Utah Distracted Driving Law: What Is Banned, Fines and Jail Risk
The Utah distracted driving law, Utah Code 41-6a-1716, makes it illegal to manually use a phone or other wireless device for most tasks while driving a moving vehicle. Utah drivers may not text, email, dial a number by hand, browse the internet, take photos, record or watch video, or type data into a device. Unlike many neighboring states, Utah still allows adult drivers to talk on a phone, including a handheld one.
A first violation is a class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $100. A repeat violation within three years, or one that seriously injures another person, becomes a class B misdemeanor, which can bring up to six months in jail. This guide explains what the law bans, what it allows, and how the penalties work.
Key facts about the Utah distracted driving law
- Manually texting, emailing, dialing, browsing, taking photos, recording or watching video, or entering data on a wireless device while driving a moving vehicle is banned (Utah Code 41-6a-1716(2)).
- Voice calls, GPS and navigation, and hands-free or built-in vehicle systems are allowed (41-6a-1716(3)).
- First violation: class C misdemeanor, maximum fine $100 (41-6a-1716(4)).
- Repeat violation within 3 years, or serious bodily injury to another person: class B misdemeanor, up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail.
- Utah recorded 22 deaths related to distracted driving in 2024, out of 281 road deaths (Zero Fatalities preliminary data).
What the Utah distracted driving law bans
Under 41-6a-1716(2), a person may not use a wireless communication device while operating a moving vehicle on a Utah highway to manually:
- Write or send a text message, instant message or email.
- Dial a phone number.
- Access the internet.
- Record video or take a photo.
- Enter data into the device.
- Read a text message, instant message or email.
- View a video or photograph.
The law defines a wireless communication device broadly. It covers cell phones, text messaging devices, tablets, laptops, GPS receivers, and any device that displays video or images.
What is still allowed
The statute lists these exceptions in 41-6a-1716(3):
- Voice communication. Talking on the phone is not banned for adult drivers, even if the phone is in your hand. Dialing by hand is banned, so use voice dialing or a saved shortcut.
- Viewing GPS or a navigation app.
- Hands-free or voice-operated technology.
- Systems built into the vehicle, such as a dashboard touchscreen.
- Medical emergencies, and reporting a safety hazard or criminal activity.
- Law enforcement and emergency personnel acting within their jobs.
Because the law applies to a “moving motor vehicle,” the ban does not apply while the car is stopped. Even so, checking a phone at a light takes attention away from the road and from pedestrians.
| Action while driving a moving vehicle | Legal for adults in Utah? |
|---|---|
| Typing or reading a text or email | No |
| Dialing a number by hand | No |
| Talking on the phone, handheld or hands-free | Yes |
| Voice dialing or voice-to-text | Yes |
| Viewing a navigation app | Yes |
| Scrolling social media or browsing | No |
| Taking a photo or recording video | No |
| Reporting a crash, hazard or crime | Yes |
Fines and penalties
| Situation | Classification | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| First violation | Class C misdemeanor | $100 fine (41-6a-1716(4)(a)) |
| Prior conviction within 3 years | Class B misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail |
| Serious bodily injury to another person caused by the phone use | Class B misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail |
The class B limits come from Utah’s general sentencing laws: Utah Code 76-3-301 caps class B fines at $1,000, and 76-3-204 caps class B jail terms at six months. Courts may also add surcharges and fees.
For how a conviction can affect your premium, see our guide to how distracted driving affects car insurance.
Careless driving: the other distraction law
Utah has a second law aimed at distraction. Under Utah Code 41-6a-1715, a driver commits careless driving by committing a moving traffic violation, other than speeding, while distracted by an activity inside the vehicle that is not related to driving. The statute gives searching for an item and personal grooming as examples. Careless driving is a class C misdemeanor, and a judge may revoke the driver’s license if the violation results in someone’s death.
Rules for teen drivers
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, Utah drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone at all while driving, and police can enforce that rule as a primary offense. School bus drivers are also banned from all cell phone use while driving. Parents can find practical advice in our guide to teen drivers and distracted driving risk and our state guide for parents. Our Do Not Disturb While Driving setup guide shows how to silence a phone automatically.
Utah distracted driving statistics
According to preliminary data from Utah’s Zero Fatalities program, released by the Utah Department of Transportation and Utah Highway Patrol in January 2025, 281 people died on Utah roads in 2024. Of those deaths:
| Factor (2024, preliminary) | Deaths |
|---|---|
| Drug and alcohol related | 110 |
| Speed related | 78 |
| Aggressive driving | 23 |
| Distracted driving | 22 |
| Drowsy driving | 7 |
Distraction is hard to prove after a crash, so official counts are likely low. Nationally, NHTSA counted 3,208 people killed in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2024. More national data is in our distracted driving statistics 2026 report.
Is a hands-free law coming?
Utah lawmakers have debated a full handheld ban for years, and several bills have failed. In the 2026 General Session, no bill changed 41-6a-1716, so the rules above remain in effect. We will update this guide if the law changes.
How Utah compares with nearby states
According to GHSA, most of Utah’s neighbors have stricter rules for adults:
| State | Handheld ban for all drivers? |
|---|---|
| Utah | No, but manual texting, dialing and browsing are banned |
| Arizona | Yes, primary enforcement |
| Colorado | Yes, since January 1, 2025 |
| Nevada | Yes, primary enforcement |
| Idaho | Yes, primary enforcement |
| New Mexico | No, texting ban only |
| Wyoming | No, texting ban only |
- Arizona distracted driving law
- Colorado distracted driving law
- Nevada distracted driving law
- New Mexico distracted driving law
Compare penalties in our texting while driving fines by state guide and see every state in our hands-free driving laws by state hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to talk on the phone while driving in Utah?
No, not for adult drivers. Utah Code 41-6a-1716 allows voice communication. Dialing by hand, texting and other manual uses are banned while the vehicle is moving.
How much is a texting ticket in Utah?
A first violation is a class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $100. A repeat within three years, or a violation that seriously injures someone, is a class B misdemeanor with up to $1,000 and six months in jail.
Can I use GPS on my phone while driving in Utah?
Yes. The statute allows viewing a GPS or navigation device or app. Typing an address by hand while moving counts as entering data, so set your route before you drive.
Can teens talk on the phone while driving in Utah?
No. According to GHSA, drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone while driving.
Can I text at a red light in Utah?
The texting ban applies to a “moving motor vehicle,” so it does not cover a fully stopped car. Even so, the safest choice is to wait until you are parked.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For a specific ticket, talk to a licensed Utah attorney.
Sources
- Utah Code 41-6a-1716 (FindLaw, current as of January 1, 2025). Banned uses, exceptions, class C and class B penalties.
- Utah Code 41-6a-1715 (FindLaw). Careless driving.
- Utah Code 76-3-301 (FindLaw). Misdemeanor fine limits.
- Utah Code 76-3-204 (FindLaw). Misdemeanor jail limits.
- KSL: UDOT, UHP: 281 people were killed on Utah roads in 2024 (January 7, 2025). Zero Fatalities preliminary 2024 data.
- LegiScan: Utah 2026 General Session, SB 242 Transportation Amendments. Checked for changes to 41-6a-1716.
- GHSA: Distracted Driving State Laws. Teen and school bus rules, neighboring states.
- NHTSA: Distracted Driving in 2024, DOT HS 813 790. National deaths.
Last reviewed: November 4, 2026
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