer probation, treatment programs may be mandated justice.utah.gov+1 |
Additional Penalties & Related Impacts
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License Suspension & Restrictions: After an arrest or conviction, license suspension is common. Restricted licenses or ignition interlocks may allow driving under conditions. Utah Driver License Division+2Schatz Anderson+2
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Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Required in many cases (especially high BAC, repeat offenses). The driver must use a breathalyzer to start/drive the vehicle. Defense Law Utah+2justice.utah.gov+2
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24/7 Sobriety Program: Utah offers this program as an alternative in some cases, requiring regular testing to prove sobriety. DUI.org+2justice.utah.gov+2
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Criminal Record Consequences: Having a DUI on your record can affect insurance, employment, and personal life. There is also a requirement to provide a DNA sample in some DUI convictions. Schatz Anderson+1
Takeaway
If you drive in Utah:
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Keep your BAC well below 0.05% — better yet, don’t drink at all if you’ll be driving.
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Be aware that even one DUI can carry serious and lasting penalties: fines, license suspension, possible jail time, and the requirement to use an ignition interlock.
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The severity increases quickly with higher BAC levels, repeat offenses, or if children are involved, or there is injury or other aggravating factors.