Utah DUI and Driver’s License Laws

Confusing Laws and Consequences

When you get an alcohol related charge in Utah such as a DUI in Utah, impaired driving, alcohol restricted driver, etc. you are facing the possibility of losing your driver’s license, but whether you lose your license depends on a multitude of factors including what type of crime you are being charged with, how old you are, and what type of crime you are convicted with.  Below are some of the basics you should keep in mind.

If a driver is 21 years or older, the following suspension periods will be imposed for a first offense:

  • DUI Alcohol or DUI Metabolite – 120 days beginning on the 30th day after the date of arrest for a first suspension. (Utah Code 53-3-23(7)(a)(i).)
  • Impaired Driving – 60 days beginning on the 30th day after the date of arrest. (Utah Code 53-3-23(7)(c)(i).)
  • Alcohol Restricted Driver – Revoked. (Utah Code 53-3-220(a)(i)(xv).

If a driver is age 19 or 20 at the time of arrest, the following suspension periods will be imposed for a first offense:

  • DUI Alcohol or DUI Metabolite – for a period of six months, beginning on the 30th day after the date of arrest for a first suspension; or until the person is 21 years of age or for a period of two years, whichever is longer, beginning on the 30th day after the date of arrest for a second or subsequent suspension for an offense that occurred within the previous 10 years; or deny the person’s application for a license or learner’s permit: for a period of six months for a first suspension, if the person has not been issued an operator license; or until the person is 21 years of age or for a period of two years, whichever is longer, beginning on the 30th day after the date of arrest for a second or subsequent suspension for an offense that occurred within the previous 10 years.  (Utah Code 53-3-223(7)(a)(ii).)
  • Not-a-Drop arrest – 6 month suspension effective 30 days from arrest date (Utah Code 53-3-231(8)(a)(i).)

If a driver is under the age of 19 at the time of arrest, the following suspension periods will be imposed for a first offense:

  • DUI Alcohol or DUI Metabolite – for a period of two years beginning on the 30th day after the date of arrest for a first suspension; or until the person is 21 years of age or for a period of two years, whichever is longer, beginning on the 30th day after the date of arrest for a second or subsequent suspension for an offense that occurred within the previous 10 years; or deny the person’s application for a license or learner’s permit: for a period of two years for a first suspension, if the person has not been issued an operator license; or until the person is 21 years of age or for a period of two years, whichever is longer, beginning on the 30th day after the date of arrest for a second or subsequent suspension for an offense that occurred within the previous 10 years.(Utah Code 53-3-223(7)(a)(iii).)
  • Not-a-Drop arrest – 1 year suspension effective 30 days from arrest date. (Utah Code 53-3-231 (19)(b)(i).)

Get Some Legal Help

If you have been charged with an alcohol related crime you may be facing the loss of your driver’s license. We may be able to help.  Call our law firm at 801.618.1334.

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