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Utah Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Given a ticket for speeding on I15, officer didn't write my license info on the ticket, just my name. NY state. plead no

I was given a ticket for speeding on I15 , officer did not write my driver's license information, just my name, I have a NY state license. I want to fight the ticket for lack of information on the ticket and I went to court to dispute it for missing information on the ticket. Is it enough for... View More

William Melton
William Melton
answered on May 9, 2022

The short answer is no. There is a misconception that some missing or inaccurate information on a ticket is grounds to have it dismissed, but unfortunately that isn't the case. Any issues in the ticket can be fixed by the prosecutor and things like your driver license number are just ways to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Is a traffic plea in abeyance in one city jurisdiction voided by a citation in another city jurisdiction?

My son received a speeding ticket in one city and entered in a 6 mo. plea and abeyance. A month later he received a speeding ticket in a different city. Will the second ticket void the first plea and abeyance or is it held separate by jurisdiction?

William Melton
William Melton
answered on Apr 13, 2022

Most likely yes. Any moving violation is likely a violation of the plea agreement, even if it occurred in another state. The question is whether or not the prosecutor discovers it. Typically they do, but I have seen cases where they don't see them if the case has not been resolved yet. It may... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Can I get a reckless driving ticket if the police didn't witness the violation, it was called in by one person ?

I was driving a semi, The police followed me a few blocks and they said I was driving fine but still have me a citation and it's now going to trial cause the prosecutor won't budge!!

William Melton
William Melton
answered on Feb 2, 2022

Yes, you can. The police can cite you, but the individual who claimed to observe the driving would need to show up and testify at the trial to convict you. It sounds like you have a commercial driver license. There are federal laws that only apply to CDL holders and you should contact an attorney... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: I was pulled over for speeding in Utah. I am being charged with possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

I was pulled over going 90mph in a 70 zone. He smelled weed and told me he was going to search the car. I cooperated and set in his car while he & another officer searched. I had about an eighth of weed and a bong on my front passenger floor. I know I can be charged up to $1000 for each offense... View More

William Melton
William Melton
answered on Jan 30, 2022

Yes, you need a lawyer. A lawyer can review the case and first make sure that you don't have a defense. Then they can help you get the best possible outcome. You can actually be charged $1,000 plus a 90% surcharge on all class B misdemeanors. It is unlikely that they will do that, but... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: How long after receiving a traffic ticket does an officer have to report it ?
William Melton
William Melton
answered on Aug 2, 2021

They don't have a specific time that they must report it. If they fail to do so within a certain period it could result in an issue with the statute of limitations. If the ticket was just a regular infraction they have one year to bring charges (submit the ticket, or have the prosecutor file... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Utah on
Q: I was turning and was hit. Think the lady was speeding through light is it possible to get traffic cam footage

I then found out that my I insurance had lapsed. I had no clue my husband first all that. I had insurance the next day. I believe that both parties involved are at fault . I shouldn’t have assumed she was going to be going as fast as she was. It’s kinda a blur but I remember the light was... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 26, 2021

A Utah attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. I'm sorry about your accident. I hope everyone is okay here. You put a number of issues on the table. In terms of fault, a Utah attorney familiar with the state's vehicle and traffic law AND the signage/traffic... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: is my drivers license no longer suspended after paying an old speeding ticket

my drivers license in nevada was suspended after not paying a speeding ticket i got in 2013. today i paid the ticket and it’s now paid off and no longer in warrant status. i now live in utah, after taking care of the ticket today is my license no longer suspended? i know i need to get my license... View More

Mike Branum
Mike Branum
answered on May 11, 2021

You will need to have your driving "privilege" reinstated in Nevada which will involve paying the reinstatement fee. Once your privilege has been restored in Nevada, you may apply for your Utah license.

Having lived in both states and dealt with both motor vehicle departments I...
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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: In the state of utah can a state trooper / officer have a k9 sniff around your vehicle without probable cause

I got pulled over for my license plate lights being out

William Melton
William Melton
answered on Mar 29, 2021

This is a somewhat complicated answer. The short answer is yes. The US Supreme Court has said that a K9 sniff if your vehicle is NOT a search and therefor does not require any probable cause. Now, that being said, an officer cannot unreasonably delay the stop. So if he pulled you over for a license... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Defense and Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: What should I do about my no insurance ticket?

On January 1, 2018 I got pulled over for my license plate light being out... but ended up with a no insurance ticket and an impounded car. I was 16 when this happened and my mom was paying the insurance. (I’m 19 now) The officer said the insurance was expired, but I have proof I had insurance on... View More

William Melton
William Melton
answered on Jun 17, 2020

Without knowing all of your facts, it sounds like the court revoked your plea in abeyance. If you are still going to court I would ask the prosecutor what the status of your plea in abeyance is. See if the court would be willing to reinstate it (it is a long shot given how old the ticket is). But... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: I received a ticket from an officer code 41-6a-601on my ticket. Said I was speeding 52 mph in a 25 mph.

I received a ticket from an officer code 41-6a-601on my ticket. Said I was speeding 52 mph in a 25 mph. On the ticket it also shows He charged me at 32mph over. I called the Court and they said I have a mandatory appearance. I asked why. I was told because I’m being charged with reckless... View More

Lane Wood
Lane Wood
answered on Jan 15, 2020

Generally speaking the Court will set a mandatory appearance for anything 31 mph over the speed limit. While the charges in court generally match a citation, it is not impossible to add other charges. I would recommend contacting a local attorney to help address this issue. They should be able to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: citation after an accident the day before i moved to Canada. I found out that I need to appear in court. options?

the day before I moved to canada I got in a car accident in which resulted in a citation. this week I found out that my appearance was requested in court. currently I am not able to leave Canada until the end of the year. what options do I have to get this matter resolved via long distance? and how... View More

Taylor C. Hartley
Taylor C. Hartley
answered on Sep 3, 2019

You can quickly resolve it by paying the fine (which may include restitution). However, if you would rather contest it, an attorney can go to court for you and resolve it without you having to come back. An attorney would be able to get the police report and figure out different options of how to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Can a police officer give you a ticket for something another cop witnessed but didn’t cite you for? In Utah.
Mike Branum
Mike Branum
answered on Jul 7, 2019

The short answer is yes. One officer may issue a citation based on the statement of another officer. The officer who actually witnessed the alleged crime would have to show up to testify against you in order for the state to prove their case.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: What is the utah traffic code for parking lot accidents?
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Apr 19, 2019

No but it is used as a guide in most states. Consult a Utah attorney on this is it's a big deal.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Rights for Utah on
Q: Can i get pulled over in McDonald's parking lot when the officer never got behind me until the drive tru

And i didn't give him no reason to pull me over or to search my car

Catherine Cleveland
Catherine Cleveland
answered on Mar 7, 2018

I believe your only asking the question because you received a ticket for something. Why did the officer give you a ticket?

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Can an Officer add additional charges after you’ve signed the original citation?

I was issued a citation for an “ilegal turn” on December 6. After the Officer arrived back at the station, he added “driving while license suspended” to my citation. I had NO idea that my license was suspended. Is this legal? Even after I signed the original citation, and wasn’t notified... View More

Catherine Cleveland
Catherine Cleveland
answered on Jan 11, 2018

Yes, the prosecutor can amend the charging document at any time.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Is an incorrect code written on your traffic citation ground for dismissing your charges?

If an officer states that you were pulled over for failing to yield right-of-way and the end result is arrest for a DUI, can charges be reduced or dismissed if the officer incorrectly cited the traffic violation on your ticket?

Aric M. Cramer
Aric M. Cramer
answered on Oct 31, 2017

No. It may go to the officer's credibility, but it doesn't remove jurisdiction.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Should I just pay the ticket or also do the traffic school or contest in court?

I was driving northbound on I-15 coming form Vegas and was close to Nephi, UT. Speed limit was 80 and I was driving around 90. Office from other side took a U Turn and pulled me over and told me I was driving at 92 and gave me ticket. I admitted to him I was driving around 90 as I am a physician... View More

Matt A Munson
Matt A Munson
answered on Jun 5, 2017

It will likely be difficult to defend this, given your admission, unless you can establish that the officer's radar is/was faulty. In my opinion, a PIA is your best option, as it at least gives you a chance of keeping this from going on your record. If you pay the fine, it goes on your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: I have a traffic violation for speeding 82 in a 60 mph area. I'm below the age of 21.

I've been pulled over and given a warning 3 years ago for speeding, but other than that I haven't had an incident. I just need to know how I get my points reduced, if I can avoid getting my license suspended, and if I need to hire legal help. I'm a college student, so I don't really have the money.

Matt A Munson
Matt A Munson
answered on Jun 5, 2017

It is not likely that the prosecutor will dismiss this case outright. However, if you have a clean driving record, that will likely help your cause. My recommendation would be to approach the prosecutor and see if they would be amenable to allowing you to plead No Contest to Speeding (79mph in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Can a police officer give you a ticket days later after receiving a verbal warning for a moving violation?

I was pulled over for going around a corner to fast, the cop warned me that it is consider reckless driving and could be a huge fine. I was polite to him and apologized. He let me go with a verbal warning. I have a clean driving record and clean criminal record.

Can he change his and mail... View More

Brian K Jackson
Brian K Jackson
answered on Oct 28, 2016

I doubt he will go back and give you a ticket. However, they have every right to. If he witnessed it he can file it later, usually the statue for a crime like that is a year. Reckless driving can be a class B misdemeanor, maximum jail could be six months. However, again, I doubt that he will go... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: How long does a speeding ticket last on a Utah Drivers License Record
Brian K Jackson
Brian K Jackson
answered on May 11, 2016

Forever unless you move for an expungement and a judge finds that you qualify.

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