Drunk Driving Laws Utah

Drunk Driving Laws Utah are among the strictest in the country, including a 0.05% BAC legal limit for most adult drivers and a zero-tolerance (“not a drop”) approach for underage drivers. Utah Highway Safety Office+1

Legal disclaimer: This is general legal information about Utah DUI law—not legal advice. Laws can change and outcomes depend on specific facts. If you’re facing a DUI investigation or charge, talk with a licensed Utah attorney.

[Internal link: "Utah DUI Overview" -> /utah-dui-overview/]

Quick Answer

In Utah, you can face DUI consequences if your BAC is 0.05% or higher or if alcohol/drugs impair you enough that you can’t drive safely. Utah Highway Safety Office+1 Separate from any criminal case, the Utah Driver License Division (DLD) can take fast action against your license—and you generally have 10 days after a DUI arrest to request a DLD hearing to contest the administrative suspension. Utah Driver License Division+1

[Internal link: "DLD Hearing Request Guide" -> /utah-dld-hearing-request-guide/]

Table of Contents

1. What Utah considers DUI (drunk/drugged driving)
   
   

2. Utah BAC limits (0.05, commercial, underage “not a drop”)
   
   

3. “Actual physical control” (yes—without driving)
   
   

4. Criminal penalties (high-level overview)
   
   

5. License suspension timelines (DLD administrative action)
   
   

6. Refusing chemical testing (implied consent)
   
   

7. Drug DUI in Utah (including prescriptions)
   
   

8. What to do after a DUI stop or arrest in Utah
   
   

9. FAQ
   
   

10. Next steps
    
    

1) What Utah considers DUI (drunk/drugged driving)

Under Utah law, DUI can involve alcohol, drugs, or any intoxicating substance that affects safe driving. Utah also treats DUI as not only “driving while drunk,” but also being impaired by drugs (including certain prescription medications). Utah Highway Safety Office+1

Key takeaway: Utah DUI enforcement can be based on (a) a prohibited BAC level, or (b) impairment evidence (driving behavior, field observations, test results).

[Internal link: "Utah DUI vs Impairment Explained" -> /utah-dui-impairment-explained/]

2) Utah BAC limits (0.05, commercial, underage “not a drop”)

This is the section most people search for when they type Drunk Driving Laws Utah.

Adult drivers (21+): 0.05% BAC

Utah prohibits driving with a BAC at or above 0.05%. Utah Highway Safety Office+1

Commercial drivers: 0.04% BAC

Utah applies a stricter standard for commercial drivers: 0.04% BAC. Utah Highway Safety Office

Under 21: “not a drop” / zero tolerance

For drivers under 21, Utah uses zero tolerance—meaning any detectable alcohol can trigger DUI-related consequences. Utah Highway Safety Office+1

[Internal link: "Utah BAC Limits" -> /utah-bac-limits/]

3) “Actual physical control” (yes—without driving)

Utah DUI rules can apply even if you weren’t actively driving. Utah recognizes the concept of “actual physical control,” which can lead to a DUI charge even when a vehicle isn’t moving, depending on the facts (where you are in the car, access to keys, engine status, etc.). Utah Highway Safety Office

Practical point: sleeping in the driver’s seat after drinking can still create risk in some scenarios. If you’re trying to stay safe, the details matter.

[Internal link: "Actual Physical Control in Utah" -> /actual-physical-control-utah/]

4) Criminal penalties (high-level overview)

Penalties depend on your BAC, prior history, whether there was a crash, and other factors. Utah’s highway safety guidance notes that a first offense can involve significant fines/fees (potentially up to $10,000), possible jail time, and license suspension, among other consequences. Utah Highway Safety Office

Because penalties can vary by case facts and court, the most accurate way to evaluate exposure is to review:

• what you were cited for (DUI vs “refusal,” etc.)
  
  

• your prior record (if any)
  
  

• whether injury/crash factors exist
  
  

• what test results were recorded (or refused)
  
  

[Internal link: "Utah DUI Penalties Overview" -> /utah-dui-penalties-overview/]

5) License suspension timelines (DLD administrative action)

A major feature of Drunk Driving Laws Utah is that license consequences can happen administratively through the DLD—separate from your criminal court case. The DLD explains there are two sides to a DUI arrest: the administrative (DLD) side and the criminal (court) side. Utah Driver License Division

You generally have 10 days to request a DLD hearing

After a DUI arrest, you typically have 10 days to request a hearing with the Driver License Division to challenge the administrative action. Utah Driver License Division+1

Common DLD suspension/revocation periods (high-level)

The DLD lists various suspension times depending on age, priors, and test/refusal status. For example, their suspension-time page includes: Utah Driver License Division

• Adults 21+: first-time administrative suspension commonly 120 days (chemical test failure) Utah Driver License Division
  
  

• Adults 21+: first-time refusal revocation commonly 18 months Utah Driver License Division
  
  

• Under 21 refusal: listed as until age 21 or 2 years (whichever is longer) Utah Driver License Division
  
  

[Internal link: "Utah DUI License Suspension Guide" -> /utah-dui-license-suspension-guide/]

6) Refusing chemical testing (implied consent)

Utah treats driving as implied consent to chemical testing in DUI investigations, and refusal can carry harsh consequences—especially for your license. Utah Highway Safety Office+1

If you refused a chemical test, it’s especially important to act quickly on the administrative side and understand the timelines the DLD applies. Utah Driver License Division+1

[Internal link: "Refusal Consequences in Utah DUI" -> /utah-dui-refusal-consequences/]

7) Drug DUI in Utah (including prescriptions)

Utah’s impaired driving rules also cover drug impairment, including situations involving prescription medications that impair safe driving. Utah Highway Safety Office+1

Drug-DUI cases often depend on:

• officer observations and reports
  
  

• timing and type of testing
  
  

• medical explanations and lawful-use issues (fact-specific)
  
  

[Internal link: "Drug DUI Utah" -> /drug-dui-utah/]

8) What to do after a DUI stop or arrest in Utah

If you’re dealing with possible DUI consequences, these steps help protect you without getting into personalized legal advice:

1. Stay calm and polite during the stop.
   
   

2. Save all paperwork (citation, notices, temporary license info).
   
   

3. Write down what you remember ASAP (where you were, time, what you consumed, medications, symptoms).
   
   

4. Do not miss the DLD timeline—Utah generally gives 10 days to request a hearing after arrest. Utah Driver License Division+1
   
   

5. Talk to a Utah DUI attorney quickly if your license or criminal record is at risk.
   
   

[Internal link: "DUI After-Arrest Checklist" -> /utah-dui-after-arrest-checklist/]

FAQ: Drunk Driving Laws Utah

What is the BAC limit in Utah?

Utah prohibits driving at 0.05% BAC or higher for most adult drivers. Utah Highway Safety Office+1

Does Utah have zero tolerance for underage drivers?

Yes—Utah’s “not a drop” policy means any detectable alcohol can trigger consequences for drivers under 21. Utah Highway Safety Office+1

What’s the BAC limit for commercial drivers in Utah?

Utah lists 0.04% BAC for commercial drivers. Utah Highway Safety Office

Can my license be suspended even before court?

Yes—Utah’s DLD administrative process can affect your license separately from the criminal case. Utah Driver License Division+1

How long do I have to request a DLD hearing?

Utah’s DLD states you generally have 10 days after a DUI arrest to request a hearing. Utah Driver License Division+1

Next Steps

If you searched Drunk Driving Laws Utah because you’re worried about a current situation, your two biggest priorities are:

• Protecting your license timeline (including the 10-day DLD hearing window), and
  
  

• Getting case-specific legal advice from a Utah attorney. Utah Driver License Division+1
  
  

[Internal link: "Utah DUI Overview" -> /utah-dui-overview/]
[Internal link: "DLD Hearing Request Guide" -> /utah-dld-hearing-request-guide/]

Legal disclaimer (again): This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed Utah attorney.