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Utah Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Can you get charged for reckless driving and road rage from someone turning in a dashcam to the authorities.

No one was hurt and no physical altercation. Brake checking illegal lane change and flipping off were involved

William Melton
William Melton
answered on Oct 7, 2025

I wouldn't be surprised if they filed charges. Utah has been coming down extremely hard on traffic cases for the last few years. In the last two years, the Utah legislature has enhanced charges for reckless driving, road rage, and street racing. Reckless driving with a road rage enhancement is... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: Will my license be suspended for a reckless driving citation in Utah?

I received a reckless driving citation for going 106 mph in a 65 mph zone. This is my first offense, and I have no criminal record. I wasn't watching my speed at the time. I have not yet appeared in court, and I've only had my license since April of this year. I am over the age of 21.... View More

William Melton
William Melton
answered on Jul 23, 2025

You're unlikely to go to jail. Our office handles 4-500 traffic tickets a year and many of them are reckless driving charges. I think I have only seen one person ever go to jail for a reckless driving charge, but they had a lengthy history. A reckless driving conviction will result in about 80... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Insurance Bad Faith and Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Is it legal to be pulled over in Utah due to incorrect insurance database info?

In Utah, is it legal for someone to be pulled over solely because the database erroneously showed they didn't have insurance, even though their insurance was valid? I was stopped with no other reason, received a warning about the insurance, and was issued two tickets for a suspended license... View More

William Melton
William Melton
answered on Mar 12, 2025

Unfortunately, yes. This is an issue that we see frequently. The cop made a stop in good faith that he believed you were operating the vehicle without insurance. Those databases are wrong all the time, but the Utah Supreme Court has ruled cops may make mistakes and the stop is valid as long as they... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: What happens if you get a citation over a law that no longer exists

I had a cop threatening me that he will cite me for having underglow on my vehicle. But I didn't have any red or blue lights. And I've been told by other officers that they are legal as long as there are no red or blue lights or flashing lights. And I looked it up and there's no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

If you receive a citation for violating a law that no longer exists, you may have grounds to contest the citation and have it dismissed. It's important to gather evidence to support your case, such as documentation showing that the law has been repealed or amended, and present it to the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Traffic Tickets and Civil Rights for Utah on
Q: Do I have reason to Appeal a Parking Citation if is was placed in my car ( entered the vehicle ) without my permission

My car was closed and yet I found a parking Citation paper placed on my seat.Park City Policeman opened the door without me there and put the parking citation on the seat. I had been parked without a payment ticket for apx 15 minutes + or - 1 or 2 , usually there is a 15 minute grace period before... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

It is understandable to feel frustrated and concerned about the situation regarding the parking citation placed in your car without your permission. The action of a Park City Policeman entering your vehicle without your presence raises questions about privacy and proper protocol. While there may be... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: How to prepare for reckless driving charge in Utah and request a court-appointed attorney?

I am preparing for my first court appearance for a Class B misdemeanor charge of reckless driving due to speeding in Utah. I have no prior convictions, and my driving record has been clean. There was no accident or injuries involved. I qualify for a court-appointed attorney because of my lack of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 3, 2025

Since this is your first court appearance for a reckless driving charge, the main focus will be entering a plea and determining whether you will have legal representation. Because reckless driving in Utah is a Class B misdemeanor, it carries potential jail time, which means you have the right to a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Criminal Law for Utah on
Q: What plea should I consider for a reckless driving citation at 18 with no prior violations in Utah?

I am 18 years old and received a reckless driving citation for speeding over 105 mph in Utah. There was no car crash involved, and I've not received any prior traffic violations. The officer issued the citation and instructed me to contact the courthouse 5 days afterward. Two individuals were... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 2, 2025

Reckless driving at over 105 mph in Utah is a serious charge, especially since reckless driving can count as a misdemeanor offense rather than just a simple traffic infraction. At 18 with no prior record, the court may take your clean history into account, but the speed alone will make the judge... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Unable to reach prosecutor about speeding ticket appointment today.

I'm supposed to meet with a prosecutor today at 3:30 PM about a speeding ticket but I haven't been able to reach the justice court. I've called the court three times without success. What am I supposed to do?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 12, 2025

If you can’t reach the prosecutor or the court about your appointment, the first thing to do is keep a detailed record of your attempts to contact them. Note the times you called, who you spoke with if anyone, and any messages left. This shows that you made a good faith effort to communicate.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI and Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Was leaning over console a valid reason for a stop leading to drug charges?

I was stopped by the police because the officer claimed to have seen me leaning over the center console, which they cited as the reason for the stop. During the stop, the officer mentioned seeing a meth pipe in plain view. I was subsequently arrested and charged with reckless driving, DUI,... View More

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answered on Sep 11, 2025

Whether leaning over the center console is a valid reason for a traffic stop depends on whether the officer can articulate a reasonable suspicion that you were committing a traffic violation or another crime. Courts often require that there be some observable behavior that would lead a reasonable... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: How to dismiss charges from a Utah traffic stop if license plate light was working?

I was pulled over by a police officer in Ogden, Utah, around 10 p.m. for allegedly having a non-functioning license plate light, despite recently changing the bulb, which I informed the officer of during the stop. The officer claimed to have flashed his headlights to check the light, which led to... View More

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answered on Sep 9, 2025

To challenge the traffic stop in Utah, the first step is to gather any evidence that proves your license plate light was working at the time. This could include photos or videos of the functioning light, a receipt for the bulb replacement, or testimony from someone who saw the light working. Having... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Is holographic pink headlight tint legal in Utah?

I want to tint all my car headlights holographic pink using aftermarket tinting. I'm unsure about the light transmittance level of the tint. Is this legal in Utah?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2025

In Utah, headlights are required to emit white or yellow light that meets specific visibility and safety standards. Any aftermarket tint that significantly changes the color of your headlights, such as holographic pink, can create legal issues. Law enforcement may consider it unsafe or noncompliant... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Is it unlawful to arrest on a county warrant and transport to another county?

I want to know if it is considered an unlawful arrest if someone is arrested on a warrant limited to the issuing county but is transported from another county about 20-30 miles away. The warrant in question was for a traffic violation, and there was likely prior notification about it. There was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 2, 2025

When a warrant is issued by one county, law enforcement officers generally have the authority to arrest the person even if they are found in another county. Counties often cooperate with each other in these situations, and transporting someone back to the issuing county is a normal part of carrying... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Can an incorrect location on a Utah citation be grounds for dismissal?

In Utah, I received a citation for speeding but noticed the officer recorded the wrong location on the ticket. The citation states I was stopped at 13100 S. Bangerter Highway, but the actual stop occurred between exit 12600 S and 11400 S going northbound. I haven't contested the citation in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025

It’s frustrating to notice a clear mistake on a citation, especially when you’re the one being held accountable. An incorrect location on a speeding ticket **can** raise questions, but whether it leads to dismissal depends on how significant the error is. If the wrong location affects your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Court appearance required for speeding ticket? Can I opt for driving school?

I received a ticket for driving 89 mph in a 70 mph zone, and it states that I need to appear in court. The officer did not explain why a court appearance is necessary. I have no other recent traffic violations, and this is my first time considering driving school to address a ticket. Why might I be... View More

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answered on Jun 12, 2025

In some cases, a court appearance is required for speeding violations, especially when the speed is significantly over the limit, like your case where you're driving 89 mph in a 70 mph zone. The officer may have indicated a mandatory appearance to give you the opportunity to contest the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: First speeding ticket for 25 mph over in Utah while under 21, with motorcycle registration warning.

I am under 21 and recently received my first speeding ticket for going 25 mph over the speed limit on my motorcycle in Lindon, Utah. The officer issued a warning about registration even though the motorcycle is newly purchased and I have 60 days to register it. I currently have a valid motorcycle... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

Getting your first speeding ticket—especially for going 25 mph over the limit—can feel overwhelming, especially when you're under 21. In Utah, speeding that far over the limit can be considered a serious infraction. While this is your first offense, the fact that you're under 21 may... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: Can I contest a HOV lane ticket for crossing double white lines in Utah?

Can I contest a HOV lane ticket in Utah? I briefly crossed the double white lines while trying to enter the HOV lane with my blinker on for 20 to 30 seconds. Another driver wasn't letting me in, so I slowed down and managed to enter the lane, likely crossing the double lines with my front... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

Yes, you can contest a HOV lane ticket in Utah, especially if you believe the circumstances were reasonable and your record shows a long history of safe driving. While Utah law does prohibit crossing double white lines to enter or exit a HOV lane, judges sometimes consider context during a hearing.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Appeals / Appellate Law for Utah on
Q: Can I contest a speeding ticket citing incorrect statute?

I received a citation two years ago for going 8 mph over the speed limit on a clear summer afternoon. I paid the fine, but later discovered that the legal code cited does not mention exceeding the posted limit. The statute states you cannot drive faster than is safe given existing conditions. I... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Since you have already paid the fine, contesting the ticket now may be challenging. Typically, when you pay a ticket, it is seen as an admission of guilt, and the case is closed. However, the error in the statute cited could provide a potential argument for contesting the ticket if you hadn't... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Insurance Defense for Utah on
Q: Will an open container violation affect my license and insurance in Utah?

I was cited for an open container/drinking alcohol in a vehicle violation under 41-6A-526 in Utah. I was driving at the time, and the vehicle was in motion. I have no previous incidents on my record, and I haven't appeared in court or paid any fines yet. Will this violation affect my... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

In Utah, being cited under Utah Code §41-6a-526 for having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle is considered a Class C misdemeanor. This offense can result in penalties of up to 90 days in jail and fines reaching $750 citeturn0search6. While such a violation doesn't... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Utah on
Q: How can I contest a speeding ticket with State Farm tracker evidence in Utah?

I received a traffic citation for allegedly speeding at 34 mph in a 20 mph zone while going downhill, but my State Farm Drive Safe tracker indicates I was not speeding, showing only 5 miles over. This is my first ticket, and I have not received any warnings prior. I've contacted the court, but... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

You're already taking a thoughtful approach, and that can make a big difference in how your case turns out. Since the officer hasn’t filed the citation yet, you may want to keep checking with the court regularly until it appears in the system. Once it does, you'll have the option to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Traffic Tickets and Consumer Law for Utah on
Q: Can I fight tickets for suspended license and no breathalyzer if insurance was valid in Utah?

I was pulled over because an officer ran my plates and it indicated I didn't have insurance; however, my insurance was valid, and I have proof from my agent. During the stop, the officer informed me that my license was suspended and that I was required to have a breathalyzer in the vehicle,... View More

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answered on Apr 11, 2025

I’m really sorry you’re facing this—it’s stressful trying to make sense of everything when it feels like the system is stacked against you. The fact that your insurance was valid is a strong point in your favor. If the stop was based on a database error, you can present written proof from... View More

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