Violating Utah driving and traffic laws can result in fines, suspension of your driving privileges, and even imprisonment. The Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses a point system to track violations and their corresponding penalties. Points are added to your driving record if you receive a traffic ticket for moving violations.

MOVING VIOLATIONS AND POINTS

Different violations are assigned different point values, which are added to your driving record. For instance, moving violations like careless driving, failure to observe traffic signals, moving against traffic, and failure to yield at an intersection, carry between 40 and 50 points. Higher-point offenses include tailgating, reckless driving and exceeding the maximum speed limit by 30 mph or more. The number of points assessed for different speeding violations are as follows:

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 1-10 mph:$50 bail

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 11 - 15 mph:$75 bail

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 16 - 20 mph: $125 bail

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 21 -25 mph: $200 bail

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by more than 31 mph: Mandatory court appearance plus additional $10 per mile over the maximum speed limit and $400 bail

Exceeding the speed limit by up to 9 mph would be considered minimum speeding violation, up to 19 mph would be intermediate, and beyond 20 mph would be maximum speeding violation. Accordingly, one would be assessed 35 points for minimum speeding violation, 55 points for intermediate speeding violation, and 75 points for maximum speeding violation. Speeding is considered a major cause of accidents, and speed violations are always assessed without exception.

View the complete Point Schedule to learn about the number of points associated with each type of moving violation.

PENALTIES

You will be subject to specific penalties if you accumulate a certain number of points on your driving license:

1. If you get 200 or more points on your current driving record within a three-year period, you may have to appear for a hearing before getting your driving license reinstated.
2. You will have your license suspended if you accumulate 200 points or more on your current driving record. A notice of scheduled suspension will be mailed to you. You may be imprisoned for driving with a suspended license.
3. Drivers under 21 will face the same penalty if they accumulate over 70 points in three years.
4. Accumulating points on your driving license is also likely to increase your auto insurance rates. See our auto insurance section for more information about obtaining quality car insurance at competitive rates.

HOW TO CLEAR YOUR DRIVING RECORD

The Utah DMV maintains a record of all the points added to your driving license. However, there are a number of ways in which you can remove points from your current driving record.

1. If you remain free of violations or suspension for one year, you can get your points deducted to half from your current driving record.
2. Taking a Defensive Driving Course enables you to deduct 50 points from your current driving record, and may also qualify you for a reduction in your car insurance rates. Contact the court in the area that you received a ticket to check for approved programs.

HOW TO DISPUTE A MOVING VIOLATION CHARGE

If you believe you have been incorrectly charged with committing a moving violation, you may be able to fight the charge in court. See Traffic Tickets and Traffic Ticket Attorneys for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Points are not assessed for parking or other non-moving violations.
• See also Driver's Education and Suspended Licenses.