Utah Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws

There is no prohibition on cell phone use while driving in Utah. However, all Utah drivers are prohibited from texting. (Utah has an extremely tough anti-texting law.) Utah also prohibits “careless driving” — which essentially refers to any moving violation that is committed while distracted by use of a hand-held cellphone or similar activities. 

Texting Laws

All Utah drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. Text messaging is defined in Utah law as "a communication in the form of electronic text or one or more electronic images sent by the actor from a telephone or computer to another person's telephone or computer by addressing the communication to the person's telephone number." There are some exceptions to the anti-texting rule such as texting during a medical emergency.

Enforcement

Under Utah’s law, someone caught texting and driving now faces up to three months in jail and up to a $750 fine, a misdemeanor. If they cause injury or death, the punishment can grow to a felony and up to a $10,000 fine and 15 years in prison. Utah’s texting laws are considered “primary” laws. A primary law means that an officer can pull you over for the offense without having to witness some other violation. That is, the officer sees you texting and issues a citation. 

Read more about Utah’s distracted driving laws.

Additional Resources

Follow the links below for more information on this website surrounding Utah driving laws.

• Teen Driving Laws
• Insurance Requirements
• Speeding Laws
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
• Disabled Parking Permits