DUI License Recovery in Utah
A first DUI in Utah results in a 120-day license suspension, fines of $1,310+, up to 6 months in jail, and an 18-month mandatory IID requirement. You may apply for a limited (hardship) license through the Driver License Division (DLD). Reinstatement requires completing alcohol screening and treatment, installing an IID, filing SR-22 insurance, and paying a $65 reinstatement fee plus a $170–$179 administrative fee. Utah's 0.05% BAC limit is the lowest in the nation.
Last updated:
Overview
Utah classifies impaired driving as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) under Utah Code Section 41-6a-502. Utah has the lowest BAC limit in the nation at 0.05% — the only state below the standard 0.08% threshold. This lower limit took effect December 30, 2018 and means drivers can be charged with DUI at a BAC that would be legal in every other state. Utah requires IID for all DUI convictions as a condition of probation. The state uses a 10-year lookback period, and a third DUI within 10 years is a third-degree felony. Effective January 1, 2026, under H.B. 437, individuals convicted of 'extreme DUI' (BAC 0.16% or higher) are designated as 'interdicted persons' and banned from purchasing alcohol.
Quick Answer
A first DUI in Utah results in a 120-day license suspension, fines of $1,310+, up to 6 months in jail, and an 18-month mandatory IID requirement. You may apply for a limited (hardship) license through the Driver License Division (DLD). Reinstatement requires completing alcohol screening and treatment, installing an IID, filing SR-22 insurance, and paying a $65 reinstatement fee plus a $170–$179 administrative fee. Utah's 0.05% BAC limit is the lowest in the nation.
Suspension Rules
| Offense | Suspension |
|---|---|
| 1st Offense | 120-day license suspension. May apply for a limited license (with IID) through the DLD. Early reinstatement may be available with IID installation and compliance with all requirements. |
| 2nd Offense | 2-year license suspension (within 10 years). IID required for the duration. More restrictive limited license conditions apply. |
| 3rd Offense | 2-year license suspension (third-degree felony within 10 years). IID required for 2 years minimum. Significantly enhanced penalties including potential prison time. |
| Refusal | Refusing a chemical test under Utah's implied consent law results in an 18-month license suspension for a first refusal (versus 120 days for a failed test). A second refusal within 10 years results in a 36-month suspension. Refusal penalties are administrative and apply regardless of DUI conviction outcome. |
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirements
Utah requires IID installation for all DUI convictions as a standard condition of probation. The IID must be installed on every vehicle owned or operated by the offender. Utah's DLD manages the IID program and requires proof of installation before issuing a restricted/limited license. The device must be installed by a certified provider approved by the DLD.
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurance company with the Utah DLD confirming you carry at least the state minimum liability coverage ($25,000/$65,000 bodily injury, $15,000 property damage, $3,000 personal injury protection). Utah's minimum coverage requirements are among the higher in the nation. If your SR-22 lapses, your insurer notifies the DLD and your license is automatically re-suspended.
Reinstatement Process
Fee: $65 reinstatement fee + $170–$179 administrative fee = $235–$244 total | Timeline: Early reinstatement with IID may be available before the full 120-day suspension is served. Limited license may be available during suspension with IID, SR-22, and court approval. Full reinstatement available after completing all suspension, IID, and treatment requirements.
Serve Suspension Period
Complete the mandatory 120-day license suspension for a first offense (or apply for early reinstatement with IID if eligible). For second offense, serve the 2-year suspension.
Complete Alcohol Screening and Treatment
Undergo an alcohol/drug screening and assessment through a state-approved provider. Complete any recommended substance abuse treatment or education program. Retain all completion documentation.
Install Ignition Interlock Device
Have an IID installed by a Utah DLD-certified provider on every vehicle you own or operate. Present proof of IID installation to the DLD. The IID must remain installed for 18 months (first offense, age 21+) or 3 years (under 21).
Obtain SR-22 Insurance
Purchase SR-22 insurance from a licensed Utah insurer meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements ($25,000/$65,000 bodily injury, $15,000 property damage, $3,000 PIP). The insurer will file the SR-22 certificate directly with the Utah DLD.
Obtain Court/Judge Letter (If Required)
If applying for a limited license, obtain a letter from the most recent convicting judge supporting the request. Also obtain a letter from your employer detailing your work schedule if claiming employment hardship.
Pay Fees and Apply at DLD
Pay the $65 reinstatement fee and $170–$179 administrative fee. Submit all required documentation to the Utah Driver License Division at dld.utah.gov or in person at a DLD office.
DUI Penalties
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| 1st Offense | Class B misdemeanor: up to 6 months in jail (48-hour minimum or 48 hours community service), $1,310+ in fines and assessments, 120-day license suspension, 18-month mandatory IID, mandatory alcohol screening and treatment, supervised probation. |
| 2nd Offense | Class B misdemeanor (within 10 years): up to 6 months in jail (minimum 240 hours jail or 240 hours community service), $1,560+ in fines and assessments, 2-year license suspension, 2-year mandatory IID, mandatory substance abuse treatment. |
| 3rd Offense | Third-degree felony (within 10 years): mandatory 62 days in jail (no community service alternative), up to 5 years in prison, up to $5,000 fine, 2-year license suspension, 2-year mandatory IID, mandatory substance abuse treatment. |
| Felony DUI | A third DUI within 10 years is a third-degree felony with a mandatory 62-day jail sentence, up to 5 years in prison, and up to $5,000 in fines. A DUI causing serious bodily injury is a third-degree felony. DUI causing death (automobile homicide) can be a second-degree felony with 1–15 years in prison. Effective January 1, 2026, 'extreme DUI' (BAC >= 0.16%) triggers interdiction — a ban on alcohol purchases with a special 'NO ALCOHOL SALE' ID. |
BAC limit: 0.05% for standard drivers (lowest in the nation — the only state below 0.08%); 0.04% for commercial drivers; 0.00% for drivers under 21 (zero tolerance). A BAC of 0.16% or higher constitutes 'extreme DUI' with enhanced penalties and alcohol purchase prohibition effective January 1, 2026. | Lookback period: 10 years — Utah uses a 10-year lookback period for DUI penalty enhancement. A third DUI within 10 years is automatically a third-degree felony. Prior DUI convictions from other states count toward the lookback period.
Hardship / Restricted License
Utah offers limited licenses through the Driver License Division (DLD) for DUI-suspended drivers who can demonstrate that lack of driving privileges causes genuine hardship. The limited license allows driving for essential purposes such as work, medical treatment, and court-ordered obligations. IID installation is mandatory for any limited license issued during a DUI suspension.
Edge Cases
Why is Utah's BAC limit 0.05% instead of 0.08%?
Utah lowered its BAC limit from 0.08% to 0.05% effective December 30, 2018, becoming the first and only state to do so. The legislature passed the change based on research showing impairment begins well below 0.08%. At 0.05% BAC, most people experience reduced coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended all states adopt 0.05%, but Utah remains the only state to have done so.
What is the 'extreme DUI' interdiction law effective January 2026?
Under H.B. 437, effective January 1, 2026, anyone convicted of 'extreme DUI' (BAC of 0.16% or higher, or alcohol combined with illegal substances) is designated an 'interdicted person' and banned from purchasing alcohol. They must surrender their driver's license and obtain a new state ID marked 'NO ALCOHOL SALE.' Retailers are required to check IDs and refuse alcohol sales to interdicted persons.
Can I get a DUI at 0.05% BAC if I feel fine to drive?
Yes. Utah's DUI law is a 'per se' law, meaning a BAC of 0.05% or higher is sufficient evidence for a DUI charge regardless of whether your driving appears impaired. You do not need to show visible signs of impairment — the BAC measurement alone establishes the offense.
Does Utah count out-of-state DUI convictions?
Yes. Utah counts DUI/DWI convictions from other states toward the 10-year lookback period for penalty enhancement. An out-of-state conviction within the past 10 years will be treated as a prior offense, potentially elevating a current charge to a felony.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long after a Utah DUI can I drive again?
- For a first offense, you may apply for a limited license with IID during the 120-day suspension if you can demonstrate hardship. Early reinstatement with IID may also be available. Full reinstatement is available after completing the 120-day suspension and all requirements (IID, SR-22, treatment). The IID must remain installed for 18 months total.
- Is an IID mandatory for a first DUI in Utah?
- Yes. Utah requires IID installation for all DUI convictions as a standard condition of probation, including first offenses. The IID must be installed for 18 months (drivers 21+ at arrest) or 3 years (drivers under 21). There is no exemption for first-time offenders.
- How much does a Utah DUI cost in total?
- The total cost of a first DUI in Utah typically ranges from $8,000–$15,000+ when factoring in fines and assessments ($1,310+), court costs, attorney fees ($2,500–$7,000+), alcohol screening and treatment ($300–$1,500+), IID costs ($1,200–$1,650 for 18 months), SR-22 insurance increase ($300–$900/year for 3 years), reinstatement fees ($235–$244), and potential lost wages.
- Can I refuse a breathalyzer in Utah?
- Utah has an implied consent law. You can refuse, but refusal results in an 18-month automatic license suspension (versus 120 days for a failed test) — a significantly harsher administrative penalty. A second refusal within 10 years brings a 36-month suspension. Refusal can also be used as evidence against you in court.
- How does the 0.05% limit affect visitors driving through Utah?
- Utah's 0.05% BAC limit applies to everyone driving in the state, including visitors. A BAC between 0.05% and 0.079% — legal in every other state — can result in a DUI arrest in Utah. Visitors should be aware that even a single drink may put them over the limit depending on body weight, food intake, and other factors.
Video Guides
Take Action — Direct Links
- Utah DLD — Reinstatement
Official Utah Driver License Division page with reinstatement requirements, fees, and procedures.
- Utah DLD — Early Reinstatement
Official information on early reinstatement options for DUI-suspended drivers with IID.
- Utah DLD — Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
Official Utah DLD page with IID requirements, certified providers, and program information.
- Utah Highway Safety Office — DUI Laws
Comprehensive overview of Utah DUI laws from the Highway Safety Office including the 0.05% BAC limit and penalty information.