UTAH

DRIVER
HANDBOOK
2024-2025

1
2
 STATE OF UTAH
UTAH DRIVER HANDBOOK
AAMVA MODEL NON-COMMERCIAL
This handbook is a collaborative effort between the American Association of Motor Vehicle Adminis-
trators (AAMVA) and the Utah Driver License Division. It contains the rules to be followed when
operating any vehicle on Utah roads. A bicycle operator must obey the rules of the road and have
the same rights and duties as the operator of a motor vehicle or other vehicle.
For additional driver license information, forms, and to test your knowledge with our online written
knowledge practice test, visit our website at dld.utah.gov.
Please be aware of imitator sites that do not end in .gov.

Driver License Division (DLD) Services:

 Driver License (Class D), Commercial Driver License (CDL), Driving Privilege Cards
(DPC), Limited-Term Driver License, Identification Cards, Limited-Term Identification
Cards, Endorsements (CDL, Taxi, Motorcycle)
 Utah Driving Records (MVR)
 Reinstatement Fees
 Driver Review Exams
 Driver Improvement Hearings
 Voter Registration
 Organ Donor Registration

Appointments should be scheduled for all services to reduce your wait time. Walk-in service
may experience much longer wait times due to appointments taking priority. Visit our web-
site at dld.utah.gov to schedule your appointment today!

Front cover photo courtesy of John Heller—Location: Eastern side of Antelope Island
Back cover photo courtesy of Tiffany Daines—Location: Elberta, Utah

3
 NEW 2024 LAWS
Effective May 1, 2024
HB 85 Electric Bike Amendments
This bill amends the definitions of an electric-assisted bicycle.
HB 311 Lane Filtering Amendments
Clarifies that lane filtering is permitted on an off-ramp.
HB 345 Driving Penalty Amendments
Increases fines for speeding in a school zone and for failure to obey school bus signals.

Effective July 1, 2024

HB 30 Road Rage Amendments
This bill:
 Addresses the seizure and possession of a vehicle for a road rage event.
 Allows for administrative impound fee when a vehicle is seized for an event.
 Allows for the suspension or revocation of an individual’s driver license when the indi-
vidual is convicted of an offense enhanced for road rage.

Effective January 1, 2025

SB 45 License Plate Revisions
This bill:
 Removes the requirement for an owner of a vehicle to display a license plate on the
front of the vehicle.
 Removes the requirement for two (2) registration decals for both the month and year,
and consolidates the registration information into one decal.

4
 DRIVER LICENSE HISTORY
 The Bureau of Driver License Services was created on January 1, 1934, when Utah officially
adopted the “Uniform Operator’s and Chauffeurs’ License Act.” (Prior to this, the State of Utah
had no driver license law.)
 This act required that “every operator of a motor vehicle shall not drive any motor vehicle upon a
highway in this state unless such person was licensed to do so.”
 Originally, the Bureau of Driver License Services was an agency within the State Tax Commis-
sion.
 The first license in Utah was issued on December 5, 1933. It cost 25¢ and was good until re-
voked. It was printed in blue on white paper.
 The application card was 6” x 3½” and only asked for name, address, brief description, a few
questions and a signature.
 No examination was given until January 1935, when the eye test, written knowledge test, and an
occasional driving skills test was given.
 The “good-until-revoked” licenses were issued until December 31, 1935.
 Beginning January 1, 1936, the law was changed to have the driver license expire three (3) years
after issuance (not on the birthdate.) The fee was still 25¢.
 One of the biggest changes came in 1951 when the Bureau of Driver License Services moved
from the State Tax Commission and became an agency within the Department of Public Safety.
 In 1980, the state decided to reward “good drivers” by developing a system for the applicant to
renew their driver license through the mail.
 The Driver License Division began issuing a commercial driver license in 1989.
 The Driver License Division began offering more online services including MVRs and appoint-
ments in 2005.
 January 2010, the citizens of Utah started a 5-year process that required all Utah drivers to bring
in their identification documents once again. This process was a beginning step to meet the li-
censing practices for the Federal REAL ID Act.
 January 2010, the renewal-by-mail program was suspended.
 February 13, 2013, the Driver License Division was notified by the Department of Homeland Se-
curity that Utah meets the licensing practices of the Federal REAL ID Act.
 April 2013, the renewal-by-mail program was reinstated and renewal-by-internet was a new ser-
vice.
 May 2015, the Driver License Division began offering online CDL MVR services to authorized
drivers and employers.
 In 2016, the Driver License Division stopped conducting driving skills test on an enclosed range.
All driving skills tests are performed on public roads.
 March 2017, tablets were implemented to score driving skills tests rather than paper.
 December 2018, Utah is the first state in the country to have a blood alcohol concentrate of .05.
 January 2020, driver license renewals extend from a 5-year renewal to an 8-year renewal.
5
 July 2020, the division transitioned to an appointment based system. Until then appointments
were available but walk-in customers were the primary process when customers visited our
offices.
 October 2021, the division transitioned from a paper application for driver license/ID card to an
electronic application. This new process reduces repetitive input of data and decreases cus-
tomer wait time.
 December 2023 marks 90 years since the first Utah driver license was issued.

Did you know the Driver License Division is not part of the DMV?
Our friends at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles, under the Utah State Tax Commission) can assist you at
801.297.7780 or dmv.utah.gov.

6
THE TOP FIVE LEADING CAUSES OF ALL CRASHES ON UTAH HIGHWAYS
1. Failed to Keep in Proper Lane 32%
2. Ran Off The Road 12%
3. Failed to Yield Right-of-Way 11%
4. Too Fast for Conditions 9%
5. Over-Correcting/Over-Steering 7%

THE TOP FIVE LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH ON UTAH HIGHWAYS

1. Failed to Keep in Proper Lane 32%
2. Ran Off The Road 12%
3. Failed to Yield Right-of-Way 11%
4. Too Fast for Conditions 9%
5. Over-Correcting/Over-Steering 7%

THE TOP FIVE LEADING CAUSE OF CRASHES ON UTAH HIGHWAYS (TEENAGERS 15-19)
1. Failed to Keep in Proper Lane 30%
2. Reckless Driving 15%
3. Failed to Yield Right-of-Way 12%
4. Over-Correcting/Over-Steering 9%
5. Reckless/Aggressive Driving 9%

THE TOP FIVE LEADING CAUSE OF CRASHES ON UTAH HIGHWAYS (Age 65+)
1. Failed to Yield Right-of-Way 23%
2. Failed to Keep in Proper Lane 14%
3. Following Too Closely 9%
4. Over-Correcting/Over-Steering 9%
5. Unsafe Lane Change 9%

Information based on 2023 statistics provided by the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Highway
Safety office. The percentages are for the top five (5) causes. To see all causes for crashes and
fatalities, please visit: highwaysafety.utah.gov.

7
 Utah Mobile Driver License (mDL) Program
The Utah Legislature in 2019 and 2020 authorized the Driver License Division (DLD) to create and
pilot a Mobile Driver License (mDL) program for residents who want the option of carrying their da-
ta securely within their cell phone.
The state contracted with GET North America to produce the mDL app. GET does not have ac-
cess to individual driver licenses or the Driver License Database.
The mDL is not meant to replace the physical driver license and should be thought of as an exten-
sion of your driver license. The mDL is available as an option for those who want it. Your physical
credential should be kept on your person whenever operating a motor vehicle.
The mDL contains the same information that your physical credential has. This is just a more con-
venient, safe, and official way to carry your driver license digitally. It also gives you more control
over what information you share from your driver license. A mDL allows the user to limit the data
they share to just the data that is needed for the transaction. When verifying age, the verifier does
not need to know the person’s demographic information, address, or driving privilege. They only
need to verify that the person presenting it is that person and that they are of age to complete the
transaction with only the information required by law.
You should never hand over your device to anyone or show
the data on your device. All transactions are done through a
contactless secure exchange of encrypted data between the
mDL device and the verification device.
To present your license or ID, unlock the GET Mobile ID app
with your secure PIN or a biometric like your face or finger-
print, and choose the data page you want to share. Then
simply tap the share button, and a QR code will appear. The QR code does not contain anything
that identifies you. Simply present the QR code to the relying party’s verifier (relying party is the
business) device, and the two (2) devices will create an encrypted communication path for the veri-
fier to receive just the data you approved and verify the validity of the license or ID.
To download the mDL app, you must first have been issued your physical driver license or identifica-
tion card. Once you have received your physical driver license in the mail, you can visit the Apple
Store or Google Play to download the app. If you choose to obtain this technology, the app is free
to try for the first six (6) months, and then a yearly subscription fee is charged.
One of the common requests DLD receives related to the driver license is when there
will be a secure mobile version of the license. It is here—download your mDL today by
scanning this QR code.
Currently, the mDL can be used at a few dozen locations, including TSA PreCheck at the Salt Lake
International Airport. For more information and to watch a video demonstration on how to register
securely, please visit our website at dld.utah.gov/utahmdl/.

8
 UTAH DRIVER HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
Section 1. Definitions........................................... 1 C. Lane Changes .................................... 29
D. Parking ............................................... 31
Section 2. Licensing Requirements E. Passing ............................................... 33
A. Residents ............................................. 4 F. Signaling ............................................. 34
B. Driver License Compact ....................... 5 G. Steering .............................................. 34
H. Stopping ............................................. 35
Section 3. Driver Education and Permits I. Turns .................................................. 36
A. Driver Education ................................... 6
B. Learner Permit ...................................... 6 Section 9. Rules of the Road
C. Driver License Fees.............................. 8 A. Flex Lanes .......................................... 39
B. Freeway Driving .................................. 39
Section 4. Driver License Types, ID Card, C. Intersections ....................................... 41
Required Documentation
D. Pavement Markings ............................ 43
A. License Types ...................................... 9
E. Speed ................................................. 44
B. Endorsements/Restrictions................. 10
F. Roundabouts ...................................... 45
C. Obtaining a Driver License ................. 11
G. Traffic Controls ................................... 45
D. Driver License (Certificate) ................. 12
H. Traffic Signals ..................................... 45
E. Identity and Residency Requirements 12
I. Traffic Signs ........................................ 46
F. Out-of-State Driver License ................ 17
J. Yielding Right-of-Way ......................... 49
G. Renewal, Replacement,
Lapsed/Expired .................................. 17
H. Address Change ................................. 18 Section 10. Alcohol/Drugs and Driving
I. Identification Card (ID)........................ 18 A. Effects of Alcohol and Drugs .............. 50
B. 21 and Under ...................................... 51
Section 5. Vision and Health C. Alcohol and the Law ........................... 51
A. Eye (Vision) Test ................................ 19 D. Alcohol-Restricted Driver .................... 52
B. Health Conditions and Driving Safety . 19 E. Boating While Under the Influence ..... 53
C. Review Examination ........................... 20 F. Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver ...... 53
G. Impound of Vehicle ............................. 53
Section 6. Examinations
A. Written Knowledge Test ..................... 22 Section 11. Distractions & Driving Challenges
B. Traffic Safety and Trends Exam ......... 22 A. Aggressive Driving .............................. 55
C. Driving Skills Test ............................... 22 B. Avoiding Collisions with Animals ........ 55
C. Desert Driving ..................................... 56
Section 7. Preparing Your Vehicle D. Fatigue ................................................ 56
A. Adjusting Your Seat ............................ 26 E. Flooding .............................................. 57
B. Adjusting Your Mirrors ........................ 26 F. Handheld Wireless Communication ... 58
C. Safety Belts ........................................ 26 G. Highway Work Zones ......................... 58
D. Car Seats ........................................... 27 H. Lightning ............................................. 59
E. Air Bags .............................................. 28 I. Mountain Driving ................................. 59
J. Night Driving ....................................... 59
Section 8. Basic Driving K. Rural Roads ........................................ 60
A. Starting the Engine ............................. 29 L. Skidding .............................................. 61
B. Backing (Reverse) .............................. 29 M. Trip Planning ...................................... 61

9
 N. Vehicle Submerged Underwater......... 61 Sample Test Questions.................................... 103
O. Weather .............................................. 62
Office Locations
Section 12. Crashes and Insurance A. Back of handbook ...................................
A. Defensive Driving ............................... 64
B. Emergencies and Avoiding Crashes .. 65
C. Financial Responsibility Act ................ 67
D. Insurance Coverage ........................... 68
E. Release of Crash Report Info ............. 68

Section 13. Suspensions and Your Record

A. Altered or Fictitious License ............... 70
B. Driving Record (MVR) ........................ 70
C. Driving While Denied, Suspended,
or Revoked ......................................... 70
D. License Suspensions ......................... 71
E. License Revocations .......................... 71
F. Point System ...................................... 72

Section 14. Sharing the Road

A. Bicycles .............................................. 74
B. Emergency Vehicles ........................... 77
C. Large Trucks ...................................... 78
D. Mobility Vehicles ................................. 81
E. Motor-Assisted Scooters .................... 81
F. Motorcycles ........................................ 81
G. Pedestrians ........................................ 83
H. Pedestrian Vehicles ............................ 84
I. Police/Traffic Stops............................. 84
J. Slow Moving Vehicles......................... 85
K. Street Legal All-Terrain....................... 85
L. Trains and Railroad Crossings ........... 87

Section 15. Vehicle Equipment ......................... 90

Section 16. Towing............................................. 93

Appendix A. Optional Information

A. Organ Donation .................................. 96
B. Voluntary Contributions ...................... 96
C. Emergency Contact Database............ 97

Appendix B. Identity Fraud and Detection ....... 98

Appendix C. Vehicle Registration..................... 99

Appendix D. Your Car and Clean Air .............. 100

10
SECTION 1: Definitions
This handbook condenses or paraphrases the actual language of the Utah Code. Officers of the
courts are guided by the full text and exact language of the law rather than the Utah driver hand-
book.
Assumption of Financial Responsibility—parent or guardian of the applicant or responsible
adult willing to assume the obligation.
Bicycle—a wheeled vehicle propelled by human power by feet or hands acting upon pedals or
cranks, with a seat or saddle designed to be operated on the ground. Wheels are not less
than 14 inches in diameter. The bicycle includes an electric-assisted bicycle.
Blind Spots—the area of roadway that can’t be seen with mirrors while operating a vehicle.
Cancellation—termination of a driver license issued through error, fraud, or upon application for
a state-issued driver license or ID card, or for which necessary consent has been withdrawn.
Careless Driving—a person operating a motor vehicle is guilty of careless driving if the person
commits two (2) or more moving traffic violations within a single continuous period of driving or
commits a moving traffic violation while being distracted by one or more activities taking place
within the vehicle that are not related to the operation of a motor vehicle, including searching
for an item in the vehicle or attending to personal hygiene, or grooming.
Commercial Driver License (CDL)—a license that allows the holder to drive a vehicle with a
GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more, or designed to transport 16 or more passengers, hazardous
materials, doubles/triples, bulk liquids (tankers), or school buses.
Denied—withdrawal of driving privilege.
Dependent—a spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21.
Disqualification—a temporary or permanent withdrawal of a commercial driver license.
Division—the Driver License Division of the Department of Public Safety.
Driving Privilege Card—the evidence of the privilege to drive a motor vehicle in Utah obtained
without providing proof of lawful presence in the United States.
Farm Tractor—every self-propelled vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement of
husbandry.
Head Checks—checking your blind spot by turning your head and looking over your shoulder in
the direction you plan on moving.
Highway—the entire width between property lines of every way or place as a matter of right for
vehicular travel.
License—the privilege to drive a motor vehicle.
License Certificate—the evidence of the privilege to drive a motor vehicle.
Limited-Term CDL—the evidence of the privilege to drive a commercial motor vehicle which was
obtained by providing proof of lawful presence in the United States by an individual who is
not a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. National, or a Legal Permanent Resident Alien.
Limited-Term Driver License—the evidence of the privilege to drive a motor vehicle which was

1
 obtained by providing proof of lawful presence in the United States by an individual who is
not a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. National, or a Legal Permanent Resident Alien.
Limited-Term Identification Card—an identification card issued to a person who provided proof
of lawful presence in the United States by an individual who is not a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Na-
tional, or a Legal Permanent Resident Alien.
Low-Speed Vehicle—a four-wheeled electric motor vehicle designed to be operated at speeds of
not more than 25 miles per hour and that has a capacity of not more than four (4) passengers,
including the driver. “Low-Speed Vehicle” does not include a golf cart or off-highway vehicle.
Mobility Vehicle—a vehicle used by a person with a physical disability which meets the specifi-
cations outlined by the division and can be operated on a public roadway, within appropriate
restrictions and by an individual who holds a valid mobility vehicle permit.
Mobility Vehicle Permit—a permit issued by the division that grants authority and specifies the
conditions for a person with a physical disability to drive a mobility vehicle on a public high-
way.
Motor Vehicle—every self-propelled vehicle, except motorized wheelchairs, electric personal as-
sistive mobility devices and vehicles moved solely by human power.
Motorcycle—a motor vehicle, except farm tractors, that has a saddle for the rider and is de-
signed to travel with not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground.
Operator—a person in actual physical control of a motor vehicle.
Pedestrian Vehicle—any self-propelled conveyance designed, manufactured, and intended for
persons with a physical disability. The vehicle must not exceed 48 inches in width, have an
engine over 300 cubic centimeters (or 12 brake horsepower), or be capable of exceeding 30
m.p.h.
Personal Motorized Mobility Device—a self-propelled device with two (2) non-tandem wheels
in contact with the ground, a system of steering and stopping the unit under typical operating
conditions, a motor not exceeding one horsepower of 750 watts, and a deck design for a per-
son to stand while operating the device.
Private Passenger Carrier—any motor vehicle for hire designed to transport 15 or fewer pas-
sengers, including the driver, and operated to transport an employee of the person that hires
the motor vehicle.
Provisional License—a Utah license issued to any person under 21 years of age.
Regular CDL—the evidence of the privilege to drive a commercial motor vehicle issued to a U.S.
Citizen, a U.S. National, or a Legal Permanent Resident Alien.
Regular Identification Card—an identification card issued to a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. National, or a
Legal Permanent Resident Alien.
Regular License Certificate—the evidence of the privilege to drive a motor vehicle issued to a
U.S. Citizen, a U.S. National, or a Legal Permanent Resident Alien.
Revocation—termination of the privilege to drive a motor vehicle.
Roundabout—a traffic roundabout is a circular intersection that flows counterclockwise.
School Bus—commercial motor vehicle used to transport pre-primary, primary, or secondary
school students to and from home and school or to and from school-sponsored events.

2
Street-Legal All-Terrain—an all-terrain type I or utility-type vehicle modified to operate on high-
ways.
Suspension—temporary withdrawal of the privilege to drive.
Taxicab—a Class D motor vehicle transporting any number of passengers for hire and which is
subject to state or federal regulations as a taxi.
Temporary Driving Permit—a temporary license allowing driving privileges up to six (6) months,
not available for driving privilege card (DPC) holders.
Traffic Check—a defensive driving scan for other traffic, pedestrians, or any other obstacles you
may encounter while driving.
Vehicle—a device by which any person or property may be transported upon a highway except
devices used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks.

3
SECTION 2: Licensing Requirements
Every resident of Utah who drives a motor vehicle on the highways (any public roadway) must
have a valid Utah driver license, learner permit, or temporary driving permit.

A. RESIDENTS
඘ඍකඛ඗ඖඛ ඊඍඋ඗ඕඍ කඍඛඑඌඍඖගඛ එඎ ගඐඍඡ:
 Enter the state to make Utah home.
 Remain in the state for six (6) months or more during any calendar year.
 Obtain a driver license or register a motor vehicle in Utah.
 Obtain privileges not extended to non-residents, including school tuition.
 Are gainfully employed in Utah (this does not apply if you are on a temporary assign-
ment in the state.)
඘ඍකඛ඗ඖඛ ඟඐ඗ ඌ඗ ඖ඗ග ඖඍඍඌ ඉ Uගඉඐ ඌකඑඞඍක ඔඑඋඍඖඛඍ:
 Non-residents licensed by another state or country may drive in Utah if they are at least
16 years of age.
 Non-residents licensed by another state or country temporarily assigned by an employ-
er, religious or private organization, or governmental entity.
 Non-resident military service personnel and dependents temporarily assigned in Utah
may drive with a valid out-of-state or out-of-country driver license.
඘ඍකඛ඗ඖඛ ඟඐ඗ ඕඉඡ ඖ඗ග ඐඉඞඍ ඉ Uගඉඐ ඌකඑඞඍක ඔඑඋඍඖඛඍ:
 If you are under the required age of 16.
 If your driving privilege is denied, suspended, revoked, or disqualified in Utah or any
other state.
 If you are physically or mentally unable to drive safely.
 If you have not passed the required examinations.
 If you have a traffic citation or other warrant that has not been settled.
 If you are not a resident of the state.
 If you are under 18 years of age, have not held a learner permit for six (6) months, and
completed a driver education course.
Persons are not required to obtain a driver license to drive road rollers, road machinery, or farm
tractors on Utah highways if the person is driving the vehicle in conjunction with a construction or
agricultural activity.
Visitors with a valid out-of-state or out-of-country driver license may drive in Utah for up to six (6)
months.
By law, you may not possess more than one REAL ID-compliant certificate at a time (e.g., a Utah
driver license and a Colorado ID.)
4
B. DRIVER LICENSE COMPACT
Utah is a member of the Driver License Compact (DLC) and the Non-Resident Violator Com-
pact (NRVC.) The DLC provides guidelines for greater cooperation among members in driver
license matters. Member jurisdictions exchange driver records and forward convictions for traffic
offenses to the driver’s home state. There are 45 states, plus the District of Columbia
(Washington D.C.) that are members of the DLC. States that are NOT members of the DLC are
Georgia, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Tennessee.
The NRVC allows members to forward notices from their courts when an out-of-state driver still
needs to comply with the terms of a traffic citation.
The driver’s home state will suspend the driver’s privilege to drive until satisfactory evidence is
received that the driver has complied with the terms of the citation in the member’s state.
This compact also facilitates the release of out-of-state drivers cited by law enforcement instead
of incarcerating them or requiring the posting of bonds. Forty-four states, plus the District of Co-
lumbia (Washington D.C.), are members of the NRVC. States NOT members of the NRVC are
Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, and Wisconsin.

5
SECTION 3: Driver Education & Permits

A. DRIVER EDUCATION
The State Office of Education approves all Utah high school driver education courses. The Driver
License Division approves all private/commercial driver education courses in Utah.
කඍ඙ඝඑකඍඌ ඌකඑඞඍක ඍඌඝඋඉගඑ඗ඖ ඐ඗ඝකඛ:
 27 hours of high school classroom instruction, or 18
hours of commercial/private school, or 30 hours of
Utah-approved online/home study; and
 6 hours behind the wheel instruction; and
 6 hours of observation by a licensed instructor (may
be required by school.)
඗ඝග-඗ඎ-ඛගඉගඍ ඌකඑඞඍක ඍඌඝඋඉගඑ඗ඖ
Out-of-state driver education course completion certificates must meet Utah's required hours, and
the DLD200 form must be completed. You may make up the remaining hours at an approved
Utah driving school if additional training is needed. Out-of-state online or home study course
certificates will not be accepted.
උ඗ඕ඘ඔඍගඑ඗ඖ ඗ඎ ඌකඑඞඍක ඍඌඝඋඉගඑ඗ඖ ඎ඗ක ඉඏඍඛ 15-18
Applicants 15-18 must complete an approved driver education course before being licensed in
Utah.
Local school districts may allow a student to complete the classroom instruction portion of driver
education in public schools; through a home study program; or electronic high school; and they
may allow the student to complete the behind-the-wheel portion of driver education with a private
provider. A student must also complete 40 hours of driving (10 hours after sunset) with a parent
or legal guardian.
උ඗ඕ඘ඔඍගඑ඗ඖ ඗ඎ ඌකඑඞඍක ඍඌඝඋඉගඑ඗ඖ ඉඏඍ 19+
Applicants 19 years of age or older who have never been licensed to drive a motor vehicle may
be licensed without completing a driver education course if they hold a learner permit for 90 days
and complete at least 40 hours of driving (10 hours after sunset.) OR applicants may complete an
approved driver education course and waive the 90-day learner permit requirement.

B. LEARNER PERMIT
ඍඖගකඡ-ඔඍඞඍඔ ඔඍඉකඖඍක ඘ඍකඕඑග
All applicants applying for an entry-level learner permit (the permit will allow the applicant to par-
ticipate in a driver education course and to practice driving until they are eligible to apply for a
driver license) must schedule a learner permit appointment by visiting our website at
dld.utah.gov, provide required documentation, pay the applicable fee, successfully pass the writ-
ten knowledge test and an eye test.

6
The written knowledge test scores for an entry-level learner permit are valid for 18 months. If you
renew or let your permit expire, you must retake the written knowledge test.
The entry-level learner permit is valid for 18 months and entitles you to drive a regular motor vehi-
cle if:
 You have reached a minimum age of 15.
 The person sitting next to you is a licensed parent, legal guardian, approved driving in-
structor, or responsible adult who signed for financial responsibility (passengers may
be in the vehicle.)
 Learner permit must be in your immediate possession.
6-ඕ඗ඖගඐ ඔඍඉකඖඍක ඘ඍකඕඑග (කඍඖඍඟඉඔ ඘ඍකඕඑග):
 You have reached a minimum age of 16.
 The person sitting next to you is a licensed parent, legal guardian, approved driving in-
structor, or responsible adult who signed for financial responsibility (passengers may
be in the vehicle.)
 You have completed driver education and held a learner permit for at least six (6)
months if you are 16 or 17 years of age. If you are 19 years or older, you must hold the
learner permit for 90 days.
 Learner permit must be in your immediate possession.
 The written knowledge test scores for a learner permit are valid for 18 months.
ඔඍඉකඖඍක ඘ඍකඕඑග ඐ඗ඔඌඑඖඏ ඘ඍකඑ඗ඌඛ
Depending on your age, a learner permit must be held for a period of time to be eligible to obtain
a first-time regular Class D driver license:
 Age 16—6 months
 Age 17—6 months
 Age 18—no holding period, but applicant must complete an approved driver education
course
 Age 19+—90 days (unless applicant completes an approved driver education course)

7
DRIVING BY MINORS—YOUTHFUL DRIVER RESTRICTIONS
Age Nighttime Exception to Front seat passenger Other passenger Exceptions to other
restrictions nighttime driving restrictions with learner restrictions passenger
restrictions restrictions

15 None N/A Front seat passenger must None N/A

be a parent, guardian, driv-
ing instructor, or responsible
adult who signed for financial
responsibility

16 12 am—5 am Accompanied by a Front seat passenger must If you have a driver Accompanied by a
licensed driver 21 be a parent, guardian, driv- license (not permit) licensed driver 21
years of age in the ing instructor, or responsible immediate family years of age in the
front seat adult who signed for financial members only in vehi- front seat
responsibility cle until 6 months from
On agricultural On agricultural as-
issue date
assignment signment
Driving to and from Emergency situations
work
Driving to and from
a school sponsored
activity
Emergency situa-
tions

17 None N/A Front seat passenger must If you have a driver

be a parent, guardian, driv- license (not permit)
ing instructor, or responsible immediate family
adult who signed for financial members only in vehi-
responsibility cle until 6 months from
issue date
18 None N/A Accompanied by a licensed None N/A
driver 21 years of age in the
front seat

19+ None N/A Accompanied by a licensed None N/A

driver 21 years of age in the
front seat

C. DRIVER LICENSE FEES

Provisional Class D $39.00 Extension of license by mail $42.00 CDL knowledge test $52.00
Utah license (under 21) Extension of license by mail $22.00 CDL skills test $78.00
Regular Class D $52.00 (65 and older) CDL endorsements $9.00
Utah license (21 & over) Duplicate license $23.00 Reinstatement of license $40.00
Learner permit $19.00 IdenƟcaƟon card $23.00 Reinstatement of license for $85.00
Renewal of license $52.00 Disability IdenƟcaƟon card $17.00 alcohol/drug
Renewal of license $27.00 Taxi endorsement $14.00 AdministraƟve fee for license $255.00
(65 & older) alcohol/drug reinstatement
Motorcycle endorsement $18.00
DPC license renewal $23.00 MVR (driving record) $8.00
Limited-Term license $32.00
original and renewal

8
SECTION 4: Driver License Types, ID Card,
Required Documentation

A. LICENSE TYPES
කඍඏඝඔඉක උඔඉඛඛ ඌ ඌකඑඞඍක ඔඑඋඍඖඛඍ
To obtain an original regular Class D license, you must be at least 16 years of age. If you are
younger than 19, you must have completed an approved driver education course or have proof of
a license from another state or country. This driver license allows you to drive all personal vehi-
cles (up to 26,000 pounds.) Applicants younger than the age of 21 are issued a provisional Class
D regular driver license for the purpose of using a separate point system.
ඔඑඕඑගඍඌ-ගඍකඕ ඌකඑඞඍක ඔඑඋඍඖඛඍ
A limited-term driver license is issued to a non-U.S. Citizen in the United States with a lawful sta-
tus that has been verified and qualifies for a REAL ID certificate.
ඌකඑඞඑඖඏ ඘කඑඞඑඔඍඏඍ උඉකඌ (DPC)
A DPC may be issued to a person who is legally allowed to be in the United States as a parolee
or another legal status that is not eligible for REAL ID, or if you are an undocumented immigrant
in the United States. The DPC may be used for driving purposes only; it is not valid identification
or age verification. The DPC expires each year on the applicant’s birthday. Except as provided
by law, the same provisions, requirements, classes, endorsements, fees, restrictions, and sanc-
tions apply to the DPC, as apply to the regular Class D driver license.
Note: Utah state law does not allow for the issuance of a temporary driving permit for a DPC.
Therefore, no drive time will be permitted until the plastic card is received by mail.
Uගඉඐ'ඛ උ඗ඕඕඍකඋඑඉඔ ඌකඑඞඍක ඔඑඋඍඖඛඍ (CDL)
To view the CDL manual, click this link or scan the QR code.

9
 A No Restrictions
B. ENDORSEMENTS and
B Driver must wear corrective lenses
RESTRICTIONS C Mechanical aid or compensatory device required
while driving
ඍඖඌ඗කඛඍඕඍඖග උ඗ඌඍඛ
D Prosthetic aid must be used while driving
H Hazardous Materials
E Restricts the driver from driving a commercial mo-
M Motorcycles tor vehicle with a manual transmission
N Tankers F Restricted to driving a vehicle with outside rear-
P Passengers view mirrors

S School Bus G Restricted to driving during daylight hours only

T Doubles & Triple Tankers J Restricts the driver for any other restrictions
deemed necessary by the division
X Hazmat & Tankers
K Restricted to intrastate operation of commercial
Z Taxicab
vehicles
L Restricted to vehicles with no air brakes
කඍඛගකඑඋගඑ඗ඖඛ
M Restricts driver from transporting passengers using
2 Restricted to operating a motorcycle with 249 cc or a Class A bus
less N Restricts driver from transporting passengers using
3 Restricted to operating a motorcycle with 649 cc or a Class A or Class B bus
less O Restricts driver from driving a commercial motor
4 Restricted to operating a street legal ATV vehicle equipped with a tractor trailer
P Restricts CDL driver with a school bus or passen-
ger endorsement from having passengers in com-
5 Restricted to operating a motorcycle with 90 cc or
mercial motor vehicle

6 Restricted to operating a motor vehicle on roads U Restricted to operating only three-wheeled motor-
with a posted speed limit of 40 mph or less cycles

7 Restricts driver to operating a motor vehicle with V Indicates that the driver has been issued a vari-
an automatic transmission ance by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin-
istration in reference to the driver’s medical certifi-
cation status
Z Restricts driver from driving a commercial motor
vehicle with non-fully equipped air brakes

10
C. OBTAINING A DRIVER LICENSE
It is always unfortunate when people spend time and gas coming to one of our offices only to find
out they cannot be helped for some reason. To best assist you at the Driver License Division and
to ensure your visit is as fast and efficient as possible, please do the following:
 Go to dld.utah.gov under “Driver License” and select “U.S. Citizen or Non-U.S. Citi-
zen” and then the license type that best describes the service you need. Fill out the
ONLINE APPLICATION and you will be prompted to schedule an appointment. Using
the online application and appointment scheduler will result in faster service, as those
who have appointments will be served before walk-in applicants.
 Double-check you have all the correct documentation before visiting a driver license
office, including your confirmation number for your scheduled appointment.
 All documents must be original or certified copies by the issuing agency. Faxed or pho-
tocopied documents will NOT be accepted.
 All documents are subject to department review and approval. Additional information
may be required; in some cases, document approval may NOT occur on the same day
and may require a further visit.
 Any name variation from your identity document must be accompanied by legal author-
izing documentation. These include state-certified marriage certificate, divorce decree,
updated passport, amended birth certificate, adoption paperwork, citizenship/
naturalization certificate, or court documents indicating the name change sealed by the
court.
 All documents provided to the division will be imaged and stored in a secure database
and immediately returned to the applicant.
 Arrive on time for your appointment to complete processing, including taking a written
knowledge test. A driving skills test may require an additional appointment. We cannot
guarantee the completion of the necessary processing after closing time.
 Driving skills tests will not be provided when conditions exist that could create unsafe
driving. Those conditions include inclement weather and vehicles that are not regis-
tered or are unsafe (i.e., broken windshield or no safety belts.)
 Although you may pay for your driver license by check, credit card, or cash, there are a
few things you should know. Checks must be made payable to the Department of Pub-
lic Safety in the correct amount. We cannot cash payroll or two-party checks. If the
bank returns your check, you must pay a $20 service charge to keep your driving privi-
lege.
For additional information on acceptable documentation, please visit dld.utah.gov/required-
documentation/.
Note: If you schedule an appointment outside of the correct service, for example, a driving skills
test scheduled under renewal, your scheduled appointment may not be fulfilled, and you may
have to reschedule under the correct service.

11
D. DRIVER LICENSE (CERTIFICATE)
඗ඊගඉඑඖඑඖඏ ඉ ඌකඑඞඍක ඔඑඋඍඖඛඍ උඍකගඑඎඑඋඉගඍ කඍ඙ඝඑකඍඛ:
 Driver education completion certificate, or have a “clear” license status from another
state or country.
 Assumption of financial liability.
 Acceptable proof of identity and lawful presence in the United States.
 Two (2) acceptable documents as evidence of your Utah residence address.
 Acceptable proof of your full social security number or proof of ineligibility to obtain a
social security number as a result of lawful presence status.
 Payment of applicable fees.
 Completion of driver license application.
 Eye examination.
 Written knowledge/driving skills test.
 Photo.

E. IDENTITY AND RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

Every applicant will need to provide acceptable proof of their identity.
An individuals lawful status will determine what type of driving certificate or identification card the
applicant is eligible to obtain.
U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, and Legal Permanent Resident Aliens can apply for a regular Class
D driver license, regular CDL, or a regular identification card.
Applicants not U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or Legal Permanent Resident Aliens who have proof
of lawful presence in the United States can apply for a limited-term driver license, limited-term
CDL, or a limited-term identification card.
Applicants who do not meet the lawful presence requirements to obtain a regular or limited-term
driver license may be eligible to apply for a driving privilege card (DPC).
Note: When changing a name, a legal document granting the name change must be furnished.
Examples: government-issued marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
To protect an applicant’s identity, the division has adopted stringent guidelines for accepting iden-
tity documents. Additionally, the division seeks prosecution and sanctions against anyone sub-
mitting fraudulent documents or committing a fraud in the application process. The division seeks
the best-documented evidence to establish credible identification of the applicant by requesting a
state-certified birth certificate (hospital-issued, miniature, laminated, or photocopied certificates
are not acceptable.)

12
කඍඏඝඔඉක උඔඉඛඛ ඌ ඌකඑඞඍක ඔඑඋඍඖඛඍ ඉඖඌ එඌඍඖගඑඎඑඋඉගඑ඗ඖ උඉකඌ (එඌ)
Acceptable documents for a regular Class D driver license or identification card. Identity and law-
ful status verification (must provide one):
 Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
 Certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Statistics or equiva-
lent agency in your state of birth (small laminated birth certificates or hospital certifi-
cates are not accepted.)
 Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. Department of State, form
FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545.
 Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card, Conditional Permanent Resident Card,
form I-551.
 Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS, form N-550 or form N-570.
 Certificate of Citizenship issued by DHS, form N-560 or form N-561.
~AND~
Social security verification (must provide one):
 Social security card issued by the U.S. government that has been signed (stub will not
be accepted.)
 If the social security card is not available, you may present one of the following docu-
ments that includes your name and full social security number:
 W-2 form
 SSA-1099 form
 Non SSA-1099 form
 Pay stub
 Letter from the Social Security Administration indicating ineligibility to obtain a social
security number as a result of lawful presence status.
~AND~
Utah residency and mailing address verification (must provide two), and it must display your
name; address, and be dated within 90 days:
 Bank statement
 Court documents
 Current mortgage or rental contract
 Major credit card bill
 Property tax notice
 School transcript
 Utility bill
 Vehicle title

13
 ~AND~
Proof of driving experience required for first Utah driver license (not required when obtaining a
learner permit or an identification card):
 Evidence of completion of a course in driver education if under the age of 19, or
 Evidence of a driving privilege issued in another state or country.

ඔඑඕඑගඍඌ-ගඍකඕ ඌකඑඞඍක ඔඑඋඍඖඛඍ

Acceptable documents for a limited-term driving certificate or identification card. Identity and law-
ful status verification (must provide one):
 Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by DHS, form I-766 or
form I-688B; verified by the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system
(SAVE).
 Unexpired foreign passport with a valid visa and I-94 verified through SAVE.
~AND~
A document issued by the U.S. Federal Government that establishes proof of one of the below
statuses providing evidence of lawful entrance into the United States of America verified through
SAVE:
 Unexpired immigrant or nonimmigrant visa status for admission into the United States
issued by the U.S. Federal Government.
 Pending or approved application for asylum in the United States.
 Admission into the United States as a refugee.
 Pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the United States.
 Approved deferred action status.
 Pending application for adjustment of status to legal permanent resident.
 Covered humanitarian parolee.
~AND~
Social security verification (must provide one):
 Social security card issued by the U.S. government that has been signed (stub will not
be accepted.)
 If the social security card is not available, the applicant may present one of the follow-
ing documents which contains the applicant’s name and full social security number:
 W-2 form
 SSA-1099 form
 Non SSA-1099 form
 Pay stub
 Letter from the Social Security Administration indicating ineligibility to obtain a social
security number as a result of lawful presence status.

14
 ~AND~
Utah residency and mailing address verification (must provide two), and it must display your
name; address, and be dated within 90 days:
 Bank statement
 Court documents
 Current mortgage or rental contract
 Major credit card bill
 Property tax notice
 School transcript
 Utility bill
 Vehicle title
~AND~
Proof of driving experience required for original Utah driver license (not required when obtaining a
learner permit):
 Evidence of completion of a course in driver education if under the age of 19; or
 Evidence of a driving privilege issued in another state or country.

ඌකඑඞඑඖඏ ඘කඑඞඑඔඍඏඍ උඉකඌ (DPC)

Acceptable documents for a driving privilege card (DPC)
Identity and lawful status verification (must provide one):
 Foreign birth certificate or unexpired foreign passport, including a certified translation if
the document is not in English.
 Unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) issued by DHS.
~AND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING~
 Church records
 Court records
 Driver license
 Employee ID
 Insurance ID card
 Matricular consular card (issued in Utah)
 Mexican voter registration card
 School records
 Utah Driving Privilege Card (DPC)
~AND~
Social security verification or individual tax identification number (must provide one):

15
  Social security card issued by the U.S. government that has been signed (stub will not
be accepted.)
 If the social security card is not available, you may present one of the following docu-
ments that includes your name and full social security number:
 W-2 form
 SSA-1099 form
 Non SSA-1099 form
 Pay stub
 Individual tax identification number (ITIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
 Document or letter from the IRS verifying the ITIN.
~AND~
Utah residency and mailing address verification (must provide two), and it must display your
name; address, and be dated within 90 days:
 Bank statement
 Court documents
 Current mortgage or rental contract
 Major credit card bill
 Property tax notice
 School transcript
 Utility bill
 Vehicle title
~AND~
Fingerprint card and photo (additional fee required.) It must be obtained and placed in a sealed
envelope at the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), a participating law enforcement agency,
or an approved fingerprint vendor. It is only required for an original application.
~AND~
Proof of driving experience required for first Utah driver license (not required when obtaining a
learner permit):
 Evidence of completion of a course in driver education if under the age of 19; or
 Evidence of a driving privilege issued in another state or country.

16
F. OUT-OF-STATE DRIVER LICENSE
Drivers who have never been licensed in Utah, first-time drivers, and drivers who change from
one license classification to another will be issued an original driver license. The driver license
will expire on the applicant’s birthday eight (8) years after issue when over 21. Provisional licens-
es (licenses issued to an applicant under 21 years of age) will expire on the applicant’s birthday
five (5) years after issue.
Note: Your out-of-state driver license must be surrendered upon application for a Utah driver li-
cense.
Visitors with a valid out-of-state or out-of-country license may drive in Utah for up to six (6)
months.
Drivers with an out-of-state learner permit may NOT drive in Utah. To apply for a Utah driver li-
cense, please visit our website at dld.utah.gov and schedule an appointment.

G. RENEWAL, REPLACEMENT, LAPSED/EXPIRED

කඍඖඍඟඉඔ
To renew your regular Utah driver license, schedule a renewal appointment by visiting our web-
site at dld.utah.gov. You may renew your driver license up to six (6) months before the expira-
tion of the license. After paying the fee and passing the required tests (if any), you will be issued
a new driver license that will expire on your birthday eight (8) years after issue.
Military personnel and dependents who reside with them who had a valid Utah driver license at
the time of entry into the service may continue to use that driver license up to 90 days after dis-
charge or termination of orders (this provision applies only to members and their dependents who
are stationed/residing outside of Utah.)
A civilian employee of the United States Department of Defense or State Department and their
dependents working outside the United States may continue using their Utah driver license up to
90 days after the assignment has been terminated or changed.
Limited-term driver license holder must present acceptable proof of lawful presence documents
when renewing.
කඍ඘ඔඉඋඍඕඍඖග
If you have lost your Utah driver license, you can schedule a duplicate license appointment by
visiting our website at dld.utah.gov. Limited-term driver license holder must present acceptable
proof of lawful presence documents. In addition, an eye exam must be passed and a new photo-
graph taken. The expiration date of a replacement driver license will be the same date as the li-
cense it replaces.
All drivers wanting to change their address must provide two (2) approved forms of address
change verification to receive the replacement and pay the applicable fee.
ඔඉ඘ඛඍඌ/ඍච඘එකඍඌ
If your driver license has expired, schedule a renewal appointment on our website dld.utah.gov.
You may have to complete the written knowledge and driving skills tests again, depending on the
length of expiration.

17
Uගඉඐ’ඛ ඏ඗඗ඌ ඌකඑඞඍක ඘ක඗ඏකඉඕ ඍචගඍඖඛඑ඗ඖඛ ඉඖඌ කඍඖඍඟඉඔඛ ඊඡ එඖගඍකඖඍග ඎ඗ක
කඍඏඝඔඉක ඌකඑඞඍක ඔඑඋඍඖඛඍ ඐ඗ඔඌඍකඛ
If you have NOT received more than six (6) reportable violations in the past eight (8) years, and
your driver license status is currently valid, you are eligible for Utah’s good driver program. You
will receive an extension (online renewal) notice by mail approximately 90 days before your birth-
day, if the division has record of your current address.

H. ADDRESS CHANGE
If you have a change of address, you are required by law to notify the division of the new address
within TEN DAYS of moving. This may be done online. This is important because the post of-
fice will not forward mail from the Driver License Division. If you would like your new address on
your driver license, you will need to schedule an appointment for a replacement driver license by
visiting our website at dld.utah.gov.

I. IDENTIFICATION CARD
Only a Utah resident may obtain a Utah identification card.
Utah law does NOT allow an individual to have a driver license certificate and an identification
card at the same time. To apply, schedule an identification card appointment on our website at
dld.utah.gov.

18
SECTION 5: Vision and Health
Driving is one of the most dangerous things that you will ever do. Being in good health when you
drive and making good choices is essential. Here are ways to be a safer driver.

A. EYE (VISION) TEST

The division requires 20/40 vision and peripheral fields (side vision) of 90° in at
least one eye to pass the vision test. If you fail to meet this standard with or with-
out glasses, you must get a statement from your eye doctor. The statement must
be presented before your application can be completed. It should indicate specific
vision conditions and suggested restrictions, if any. A vision test is required on all
applications processed in a field office. Everyone age 65 and older is required to
pass a vision test with every license application.

B. HEALTH CONDITIONS AND DRIVING SAFETY

In 1979, the Utah State Legislature made provisions for increasing highway safety while allowing
many people with health concerns to drive within appropriate safety limits.
The law states that individuals are personally responsible for ensuring they are in reasonably
good health when driving. If a person has a health condition that may affect their ability to drive a
vehicle safely, they are responsible for reporting it to the Driver License Division and are ex-
pected to seek competent medical evaluation and advice. Their physicians are responsible for
advising them about their health related to driving safety. A physician does not have the authority
to restrict anyone’s driving but is responsible for reporting accurately about a patient’s health sta-
tus. This report may permit a license with restrictions or, in some cases, a denial of your license
for safety reasons.
The legislature also set up a Driver License Medical Advisory Board to advise physicians and the
Driver License Division. The board emphasizes the functional ability to drive a vehicle safely ra-
ther than stressing impairments. It developed a form, “Functional Ability Evaluation Medical Re-
port,” or “Guidelines” to help physicians advise their patients and simplify reporting.
The guidelines include possible health concerns in the following 11 categories:
 (A) Diabetes and metabolic conditions
 (B) Cardiovascular (heart)
 (C) Pulmonary (lung)
 (D) Neurologic (nervous system)
 (E) Seizures and other episodic conditions
 (F) Learning, memory, and communication disorders
 (G) Mental health
 (H) Alcohol and other drugs
 (I) Visual disorders
19
  (J) Musculoskeletal abnormality or chronic debility
 (K) Alertness or sleep disorders
In some circumstances, it might be appropriate for the Medical Advisory Board to review a case
to help determine driving eligibility.
You will be asked to answer health-related questions when applying for your Utah driver license.
If there is a health concern, you will be given a Functional Ability Evaluation form to take to your
healthcare provider, who will complete a Functional Ability Safety Assessment.
The form is then returned to the Driver License Division, and if appropriate, a license to drive will
be issued based on previously determined levels of driving risk. For example, if there is a vision
concern and you cannot read highway signs at a distance, you may be considered unsafe to
drive, at reduced speeds, and a restricted license could be issued.
If you have a health condition, ask your physician how it might affect your driving. Many medica-
tions may cause drowsiness or other difficulties; therefore, a physician may advise against driving
until a suitable dosage schedule has been worked out that will not impair driving. Abuse or ex-
cessive use of prescription drugs has caused many serious accidents and should be avoided.
You have the final responsibility for knowing your abilities and for driving safely.
The guidelines require higher standards of fitness for drivers of commercial motor vehicles than
for private vehicles, but the principles are the same.
ඕඍඖගඉඔ ඉඖඌ ඐඍඉඔගඐ උ඗ඖඌඑගඑ඗ඖඛ
Mental and health conditions are just as important as physical health concerns. If your mind is
not on your driving, you are probably not driving safely. Some forms of behavior that often pro-
vide hints about our mental health are:
 Finding that you are always mad at other drivers and sometimes try to “get even.”
 Tending to be excessively confused or frustrated when traffic becomes heavy.
 Being so depressed and worried about things that your attention is not always on the
road.
 You are frequently getting traffic citations.
 Having trouble adjusting to an emotional shock such as the loss of a loved one.
If you are angry or excited, give yourself time to cool off. Take a walk or talk to a friend. Do any-
thing, but stay off the road until you have cooled down.
If you are worried about something, do something that will allow you to concentrate on driving.
Listen to the radio or sing to yourself.
If you are impatient, give yourself extra time. If you leave a few minutes early, you will not feel
the need to speed, beat traffic signals, or do other things that can get you a traffic citation or
cause a crash.

C. REVIEW EXAMINATION
Sometimes, the division will request that a driver appear for a review examination. The request
for an evaluation may be based upon a request from:

20
  Medical professional.
 Confidential reporting.
 A law enforcement officer observed a driving situation that questioned the driver’s abil-
ity to operate a motor vehicle safely.
 Another individual or agency indicates a driver may be impaired.
 Having a medical condition that requires assessing the functional ability to drive.
A review examination does not necessarily lead to withdrawing the driving privilege. In most cas-
es, upon completion of the review process, a driver is allowed to drive under applicable re-
strictions if deemed safe by the division. The driving privilege will be withdrawn if an individual
does not complete a required review examination.
After the review examination has been completed, a hearing officer will discuss the results with
the driver and will review the medical evaluation. The hearing officer will take into account:
 The driving needs of the individual.
 The type of roads or highways used.
 The traffic conditions usually experienced, etc.
The hearing officer will also refer to guidelines established by the Driver License Medical Advisory
Board as they relate to the medical form provided by the driver. The hearing officer will then de-
cide whether any restrictions need to be placed on the license. Only when the division deter-
mines that a driver cannot operate a vehicle safely under any conditions is the driver license with-
drawn. Often no restrictions are required, but when they are, one or more restrictions are speci-
fied on the license.

21
SECTION 6: Examinations

A. WRITTEN KNOWLEDGE TEST

The primary purpose of a written knowledge test is to ensure you have the information needed to
drive safely. The written knowledge test measures a sample of what you know, but it shows you
have a basic understanding of Utah laws and safe driving practices. The questions are based on
the information provided in this handbook. The written knowledge test is not timed, but it general-
ly takes 30 to 45 minutes to finish, and you must pass with a score of 80% or better.
You can take two (2) written knowledge tests per day, provided
the division can facilitate the testing. If you need to return to
the office after a failed attempt, a written retest appointment will
need to be scheduled.
The fee allows for not more than three (3) attempts to pass the
written knowledge test within 12 months. After three (3) failed
attempts at the written knowledge test, you may pay another
fee for an opportunity for three (3) more attempts to pass the
written knowledge test within six (6) months.

B. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND TRENDS EXAM

All first-time driver license applicants will be required to pass an additional test and receive 100%
to obtain their first-time regular Class D driver license. This exam is only offered on the Driver
License Division website and may be taken as often as necessary before licensing. 50% of the
questions will relate to significant causes of traffic-related deaths as identified in statistics pub-
lished by the Utah Highway Safety Office.

C. DRIVING SKILLS TEST

You will be required to demonstrate your driving ability and provide the vehicle for the driving
skills test. The vehicle must be properly registered and comply with vehicle safety laws, including
functioning safety belts. The vehicle may be rejected if its condition could cause harm to the ex-
aminer’s person or clothes. You must:
 Be at least 16 years of age to take a driving skills test at the DLD. If you arrive for a
scheduled test and have not met the requirements, you will need to reschedule your
test.
 Be at least 15 years of age to take a driving skills test with a Third-Party Tester or high
school.
The applicant and the examiner are the only occupants allowed in the vehicle during the driving
skills test. In addition to road rules and regulations, you will be scored on:
 General behavior and attitude.
 The use of proper driving techniques.

22
  Driving posture and adequate use of lanes.
 Left, right, and three-point turns.
 Starting and stopping.
 Parking on hills, between cars, and parallel parking.
 Observance of traffic signs and signals, backing, U-
turns, and steering coordination.
 Attention at intersections.
 Overall ability to operate the vehicle safely and ap-
propriately.
During the driving skills test, the driver license examiner will instruct you through the test. You
will be asked to follow the directions of the examiner, who will be scoring you on specific driving
maneuvers. You will not be asked to do anything unsafe or illegal.
If you fail the driving skills test, you will be expected to practice before taking another test. You
may only take one driving skills test daily and may have to wait several days or weeks before at-
tempting additional tests. The failure to pass the driving skills test in three (3) attempts will result
in paying another fee. All tests must be completed within six (6) months from the day you pay
your fee.
Any person may be asked to complete additional testing if the examiner feels the applicant’s driv-
ing ability may be questionable.
You can expect to be treated with respect, fairness, and courtesy during the examination process.
At the end of the driving skills test, the examiner will discuss the test results and provide recom-
mendations for possible improvement.
Your driving skills test will last about 20 minutes and will consist of the basic maneuvers men-
tioned above.
If you have any questions, please ask the examiner before your driving skills test begins. During
the test, the examiner will ask questions or give you directions, but will not engage in general con-
versation.
We want you to pass your driving skills test. Study this handbook, relax, and do your best!
Note: Driving skills tests (including motorcycle skills tests) are given by appointment only.
Schedule on our website at dld.utah.gov.
඘කඍ඘ඉකඍ ඎ඗ක ඡ඗ඝක ඌකඑඞඑඖඏ ඛඓඑඔඔඛ ගඍඛග
To succeed on your driving skills test, you should practice with a parent/guardian or friend who is
properly licensed and over the age of 21. Practice driving in low-traveled, residential areas until
you are confident you can drive in other traffic situations, such as urban areas and expressways.
It is also a good idea to watch a video demonstration on the required maneuvers to become famil-
iar with how to properly perform the maneuver. There are links available with each maneuver lat-
er in this book.
Before taking the driving skills test, you should have made an appointment. When arriving at the
office for your scheduled time:
 Present your learner permit or license certificate.

23
  Valid vehicle registration.
 Valid insurance.
 Valid driver license of the person who is at least 21 years of age or a parent, guardian
or spouse who is at least 18 years of age, accompanying you to the Driver License Of-
fice.
ගඍඛග ඞඍඐඑඋඔඍ කඍ඙ඝඑකඍඕඍඖගඛ
You must provide the vehicle for your driving skills test. The vehicle must be registered,
clean, and free of unnecessary debris and odor, and safe to drive. To avoid having to reschedule
your driving skills test, please ensure that your vehicle has:
 The rear plate must show current registration (front plate not required after January 1,
2025.)
 Both front and back turn signal lights and working brake lights.
 A working horn designed for the vehicle.
 Tires with no bald spots.
 Adequate brake pressure (you may be asked to step on the brake pedal to see if it
works properly.)
 A driver’s side window that rolls down.
 A windshield that allows an entire unobstructed field of vision.
 Two (2) rear view mirrors (one must be on the outside, to the driver’s left.)
 Driver and front passenger doors that open from both the inside and outside.
 A passenger seat is permanently attached to the vehicle.
 Working safety belts.
 Working emergency/parking brake.
Learning to drive safely does not end with your driving skills test. Your driver license means you
have met the driving test requirements. However, in everyday driving, you will have to deal with
many situations you did not encounter on the test. The best way to deal with unexpected situa-
tions is always to use safe driving habits and the responsible and courteous attitude you demon-
strated on your test. Good luck!
ගඐඑකඌ-඘ඉකගඡ ගඍඛගඍකඛ
Third-party testers are certified and licensed as commercial driver education instructors by the
division and can administer the driving skills test. A separate fee for testing will be required by
the third-party tester, which is not part of the licensing fees collected by the division. For a cur-
rent list of certified third-party testers, visit dld.utah.gov/driving-skills-test/.
ඉඌඌඑගඑ඗ඖඉඔ ගඍඛගඑඖඏ කඍ඙ඝඑකඍඕඍඖගඛ
You may be required to complete additional written knowledge or driving skills testing:
 If you have an expired learner permit.
 If you have not completed the application process within six (6) months of applying.

24
  If your previous testing has expired.
ඌඉඖඏඍක඗ඝඛ ඉඋගඑ඗ඖඛ/ඉඝග඗ඕඉගඑඋ ඎඉඑඔඝකඍඛ
If any of the following errors occur during the driving skills test, automatic failure will result:
 If you receive a traffic citation for a moving violation, disobey signs or signals, speed,
roll through stops, or ignore traffic laws.
 If you do not yield to pedestrians or other roadway users.
 If you are involved in an avoidable crash or if your vehicle has physical contact with
other vehicles, objects, or pedestrians.
 If you commit, any unsafe act or another driver is forced to take evasive action in order
to prevent a crash.
 If you put the vehicle over sidewalks or curbs unnecessarily.
 If the examiner has to take control of the vehicle.
 If you drive too fast or too slow.
ඛඉඎඍ ඌකඑඞඑඖඏ ගඑ඘ඛ
Practice these tips to improve your driving skills:
 Steer smoothly at all times with both hands on the outside of the wheel. You may use
the hand-over-hand or push-and-pull method.
 Accelerate smoothly. Don’t race the engine or make it stall.
 Stop the vehicle gently. Start braking well ahead of where you must stop to avoid sud-
den jerks. Know where to stop. Be aware of crosswalks. If your view is blocked at a
crosswalk, move forward carefully and look both ways before entering the intersection.
 Be sure your vehicle is in the correct gear. Don’t grind the gears. Don’t coast to a
stop.
 Always obey the posted speed limits. If needed, reduce your speed to adjust for
weather, road, and other traffic conditions.
 Follow at a safe distance. Use the two-second rule. Increase your following distance
in bad weather or poor visibility.
 Know what the traffic signals mean and obey them at all times.
 Always use the proper lane. Turn from the correct lane into the correct lane.
 Signal for all lane changes and turns.
 Always scan for potential hazards and check your mirrors frequently.
 Always look over the proper shoulder (head check/traffic check) before making lane
changes, pulling away from the curb, or making turns.
 Drive defensively. Anticipate another driver’s errors.

25
SECTION 7: Preparing Your Vehicle

A. ADJUSTING YOUR SEAT:

 Sit straight with your back against the seat and feet on the floor.
 Adjust your seat and mirrors so you can see clearly.
 You should be able to reach the foot pedals.
 You should leave 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel. Do not lean
the seat back.
 You should be able to move your foot easily from the brake to the gas pedal and keep
your heel on the floor.
 The top of the steering wheel should be no higher than your shoulders. It should be
below chin level.
 Your headrest should contact the back of your head above the level of your ears.

B. ADJUSTING YOUR MIRRORS

Adjust the inside mirror so that it frames the rear window. If you have a day/night mirror, ensure it
is set for the time of day you drive.
Adjust outside mirrors to give maximum view to the side and rear. How to adjust your outside
mirrors:
 To set the left side mirror, rest your head against the closed left window. Set the mirror
so you can barely see the rear left edge of your vehicle.
 To set the right side mirror, lean to the right so your head is directly below the rearview
mirror. Set the mirror so you can barely see the right side of your vehicle.

C. SAFETY BELTS
Always fasten your safety belt. Everyone in your vehicle must have a fastened safety belt or child
seat. Safety belts reduce injuries and deaths in crashes. They keep you from being thrown from
the vehicle. They help you keep control of your vehicle.
To wear the safety belt correctly:
 Pull the shoulder harness across your shoulder and chest until it is
snug; the lap belt should fit across the hips, not your stomach.
 The shoulder harness should not be under your arm or behind
your back.
 Fasten the buckle securely.
Motor vehicle crashes continue to be a major cause of death and injury to
individuals in Utah.

26
ඛඉඎඍගඡ ඊඍඔග ඎඉඋගඛ:
 Buckle up, It’s the law. All passengers must wear safety belts, and children ages eight
(8) and younger must be properly restrained in a car or booster seat.
 Your chances of being killed are 23 times greater if you are thrown from a car. Ejection
from the vehicle is one of the most severe events that can happen in a crash. Safety
belts help keep you in the car.
 70% of crashes occur at speeds under 40 mph. A safety belt should be worn at any
speed, regardless of how slow you are moving.
 In a crash, the forces exerted on your body equal your weight multiplied by the car’s
speed. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds and crash while traveling 30 mph, there
would be 4,500 pounds of force on your body. There is no way you can brace yourself
against that much force.
 Three (3) out of four (4) crashes resulting in death are within 25 miles of home. Not us-
ing a safety belt because you are just going to the store is a poor excuse—and danger-
ous.
 Less than half of one percent of all injury-producing collisions involve fire or submer-
sion. If fire or submersion does occur, a safety belt may keep you from being injured or
knocked unconscious, thus increasing your chances of escape.
 Drivers wearing safety belts have more control over their vehicles in emergencies and
are more likely to avoid a crash.
 In Utah, approximately two (2) out of three (3) motor vehicle deaths would not happen if
safety belts were worn.
ඛඉඎඍගඡ ඊඍඔග ඞඑ඗ඔඉගඑ඗ඖඛ
Remember, safety belts save lives. If you or anyone in your vehicle isn’t properly restrained, you
can be issued a citation for each unrestrained passenger. The fine may be waived upon complet-
ing an online, 30-minute safety belt safety course. You may be stopped and cited if anyone un-
der 16 years of age is unrestrained, and occupants of the vehicle 16 years and older may be cited
for a safety belt violation if stopped for another reason.
For proper safety belt and car seat usage, visit clickitutah.org.

D. CAR SEATS
Make sure child safety seats are used correctly:
 All children aged eight (8) and under must be properly secured in an approved child
safety seat unless they are 57 inches tall.
 Children must be rear-facing in the back seat until at least two (2) years of age and 30
pounds or longer if the car seat allows.
 Children must be forward facing with a harness in the back seat until at least four (4)
years of age and 40 pounds, or longer if the car seat allows.

27
  Children from approximately four (4) years of age and 40 pounds need to be in a boost-
er seat until the safety belt fits correctly and they are 57 inches tall.
 Children between eight (8) and 12 years old must be properly restrained in an appropri-
ate child restraint device or by a safety belt. Children 12 years of age and younger
should continue to ride in the back seat.
උඐඑඔඌ උඉක ඛඍඉග ඎඉඋගඛ:
 Approximately 500 Utah children under the age of five (5) are injured, and as many as
10 are killed each year in motor vehicle crashes.
 Authorized emergency vehicles, mopeds, motorcycles, school buses, and vehicles not
equipped with safety belts by the manufacturer are exempt from the motor vehicle safe-
ty belt usage act.
 Child car seats must be crash-tested to be approved for use. Check the labels on your
child’s car seat to be sure it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
඘ක඗ගඍඋගඑ඗ඖ ඗ඎ උඐඑඔඌකඍඖ
It is an infraction to be stopped for smoking in a vehicle while transporting children 15 years of
age or younger.

E. AIR BAGS
Air bags work! They save lives. Air bags are designed to work with safety belts, not replace
them. They do their job best when everyone is buckled, and children are properly restrained in
the back seat.
An air bag is not a soft, billowy pillow. To do its important job, an air bag comes out of the dash-
board at up to 200 mph—faster than the blink of an eye. The force of an air bag can hurt those
who are too close to it. Drivers can eliminate any danger to children from a deploying air bag by
properly restraining children in the back seat. With or without an air bag, the back seat is the saf-
est for children to ride.
Air bag related injuries can be prevented by following these critical safety points:
 Children twelve and under should ride buckled up in a rear seat, and child car seats
should be approved for their age and size.
 Infants should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag.
 Everyone should buckle up with both lap and shoulder belts on every trip.
 Driver and front seat passengers should be moved as far back as practical.
 If a child must ride in a seating position with an air bag, move the vehicle seat as far
back as possible and ensure they are correctly secured in an appropriate child car seat.
Many vehicles can also turn off the air bag when a child is present.
Note: It is a Class B misdemeanor if you remove, fail to have repaired, or modify your vehicle’s
air bag passive restraint system to render the air bag inoperable. Find more information at
safecar.gov.

28
SECTION 8: Basic Driving

A. STARTING THE ENGINE

Be sure the vehicle is in “P” (park) or the clutch is engaged if operating a vehicle with manual
gears. To start the engine, apply the brake, turn the ignition on and check the lights and gauges
(fuel level, ABS, air bags, etc.) Turn the ignition switch to start, turn on the low-beam headlights
and lock the doors.
ඕ඗ඞඑඖඏ ඎ඗කඟඉකඌ:
 Put the vehicle in gear.
 Perform a traffic check and head check.
 Signal if needed.
 Smoothly accelerate.

When performing the following maneuvers, you are expected to perform required head
checks, signals, and traffic checks.

B. BACKING (Reverse)
ඛගඍ඘ඛ ග඗ ඛඉඎඍඔඡ ඊඉඋඓ ඡ඗ඝක ඕ඗ග඗ක ඞඍඐඑඋඔඍ ඝ඘:
 Check behind the vehicle before you get in. You cannot see children or small objects
from the driver’s seat.
 Start the vehicle.
 Apply the brake and shift to reverse.
 Grasp the steering wheel with your left hand.
 Put your right arm on the back of the seat and look through the rear window. Your mir-
rors do not show the area right behind your vehicle.
 Back slowly. It is hard to steer while backing. Steer in the direction you want the rear
of the vehicle to move. If turning while backing, make quick checks to the front and
sides. Keep looking to the rear until you are stopped. Do not back up on a freeway or
interstate.
 Keep your vehicle on the right-hand side of the road, and do not back unnecessarily
long distances.

C. LANE CHANGES
During the driving skills test, you will be asked to change lanes to the left and back to the right.
You should make the necessary traffic checks first by:

29
  Checking your mirrors.
 Signal for at least two (2) seconds in the direction you intend to move.
 Check your “blind spot” by turning your head and looking over your shoulder in the
same direction.
 Drive defensively by making sure your lane change can be completed safely.
 Merge when safe.
 Maintain or adjust your speed to go with the flow of traffic.
 Cancel your turn signal.
඘ක඗඘ඍක ඔඉඖඍ ඝඛඉඏඍ
Do not put the vehicle over curbs, sidewalks, or lane markings. Complete a turn in the proper
lane on a multiple-lane road (vehicle should finish a left turn in the left-most lane, the one directly
to the right of the centerline.) Finish a right turn in the right-most (curb) lane. Move to or remain
in the right-most lane unless the lane is blocked. Do not attempt lane changes at intersections.
ඕඍකඏඑඖඏ ඉඖඌ ඏ඗කඍ ඉකඍඉ
If you are merging into a lane of traffic, you must yield the right-of-way to
all vehicles traveling the continuing traffic lane that are close enough to
be an immediate threat. It is against the law to cross over or to drive in
the “gore area.” The gore area is between the solid white lines of a lane
of traffic and a lane used to either enter or exit from that traffic lane. The
gore area can also appear when
two (2) highways merge or split.
Do not cross over the solid
white line.
Merge like a zipper. The ZIPPER METHOD is the idea of
alternating when merging at a congested merge point (i.e.,
construction zone.) Use both lanes of traffic until the vehi-
cles reach the merge point, and once the vehicles reach
the merge point, alternate, yielding the right-of-way into the
single-traffic lane. A violation of this section is an infrac-
tion.
කඍඏඝඔඉක ගකඉඎඎඑඋ උඐඍඋඓඛ/ඐඍඉඌ උඐඍඋඓඛ
Check traffic and mirrors regularly. Check traffic and mirrors before, during, and after an intersec-
tion, turn, or lane change. Watch for hazards by searching left and right at intersections, drive-
ways, store entrances, railroad tracks, or other areas where traffic intersects. Scan and check
traffic in high-volume areas and areas where pedestrians are expected to be present. Check traf-
fic by looking over your shoulder (head check) when necessary (i.e., lane change, merging.)
ඛග඗඘඘එඖඏ ඉග ඛග඗඘ ඔඑඖඍ, උක඗ඛඛඟඉඔඓ, ඗ක ඏඉ඘
Do not stop over a marked stop line, pedestrian crosswalk, sidewalk, or other markers when stop-
ping at a stop sign or traffic signal. Do not stop the vehicle at the intersection. When stopping
behind another vehicle, ensure you can see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front of you.

30
ඝඛඍ ඗ඎ ගඝකඖ ඛඑඏඖඉඔඛ
Use turn signals when required. Do not signal too early or too late. Cancel turn signals upon
completion of a turn or lane change.

D. PARKING
You must ensure that your vehicle is not a hazard when parked. Always park in a marked park-
ing area. When parking along the road, park your vehicle as far from traffic as possible. If there
is a curb, park close to it. In the interest of public safety, there are several places where you are
not allowed to park:
 On a sidewalk.
 In front of a public or private driveway.
 In an intersection.
 Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
 On a crosswalk.
 Within 20 feet of a crosswalk.
 Within 30 feet of any flashing beacon, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic control signal.
 In an area posted for pedestrian use or within 30 feet of the edges of that area.
 On any railroad track or within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.
 Within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station, if signs are posted, you may
not park on the opposite side of the road if you are within 75 feet of the fire station en-
trance.
 Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping or parking
would block traffic.
 On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street
(no double parking.)
 On any bridge or other elevated highway structure or in a highway tunnel.
 At any place where official signs prohibit stopping.
 On the shoulder of any interstate highway—these areas may be used only if your vehi-
cle breaks down or you are in physical distress.
 Red-painted curbs or red zones.
ඐඑඔඔ ඘ඉකඓඑඖඏ
To downhill park:
 Signal to the right as you approach the curb.
 Perform a head check over your right shoulder and pull parallel to the curb.
 Turn your wheel toward the curb, ensuring your front tire touches the curb to secure the
vehicle’s position.

31
  Put the vehicle in park and set the parking brake.
To uphill park:
 Signal to the right as you approach the curb.
 Perform a head check over your right shoulder and pull
parallel to the curb.
 Turn your wheel away from the curb while ensuring ve-
hicle’s front tire touches the curb to secure the vehicle’s
position (without a curb turn the wheel to the right.)
 Put the vehicle in park and set the parking brake.
Never leave your vehicle until you have set the parking brake, stopped the motor, and locked the
doors. Pull as far off the road as reasonable to park. If parking next to a curb, the back wheel of
your car must be no further than 12 inches away from the curb. If your parking would block the
flow of traffic, find another place to park.
ඖ඗ ඘ඉකඓඑඖඏ ජ඗ඖඍඛ
Check for signs or painted curbs that may ban or limit parking. Colored curb markings indi-
cate some no-parking zones.
඘ඉකඉඔඔඍඔ ඘ඉකඓඑඖඏ
When initiating a parallel park:
 Find a parking space. Check traffic, signal, and head check.
 Pull up parallel to the vehicle you are parking behind.
 When traffic is clear, shift to reverse and look to the rear.
 Back slowly while turning the steering wheel quickly. Continue backing until your front
bumper is in line with the rear bumper of the vehicle you are parking behind.
 Keep backing slowly while turning the steering wheel rapidly. Center your vehicle in
the space and stop before touching the vehicle’s bumper behind you. Shift to drive and
adjust your position in the space. The vehicle should be no more than 12 inches from
the curb.
 Ensure that your vehicle’s front bumper will clear the
vehicle ahead. If not, shift to reverse and adjust.
 Put the vehicle in park and set the parking brake.
When exiting:
 Check traffic and apply the brake. Shift to reverse and back up close to the vehicle
parked behind you.
 Check for traffic and signal. Shift to drive and move forward slowly.
 Move into the traffic lane when your vehicle clears the rear bumper of the vehicle
ahead of you.
඘ඍක඘ඍඖඌඑඋඝඔඉක ඉඖඌ ඉඖඏඔඍ ඘ඉකඓඑඖඏ
Entering a perpendicular or angle parking space:

32
  Identify the space in which you will park
and check traffic.
 Signal your intentions.
 Move forward slowly, turning the steering Perpendicular Parking Angle Parking
wheel left or right as appropriate until the
vehicle reaches the middle of the space.
 Center the vehicle in the space.
 Move to the front of the parking space, stop, and secure the vehicle.
Exiting a perpendicular or angle parking space:
 Check for traffic in all directions.
 Continue to check traffic and move straight back until your front bumper clears the vehi-
cle parked beside you.
 Turn the steering wheel sharply in the direction that the rear of your vehicle should
move.
 Stop and shift to drive when the vehicle clears the parking area space.
 Accelerate smoothly, steering as needed to straighten wheels.

E. PASSING
On multi-lane roads, the left lane is for passing slower vehicles. Never pass on the shoulder.
Pass as quickly and safely as possible. Do not stay alongside the other vehicle any longer than
you have to.
How to pass:
 Check for oncoming traffic.
 Check your mirrors and do a head check for vehicles following or passing you.
 Signal and steer into the passing lane.
 Adjust speed and move entirely into the left lane.
 Return to the right-hand lane no less than 200 feet from oncoming vehicles.
 Wait until you can see the passed vehicles in your rearview mirror.
 Signal before returning to the lane, steer into the lane, and adjust speed.
 When passing on the right, it is illegal to leave the roadway.
If you are being passed, stay in your lane and keep your speed steady to allow the driver to pass.
Never pass:
 If there is an oncoming vehicle.

33
  If a curve or hill blocks your view.
 At intersections, or another car when stopped at a crosswalk.
 Before a railroad crossing or bridge.
 In a no-passing zone.
 Slow down when passing bicyclists to give them as much space as possible.
If a snowplow displays flashing yellow lights, an individual operating a vehicle near the snowplow
may not pass or overtake a snowplow on the side of the snowplow where a plow blade is de-
ployed. If three (3) or more snowplows operate in echelon formation, an individual operating a
vehicle may not pass or overtake the snowplows on either side.

F. SIGNALING
The use of turn signals, stoplights, or your hand and arm shall give signals. Good drivers always
signal their intentions well in advance. Signals are required:
 For two (2) seconds before turning.
 For two (2) seconds before beginning any lane change.
 Any time you pull to or from a curb.
 When you intend to slow down or stop, your brake lights will accomplish this if they op-
erate correctly and can readily be seen.
 In addition, most cars have an emergency flasher system for use when your car is disa-
bled on the highway. Use it!

G. STEERING
Keep both hands on the outside of the steering wheel at all times unless using other controls.
Once you have completed using other controls, return both hands to the steering wheel. All
steering methods are acceptable (i.e., hand-over-hand and push/pull) as long as both hands are
on the outside of the wheel.
Always turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. This works whether you are going
forward or in reverse.
Place your hands on the steering wheel; grip the steering wheel firmly but gently. Use your fin-
gers, not the palms of your hands. Keep your thumbs up along the face of the steering wheel.
Never hold the inside of the wheel.
ඐඉඖඌ-඗ඞඍක-ඐඉඖඌ ඛගඍඍකඑඖඏ
Use hand-over-hand steering when steering is critical, such as when parking, performing sharp
right turns, or correcting a skid.
඘ඝඔඔ-඘ඝඛඐ ඛගඍඍකඑඖඏ:
 Use pull-push steering when turning.
 Pull down with one hand and push up with the other. This results in smooth steering
and reduces the potential for oversteering, which can lead to loss of control.
34
  Keep your hands and thumbs on the outside of the wheel.

H. STOPPING
Apply the brake smoothly and use steady pressure. Come to a complete stop at traffic signs and
signals.
Check your mirrors for traffic to the rear. Move your foot to the brake pedal. Press steadily until
your vehicle comes to a stop.
Many people seem to feel that a rolling stop is adequate when required to stop. The following sit-
uations are times when you must make a complete stop:
 Steady (non-flashing) red light or at a flashing red light.
 All stop signs.
 Railroad crossings are controlled by flashing signals, gates, a watchman, or stop signs.
Stop more than 15 feet (but not more than 50 feet) away from the nearest rail until it is
safe to continue. If there is a gate, wait for it to be raised.
 At the scene of any crash in which you may be involved as a driver. You must meet all
legal requirements before leaving the crash scene.
 When a police or other officer requests you to stop.
 Before a sidewalk area or street, when coming onto a street or highway from an alley,
private driveway, private road, or a building.
ඛඋඐ඗඗ඔ ඊඝඛ ඛග඗඘඘එඖඏ:
 If a school bus displays alternating flashing red light signals visible from the front or
rear. Stop immediately before reaching the bus. Do not proceed until the flashing red
light signal ceases to stop.
 Traveling on a two-lane roadway, traffic in both directions must stop.
 If traveling on a divided highway with four (4) or more lanes with a
median separating the traffic, it is only necessary for the vehicles in
both lanes behind the school bus to stop, not the traffic traveling in the
opposite direction.
 Traveling on a four-lane roadway without a median,
traffic in both directions is required to stop.
 Traveling on a highway with five (5) or more lanes and
a shared center turn lane is only required for the vehi-
cle’s in both lanes behind the school bus to come to a
complete stop. Vehicles traveling in the opposite di-
rection are not legally required to stop.
It is important to note that although you may not be required by
law to stop when you see a stopped school bus, you should be aware that students will be getting
on and off the bus. Children are unpredictable and could run into the road at any time. Use cau-
tion while driving near school buses and adjust your speed accordingly.

35
School bus drivers may report vehicles that improperly pass school buses. The report may be
forwarded to the local law enforcement agency for investigation. Fines can run up to $3000; re-
member, a conviction for passing a school bus illegally usually means an increase in insurance
rates.

I. TURNS
During the driving skills test, you will be asked to make turns; you should:
 Approach the turn and check traffic in all directions.
 Use the correct turn signal.
 Brake smoothly and evenly.
 Safely get into the correct lane needed for the turn.
If you must stop before turning because of traffic, signal, or signs, smoothly come to a complete
stop without skidding behind the stop line, crosswalk, or stop sign (whichever comes first.) A safe
gap when stopping behind another vehicle is to stop where you can see the vehicle’s rear tires
ahead of you. Keep the front wheels aimed straight ahead.
After turning, ensure you complete the turn in the correct lane and your turn signal has been can-
celled. Accelerate to the speed of traffic, use your turn signal, check your blind spots by looking
over your shoulder (head check), check your mirrors, and move into the right-most lane when it is
safe to do so (if you are not already there.)
කඑඏඐග ගඝකඖඛ
 Signal right for two (2) seconds.
 Perform a head check over your right shoulder.
 While turning perform a traffic check looking for pedestrians and other objects.
 Do not cut the corner or make a wide turn.
 Maintain a safe speed while turning.
 As you complete the turn, accelerate smoothly up to the posted speed.
ඔඍඎග ගඝකඖඛ
 Signal left for two (2) seconds.
 Perform a head check over your left shoulder.
 While turning, perform a traffic check by looking for pedestrians and other objects.
 Do not cut the corner or make a wide turn.
 Maintain a safe speed while turning. As you complete the turn, accelerate smoothly up
to the posted speed.
ඕඝඔගඑ඘ඔඍ ඔඉඖඍඛ
 Identify and enter the lane from which you will turn.
 Stay in that lane until the turn is completed.

36
A person may not operate a vehicle over, across, or within any part of an island.

ගඟ඗-඘඗එඖග ගඝකඖ
A street alley or driveway can be used to turn around when you cannot drive around the block.
ඎ඗කඟඉකඌ ගඟ඗-඘඗එඖග ගඝකඖ
 Check that there is no oncoming traffic and signal a left turn.
 Move close to the center of the road and turn into the driveway or alley.
 Turn as near as possible to the right side of the drive.
 Stop as the vehicle’s rear clears the curb or edge of the driveway.
 Check for traffic, signal a right turn, and shift to reverse.
 When path is clear, back up while turning the steering wheel quickly to the right.
 Straighten your wheels and stop when you are centered in the lane.
 Shift to drive, cancel your signal, and drive away.
කඍඞඍකඛඍ ගඟ඗-඘඗එඖග ගඝකඖ
 Check that there are no vehicles behind you.
 Signal a right turn.
 Drive one car length past the driveway or alley.
 Put your right arm on the seat and look back over your right shoulder.
 Back into the driveway.
 Shift to drive and check traffic.
 When clear, signal left, turn left into the proper lane, and drive away.
ගඐකඍඍ-඘඗එඖග ගඝකඖ
Use this only if the road is too narrow for a U-turn. It’s best to go around the block if you can.
This should only be used on a two-lane road.
 Check the mirrors, head check, and signal a right turn.
 Stop on the right side of the road.
 Turn on left turn signal, check traffic, and head check over your left shoulder.
 When traffic is clear, turn hard left, drive to the other side of the road, and stop.
 Shift to reverse.
 Check traffic and head check over both
shoulders.

37
  When traffic is clear, turn hard right and back up.
 Put your foot on the brake and shift to drive.
 Check traffic and head check.
 When traffic is clear, merge into the traffic flow and accelerate smoothly.
ඝ-ගඝකඖඛ
Never make a U-turn on any curve near the top of a hill where you cannot see or be seen from
both directions for 500 feet, where prohibited by an official traffic control device, on a railroad
track, railroad grade crossing, or a freeway.
Each city has its laws concerning U-turns. Be sure you know the specific law of the city in which
you are driving. A U-turn should only be made on a street or highway sufficiently wide enough to
allow a turn to be made from the left-hand lane or just right of the center line or center of the
street.
 Signal in the direction you are going to initiate the U-turn.
 Perform a head check over your shoulder in that direction.
 When traffic is clear, perform a traffic check while completing the turn.
 Continue down the road in the new direction.
 Cancel signal.

Multi-lane two- Multi-lane Two-lane Two-lane Intersections

way road with two-way two-way road two-way
shared turn lane road without lane road
markings

38
SECTION 9: Rules of the Road

A. FLEX LANES
A flex lane may be used during rush hours. The lanes may have double-dashed
yellow lines to either side. Signals above the lanes show which lane is safe to
travel. Some travel lanes are
designed to carry traffic in one
direction at certain times and in
the opposite direction at other
times. Before entering the lane,
check to see which lanes can
be used at that time. A green arrow means
you can use the lane. A red X means you can-
not use the lane.

B. FREEWAY DRIVING
A freeway gets us where we are going faster and safer than ever. However, freeway driving is a
skill in itself. People drive faster, and conditions are not the same as when driving normally.
ඟඐඍඖ ඌකඑඞඑඖඏ ඗ඖ ගඐඍ ඎකඍඍඟඉඡ:
 You should always maintain at least two (2) seconds following distance behind the ve-
hicle ahead of you. Under adverse conditions, the time needs to be increased.
 Do not make U-turns on the freeway—it is illegal.
 Do not drive in the emergency lane—the area of the freeway on the outside of the solid
white line is for emergency use only. Passing another vehicle or stopping to pick up
passengers in this lane is illegal.
 You should generally drive at a speed similar to that of other cars around you. Howev-
er, you may not legally drive faster than the posted speed limit. This also applies to
getting off of the freeway.
 Do not use an entrance ramp to exit the freeway—it is illegal, even in a traffic jam.
 Do not pass unless it is safe.
 A vehicle traveling in the left lane must move safely to the right when approached from
behind to prevent impeding traffic.
 Change lanes only to pass, get off the freeway or enter the correct lane for an upcom-
ing route separation in the freeway.
Note: You can be issued a citation for impeding traffic if a vehicle is following behind you in the
left lane of travel on a multi-lane highway and you do not change lanes and allow the other vehi-
cle to pass.

39
උඉක඘඗඗ඔ (ඍච඘කඍඛඛ) ඔඉඖඍ
Express lanes are travel lanes on I-15 dedicated for high-occupancy vehicles.
The express lanes may be used as a carpool lane for those vehicles with two
(2) or more persons for free. Motorcycles, buses, and vehicles with registered
clean fuel vehicle decal (C decal) may also use the express lane free of charge.
It is illegal to cross a double white line. Moving in and out of the carpool lane is
not allowed except in specific locations (called access points) with white dotted
striping rather than solid lines. Access points are about 3,000 feet long and lo-
cated at nearly every interchange along the express lanes. Vehicles are recommended to exit
the express lanes one interchange before the desired exit.
Note: When being followed by an emergency or police vehicle with flashing lights, it is permissi-
ble, when safe to do so, to make a right-hand lane change out of the express lane.
Drivers of single-occupant vehicles must purchase an express pass through UDOT and have an
active account connected to a credit or debit card to utilize the express lanes. Express pass tran-
sponders mounted to the windshield are read at various locations throughout the I-15 express
lanes corridor. These readers automatically charge users’ accounts based on the current ex-
press lanes rate and distance traveled.
උ ඌඍඋඉඔඛ
C decals allow limited single-occupant clean fuel vehicles to use the express lanes without paying
a toll after a one-time $10 registration fee. The decals are small stickers placed inside the wind-
shield to the right of the rearview mirror. Only certain clean fuel vehicles are eligible for C decals.
For a list of qualifying vehicles and information on how to apply for a C decal, visit the Utah De-
partment of Transportation (UDOT) website.
ඍඖගඍකඑඖඏ ඉ ඕඝඔගඑ-ඔඉඖඍ ඐඑඏඐඟඉඡ
When on a multi-lane highway, you should use the
acceleration lane to match your speed with other ve-
hicles before pulling onto the roadway. Find a gap in
traffic, merge with the traffic, and cancel your turn
signal.
ඍචඑගඑඖඏ ඉ ක඗ඉඌඟඉඡ
When exiting a roadway, you should plan
ahead to make a safe exit. Move to the exit
lane early to avoid making a quick lane
change, and keep a steady speed as long as
you are on the main road. Signal, move to the
exit or deceleration lane, and slow the exit
speed. Check for posted speed in the exit or deceleration lane and cancel your signal.
කඉඕ඘ ඕඍගඍකඛ
The population growth in Utah has increased the number of vehicles using our freeways, creating
more frequent congestion and unpredictable travel times. Ramp meters help prevent slowdowns
and “stop-and-go” conditions that freeway travelers frequently encounter at certain times of the
day. There are currently some ramp meters along the Wasatch front.

40
 Ramp meters look almost like traffic signals you see at intersections, except they only
have red and green lights that alternate. Ramp meters are placed on the freeway on-
ramps, and allow only one (unless posted differently) vehicle to pass each time the
green light comes on.
Ramp metering occurs only when many vehicles are attempting to enter the freeway.
A lighted “meter on” sign at the entrance to an on-ramp will indicate when ramp meter-
ing is in effect. If the “meter on” sign is not illuminated, drivers can enter the freeway
as usual. Because the “meter on” sign is at the entrance to the freeway on-ramp, driv-
ers will be able to decide whether to enter the on-ramp or take an alternate route and
avoid having to stop for the ramp meter.
කඝඖඉඟඉඡ ඞඍඐඑඋඔඍ කඉඕ඘ඛ
You may NOT use a runaway vehicle ramp unless you are in an emergency requiring the use of
the ramp to stop your vehicle. You are prohibited from stopping, standing, or parking on a runa-
way vehicle ramp or in the pathway of a runaway vehicle ramp.
ඛඑඖඏඔඍ-඘඗එඖග ඝකඊඉඖ එඖගඍකඋඐඉඖඏඍ
Single-point urban interchanges are becoming more common in
constructing freeway interchanges today. It is a type of inter-
change located either above or underneath the freeway. It is de-
signed so that the intersecting off-ramps and on-ramps are diago-
nally adjacent to each other.
These interchanges can be confusing. However, some things
may help drivers when passing through a single-point urban inter-
change. Dash lines have been added to these interchanges to guide drivers into the proper
lanes. There are also “wrong way” signs on the off-ramps and on-ramps to help drivers avoid en-
tering a ramp against traffic.
It is legal to make a U-turn from the off-ramp at a single-point urban interchange and re-enter the
freeway as long as you face a green arrow when you begin the maneuver. When you re-enter
the freeway on the on-ramp, you will face a red arrow. The red arrow is intended for the traffic
adjacent to the light. Do not stop your vehicle in the middle of the intersection; complete the ma-
neuver once initiated.
If a power outage occurs, the single-point urban interchange is not handled like a four-way stop.
It is important to proceed with extreme caution and courtesy. Most single-point urban interchang-
es will be supported by battery backup. However, if there is no a battery backup, an officer will be
dispatched to the scene as soon as possible for traffic control.

C. INTERSECTIONS
At all intersections, slow down and search for traffic controls, oncoming traffic and cross traffic,
pedestrians and bicyclists, road conditions, and objects that block your view.
Do not rely on others to obey traffic signals or signs. They may not yield the right-of-way. Be
prepared to avoid a crash.
Before moving after a stop, check for traffic and bicyclists. Look left, right, and then left again be-

41
fore entering the intersection. When a light turns green, make sure your path of travel is clear
and there is no cross traffic.
Never think that another driver will give you any extra space. Do not turn into a lane just because
an oncoming vehicle has a turn signal on. The driver may plan to turn after they pass you, or
they may have forgotten to turn their signal off.
As you approach an intersection—check traffic thoroughly in all directions. Brake smoothly
and evenly and maintain lane position.
When stopping at an intersection—come to a complete stop behind any stop signs, signals,
sidewalks, or stop lines. If stopping behind another vehicle, maintain a safe gap. You should be
able to see the vehicle’s rear tires ahead of you.
Driving through an intersection—check traffic thoroughly in all directions. Keep both hands on
the wheel, slow down, and yield to any pedestrians or traffic in the intersection. Do not change
lanes while proceeding through the intersection.
Once through the intersection—continue checking mirrors and traffic behind you. Accelerate
smoothly. If there are multiple lanes of traffic, accelerate to the speed of traffic, use your turn sig-
nal, check your blind spots by looking over your shoulder (head check), check your mirrors, and
move into the right-most lane when it is safe to do so (if not already there.)
උ඗ඖගඑඖඝ඗ඝඛ ඎඔ඗ඟ එඖගඍකඛඍඋගඑ඗ඖ ඔඍඎග ගඝකඖ
When making a left turn, watch for signs and a signal directing you to turn on
the left-hand side of the road. Observe the first traffic signal direction, and
proceed when green by crossing the oncoming lanes of traffic. Observe the
direction of the second signal, which will be on the far left of the intersection,
and proceed when green by making your left-hand turn at the intersection.
When traveling through a continuous flow intersection, proceed as you nor-
mally would, but watch for another light just past the intersection. It’s possi-
ble to encounter a red light here, which allows left-turning cars to cross in
front of you.
උ඗ඖගඑඖඝ඗ඝඛ ඎඔ඗ඟ එඖගඍකඛඍඋගඑ඗ඖ කඑඏඐග ගඝකඖ
When turning right, yield to traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians. Make your turn,
merge with traffic, and keep going. In most intersections, motorists have free-
right turn access or can make a right-hand turn on a red light after stopping
and yielding to oncoming traffic. Free-right turns during a red light are restrict-
ed in this continuous flow intersection, along with a traditional right-on-red.
Motorists should watch for traffic control signs to know when right turns are
permitted.

උ඗ඖගඑඖඝ඗ඝඛ ඎඔ඗ඟ එඖගඍකඛඍඋගඑ඗ඖ ඎ඗ඝක-ඔඍඏඏඍඌ

A four-legged continuous flow intersection functions as a regular, continuous
flow intersection configuration, but with each leg of the intersection operating
with displaced left turns instead of only two (2) legs of the intersection. Follow
all directions as with a typical continuous flow intersection on all four (4) legs.

42
ඌඑඞඍකඏඑඖඏ ඌඑඉඕ඗ඖඌ එඖගඍකඛඍඋගඑ඗ඖ
A particular type of highway interchange is one in which two (2)
directions of traffic on the non-freeway road cross to the opposite
side of the bridge over or under the freeway. It requires traffic on
the freeway overpass (or underpass) to briefly drive on the oppo-
site side of the road from what they are accustomed to. Eliminat-
ing many of the left-turn conflicts at the ramps, improves inter-
change efficiency.
ගඐකU-TURN එඖගඍකඛඍඋගඑ඗ඖ
It helps to alleviate traffic congestion and improve traffic flow by eliminating left
turn movements at the intersection. Instead, motorists travel through the inter-
section, make a signalized U-turn at a location removed from the intersection,
and return to the intersection, where they will make a right turn.

D. PAVEMENT MARKINGS
Marks painted on the road give you directions or warnings. They divide lanes and show where
you may pass other vehicles or change lanes. They also mark turn lanes and crosswalks. They
show where to stop for signs or traffic signals.
ඡඍඔඔ඗ඟ ඔඉඖඍ ඕඉකඓඑඖඏඛ

Two direction roadway, Two direction roadway, Two direction roadway,

passing permitted passing permitted passing prohibited in
when dashed line is on both directions

ඟඐඑගඍ ඔඉඖඍ ඕඉකඓඑඖඏඛ

One direction roadway, One direction roadway, separating

passing permitted express lane or carpool lane from
general lanes—crossing prohibited

උක඗ඛඛඟඉඔඓඛ ඉඖඌ ඛග඗඘ ඔඑඖඍඛ

Crosswalks show where pedestrians may cross the
road. At a stop sign or signal, you must stop behind the
stop line or crosswalk. If crosswalks are not marked,
you must stop before the intersection or stop sign. You
must yield to pedestrians entering or in a crosswalk,
even if it is not marked.

43
ඛඐඉකඍඌ උඍඖගඍක ඔඍඎග ගඝකඖ ඔඉඖඍ
There is a shared left turn lane in the middle of the roadway on many streets
where making a left turn safely is hard. When using a shared left turn lane, check
your mirrors; for vehicles ahead, signal left and check your left blind spot. Steer
smoothly into the shared left turn lane; when traffic is clear, make your left turn.
When making a left turn from a shared turn lane, you may not enter the lane more
than 500 feet before making the turn unless the last car is more than 500 feet from the intersec-
tion.

E. SPEED
In Utah, the basic speed law states that you may never drive faster than is reasonably safe.
However, when there is no sign and where no special hazards exist, the following speeds are
permitted:
20 ඕඑඔඍඛ ඘ඍක ඐ඗ඝක:
 When passing a school building or grounds during school recess.
 While children are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours or when
flashing lights are operating.
25 ඕඑඔඍඛ ඘ඍක ඐ඗ඝක:
 In any business or residential area.
55 ඕඑඔඍඛ ඘ඍක ඐ඗ඝක:
 On major highways, as posted.
65/70/75/80 ඕඑඔඍඛ ඘ඍක ඐ඗ඝක:
 On rural interstate highways.
 The transition zones in Utah are indicated with pavement markings and additional
signs.
In addition to the above speed limits, there are times when the law requires that you slow down.
Some of those times include:
 When approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad crossing.
 When approaching and going around a curve.
 When approaching the top of a hill.
 When traveling on any narrow or winding road.
 When special hazards such as people walking beside the road, heavy traffic, or dan-
gerous road conditions exist.
 During poor weather conditions. Driving on an icy road at 10 miles per hour or on an
open highway on a rainy night at 25 miles per hour may be too fast.
 Any time when you cannot see clearly.

44
  In any highway work zone construction, maintenance, or utility work is done.
 When approaching any authorized vehicle flashing red, red and white, or red and blue
lights.
 When speed causes the person to fail to maintain control of the vehicle or stay within a
single lane of travel.
On the other hand, do not drive so slowly that you become a source of danger on the road.
Peace officers are allowed to issue you a citation if you are impeding the normal flow of traffic.

F. ROUNDABOUTS
 Slow down as you approach the roundabout.
 Yield to oncoming traffic, and pedestrians enter when
it is clear.
 Proceed through the roundabout and signal your intention to exit at the desired street.

G. TRAFFIC CONTROLS
Traffic controls include traffic signals, signs, and road markings. They also include directions
from law enforcement, highway workers, and school crossing guards.

H. TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Traffic lights are usually at intersections. They are red, yellow, and green from
top to bottom. If traffic lights are horizontal, the red light is on the left, the yellow
light is in the middle, and the green light is on the right. Some locations have
single green, yellow, or red lights.
ඏකඍඍඖ ගකඉඎඎඑඋ ඔඑඏඐග—you may go through with caution if the way is clear.
ඏකඍඍඖ ඉකක඗ඟ ඔඑඏඐග—vehicles may proceed only in the direction of the arrow
after yielding to vehicles and pedestrians still in the intersection at the time of the
light change.
ඡඍඔඔ඗ඟ ගකඉඎඎඑඋ ඔඑඏඐග—the light is about to change to red.
ඎඔඉඛඐඑඖඏ ඡඍඔඔ඗ඟ ගකඉඎඎඑඋ ඔඑඏඐග—slow down and proceed with caution. Be prepared to stop
for any traffic.
ඎඔඉඛඐඑඖඏ ඡඍඔඔ඗ඟ ඉකක඗ඟ ඔඑඏඐග—turns are permitted, but first you must yield to oncoming traffic
and pedestrians. Oncoming traffic has a green light. Proceed with caution.
කඍඌ ගකඉඎඎඑඋ ඔඑඏඐග—you must stop before entering the intersection. You must wait behind the
stop line, crosswalk, or intersection until the light turns green. You may turn right on a red light
after coming to a complete stop unless posted otherwise.
ඎඔඉඛඐඑඖඏ කඍඌ ගකඉඎඎඑඋ ඔඑඏඐග—stop and look both ways before entering the intersection.
කඍඌ ඉකක඗ඟ ඔඑඏඐග (කඑඏඐග ගඝකඖ)—right turns are prohibited. Stop and remain stopped until an
indication to proceed is shown.
45
කඍඌ ඉකක඗ඟ ඔඑඏඐග (ඔඍඎග ගඝකඖ)—left turns are prohibited. Stop and remain stopped until an indi-
cation to proceed is shown. If, for some reason, the light does not change and you have been
stranded by the red arrow light (left turn), and it is safe to do so, you may make a left turn from a
one-way street onto a one-way street.

I. TRAFFIC SIGNS
Traffic signs tell you about rules, hazards, and road locations. They also give highway directions
and show where road services are.
Regardless of what the traffic lights may indicate, always obey the instructions of a police officer
at an intersection. For example, if the light is green and an officer tells you to stop, YOU MUST
STOP. Also, even if you want to go straight and an officer indicates that you must turn, you are
required to turn.
If you approach an intersection where the traffic lights are not working, you must first come to a
complete stop before entering the intersection and yield the right-of-way to any vehicle on the
right unless otherwise directed by a peace officer.
A driver turning left may see either the green arrow (protected), the solid green light (permitted),
or a flashing yellow arrow (permitted) signal.
ඏඝඑඌඍ ඛඑඏඖඛ
Square or rectangular and are green, brown, or blue. They advise you about intersecting roads
and direct you to cities and towns. They mark points of interest and help you find hospitals, ser-
vice stations, restaurants, and hotels.
Note: Vandalism and destruction of road signs cost taxpayers thousands of dollars each year and
cause confusion and unsafe conditions for you and other travelers.

කඉඑඔක඗ඉඌ උක඗ඛඛඑඖඏ ඛඑඏඖඛ

Most railroad crossings have signs or signals. A round yellow warning sign with an “X”
symbol and black “RR” cautions you to slow down, look, and listen for a train or railroad
vehicle. Be prepared to stop.
A white, X-shaped sign with “Railroad Crossing” cautions that a train or railroad vehicle is
coming and that you must stop behind the stop line or before the intersection.
The number of tracks may be posted at crossings with more than one track. Not all cross-
ings with more than one track have these signs. Always look for multiple tracks, trains, or
railroad vehicles at each crossing.
When crossing railroad tracks, look both ways and cross the tracks quickly. Do not stop on the
railroad tracks. If a train is crossing, wait until the train is well down the track before you drive
ahead. If there are lights and gates, wait until they show it is safe to cross. If you must stop for
traffic or a signal, wait at the stop line before the tracks.

46
කඍඏඝඔඉග඗කඡ ඛඑඏඖඛ
Square, rectangular, or may have a unique shape. They are white with black, red, or green let-
ters or symbols. These signs tell you about traffic directions, lane use, turning, speed, parking,
and other special situations. Some signs have a red circle with a red slash across the symbol.
This means you cannot do certain things. Here are a few common regulatory signs that we see.

No Left Turn No Right Turn No U-Turn Left Turn Only

Do Not Enter Straight or Posted Speed Stop

Turn Right Limit

ක඗ඝගඍ ඖඝඕඊඍක ඛඑඏඖඛ

The shape and color of route number signs indicate the type of roadway: interstate, U.S., state,
city, county, or local. When planning a trip, use a map to determine the route. During the trip,
follow the route signs to avoid getting lost in an unfamiliar area.

Interstate Route U.S. Route State Route

ඟඉකඖඑඖඏ ඛඑඏඖඛ
These signs warn of possible danger ahead. They are usually diamond shaped and yellow with
black lettering or symbols. Some common signs are.

Lane Ends Merging Traffic Added Lane Sharp Curve Curvy Road Right Divided Divided
Ahead Ahead Curve Highway Highway
Begins Ends

47
Intersection Side Road T-Intersection No Passing Stop Sign Traffic Signal Advisory School
Ahead Ahead Speed Crossing
Around Curve

Pedestrian Share the Bicycle Slippery

Crossing Road with Crossing when Wet
Bicycles

A yield sign means you must slow down and yield to traffic that has the right-of-way.

This sign marks a lane that is only for left turning vehicles. It is not for through traffic or for
passing other vehicles.

Traffic moves only in the direction of the arrow. Do not turn in the opposite direc-
tion of the arrow. Never drive the wrong way on a one-way street.

ඟ඗කඓ ජ඗ඖඍ ඛඑඏඖඛ

Diamond or rectangular and orange with black
letters or symbols. These signs warn you of
work zones and people working on or near the
road. The warnings include: workers ahead, re-
duced speed, detours, slow-moving road ma- Flagger Workers Road One Lane
chinery, or surface changes. Ahead Ahead Construction Road Ahead
Barriers keep you from entering closed roads or
other areas with danger. If there is a short-term
signal, stop at the white line (if there is one.)
Slow down in work zones and be ready to stop
quickly. Do not tailgate. Fines for speeding in a
work zone are doubled. Detour A flagger may direct traffic in a work zone.
You must do as the flagger directs.

48
J. YIELDING RIGHT-OF-WAY
Right-of-way rules tell you and other drivers what to do. These rules say who has right-of-way
when two (2) or more streets come together. They also cover different situations.
Never think that you have the right of way. Always look at the situation and think about safety.
Yield the right-of-way to:
 A driver who is at the intersection before you.
 Drivers in the opposite lane when you are making a left turn.
 The driver on your right at a four-way stop if both of you arrive at the same time.
 Drivers on a public road if you are coming from a driveway or a private road.
 Drivers already on an interstate highway if you are on the entrance ramp.
 Pedestrians, bicyclists, and others that are still in the intersection.
Remember, courtesy is the key.

49
SECTION 10: Alcohol/Drugs and Driving
Alcohol and other impairing drugs are involved in approximately 40% of all traffic crashes in which
someone is killed yearly. If you drink alcohol or use other impairing drugs and drive even a little,
your chances of being in a crash are much greater than if you did not drink any alcohol or use any
other drugs.

A. EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Alcohol and other impairing drugs reduce the following:
 Judgment—a brain-centered activity that stores your experiences and knowledge to
be used quickly when facing a new problem.
 Vision—blurs your vision, slows your ability to focus, causes double vision, and reduc-
es the ability to judge distance, speed, and the movement of other vehicles. Vision is
impacted at 0.02 blood alcohol content (BAC) for all drivers. The most important sense
you use in driving is vision.
 Color distinction—reduces your ability to distinguish colors.
 Reaction time—slows your ability to process information and respond to the driving
task.
The best advice is not to drive a vehicle if you have consumed alcohol or other drugs. Impair-
ment starts with the first drink. Even one drink of alcohol can affect a person’s ability to operate a
motor vehicle. With one or more drinks in the bloodstream, a person is visibly impaired and could
be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Never let a friend or relative
drive if they have been drinking.
Drugs and alcohol should not be taken at the same time. Alcohol can have an unpredictable ef-
fect on drugs, which will react much differently in your body.
එඕ඘ඉඑකඑඖඏ ඌකඝඏඛ ඉඖඌ ඌකඑඞඑඖඏ
Drugs can impact your driving and affect your reflexes, judgment, vision, and alertness, like alco-
hol. These can include:
 Illegal
 Over the counter
 Prescribed drugs
ඍඕ඗ගඑ඗ඖඛ
Emotions can increase your risk by interfering with your thinking ability, creating a lack of atten-
tion, and interrupting your ability to process information. You may not be able to drive well if you
are overly worried, excited, afraid, angry, or depressed.
There are ways of dealing with your emotions:
 If you are angry or worried, give yourself time to cool off. Take a short walk or nap, but
stay off the road until the symptoms have passed.

50
  Give yourself extra time for your driving trip. Leave a few minutes early.
 Have someone else drive.

B. 21 and Under
If you are under the age of 21, it is illegal to purchase, possess, and drink alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol and other impairing drugs affect people’s ability to perceive their surroundings, react to
emergencies, and skillfully operate a motor vehicle. For new drivers learning complex skills, the
effects of alcohol and other impairing drugs are greater. All states have “zero tolerance” laws (no
alcohol in the circulatory system) or similar laws for drivers under the age of 21.
An individual between the ages of 13 and 20 who are convicted in court for possession or con-
sumption of alcohol or for being in a bar and being underage will have their driver license sus-
pended for one year for the first offense and two (2) years for the second or subsequent offense
as ordered by the court. If the court orders suspension for a driver under the age of 16, the sus-
pension time will begin on the date of conviction and extend for one to two (2) years from the 16th
birthday.
Not-a-Drop Act provides that a person under 21 years of age driving with any measurable
amount of alcohol in their body will have all driving privileges denied for six (6) months for a first
offense. A second or subsequent offense within 10 years of a prior denial will result in losing driv-
ing privileges for two (2) years or until they reach 21, whichever is longer. An individual who has
yet to be issued a license will be denied or suspended even though they have yet to obtain a li-
cense.
If suspended for a Not-a-Drop arrest, the individual must obtain an assessment and recommen-
dation for appropriate action from a substance abuse program to reinstate their driver license. An
individual can request an assessment through the local substance abuse authority programs.
The division will also accept evidence of completion of a Prime For Life DUI class instead of an
assessment and completion from the local substance abuse authority.

C. ALCOHOL AND THE LAW

If you are over 0.05 BAC (0.04 for CDL), you violate the law. Utah law also states that driving is a
violation if you are impaired to the degree that it is unsafe to operate a vehicle, even if you are
under the legal limit.
On the first conviction of a DUI for a driver 21 and older, the driver license will be suspended for
120 days and two (2) years for a second or subsequent offense.
Utah’s law allows a peace officer to confiscate your Utah driver license upon arrest, and the divi-
sion will suspend the license beginning on the 45th day after the date of arrest.
A plea of “guilty” or “no contest” for a criminal charge of DUI that is held in abeyance by the court
will not appear on the Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) unless you hold a CDL license or were operat-
ing a commercial motor vehicle at the time you were cited. Although a plea held in abeyance for
the DUI violation will not result in suspension or revocation of your regular operator privilege, it
will disqualify your CDL privilege. In addition, the abeyance will be considered a “prior offense” in
combination with subsequent offenses. This law applies to the following convictions:

51
  Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
 Reckless driving.
 Negligent homicide.
එඕ඘ඔඑඍඌ උ඗ඖඛඍඖග ඔඉඟ
When you drive a vehicle or a motorboat in Utah, it is implied that you will submit to a chemical
test of your breath, blood, urine, or oral fluids to determine the alcohol or drug content if asked to
do so by a peace officer. This is called the implied consent law.
Utah accepts the results of the chemical tests to help determine whether an individual has been
driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle or a motorboat while under the influence of alco-
hol, drugs, or both if an officer arrests you for driving. At the same time, in such a condition, you
must submit to the chemical tests selected or designated by the officer.
If you refuse to do so, your driver license would be revoked for 18 months for the first offense and
36 months for the second or subsequent offenses. If under 21, the license will be revoked for two
(2) years for the first offense, and for the second or subsequent offenses, it would be 36 months
or until the age of 21, whichever is longer.
Any time your driver license is suspended/revoked for an alcohol-related offense, you may apply
for a new driver license after the suspension/revocation period by paying the reinstatement and
the regular license fees and by taking the required examinations. An additional administrative fee
may be required in some cases. If a driver does not comply with the court orders, the court will
notify the Driver License Division, suspending the driver license until the driver has done all that
the court ordered. More information regarding DUI license suspensions can be found at
dld.utah.gov/dui.

D. ALCOHOL-RESTRICTED DRIVER
When action is taken against a driving privilege for an alcohol-related offense, the driver is placed
under an alcohol-restricted status for 2, 3, 5, or 10 years, depending on the number and type of
offenses. A lifetime alcohol-restricted status will result when a driver is convicted of negligent
homicide or a felony DUI.
The alcohol-restricted status begins on the effective date of revocation or suspension for DUI, al-
cohol-related reckless driving, impaired driving, homicide, per se arrest, refusal to submit to a
chemical test, driving with alcohol in the body while on an alcohol-restricted status, or driving
without an ignition interlock device installed in the vehicle while on an ignition interlock restricted
device.
Once a driver has reinstated the driving privilege following an applicable alcohol offense, the alco-
hol-restricted status remains in effect for a 2, 3, 5, or 10-year period or lifetime from the effective
date of the original suspension or revocation action. Following the reinstatement of the driving
privilege, the driver will retain full driving privileges; however, if convicted of driving with any
measurable amount of alcohol during the alcohol-restricted period, the driver license will be re-
voked for one year.

52
E. BOATING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE
If you operate a motorboat while under the influence of alcohol/drugs, the same laws apply as if
you were operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
If you have been drinking any alcoholic beverages, don’t take a chance. Let someone who has
not been drinking alcoholic beverages do the driving.

F. IGNITION INTERLOCK RESTRICTED DRIVER

Your driving privilege will be suspended when you are an ignition interlock-restricted driver. The
suspension may be reinstated by installing an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle and
paying the required reinstatement fee to the Driver License Division. If the IID is removed from
the vehicle before your alcohol-restricted driver restriction period ends, your driving privilege will
be re-suspended.
For a list of certificated ignition interlock system providers, visit dld.utah.gov/IID.
When an individual has been convicted of a first DUI, they are automatically restricted to driving a
vehicle that has an IID installed for 18 months from the date of conviction or the effective date of
the license suspension or three (3) years if they are under the age of 21 when they are arrested.
When an individual has been convicted of a second or subsequent DUI impaired driving or alco-
hol-related reckless driving violation, or they have been revoked for refusal to submit to a chemi-
cal test after being arrested for driving under the influence, they are automatically restricted to
driving a vehicle that has an IID installed for three (3) years from the date of conviction or the ef-
fective date of the revocation.
Felony DUI carries a six-year IID restriction, and negligent homicide carries a ten-year IID re-
striction.
If an individual drives a vehicle without an IID installed when restricted, the vehicle may be im-
pounded. In addition, the driver may be cited for violating the interlock-restricted driver (IRD) law.
A conviction for violating the IRD law will result in the driver license revocation for one year and
an additional three-year IID restriction from the date of conviction.
Ignition interlock-restricted drivers are required to have the device monitored at least every 60
days. If a driver fails to have the device monitored or if they attempt to start the vehicle with a
measurable amount of alcohol, the ignition interlock requirement will be extended by 60 days for
each occurrence.

G. IMPOUND OF VEHICLE
If a driver is arrested for DUI, the officer may have the vehicle or motorboat impounded. If a vehi-
cle is impounded, the DMV will notify the owner of the vehicle and provide information on what
must be done to get the vehicle out of impound. The impounded vehicle will be released to the
owner once all requirements have been met and all fees paid. Fees the owner must pay include
towing, storage charges, and administrative costs. If an impounded vehicle is not claimed within
the allowed time, it shall be sold.
The court may order the arrested person to pay all fees associated with the impound or reimburse
anyone who may have paid the fees.
53
If a driver is convicted in court for a violation of DUI, driving with a controlled substance in the
body, or negligent homicide, and was previously convicted for a felony DUI, a felony drug-related
driving violation, or negligent homicide for a violation that occurred after May 1, 2009, and had
their license suspended or revoked in connection with the violation, their impounded vehicle may
be subject to criminal forfeiture, and may be sold.
More information regarding DUI license suspensions can be found at dld.utah.gov/dui.

54
SECTION 11: Distractions & Driving Challenges
A distraction is anything that takes your mind or body away from driving. Distractions can cause
crashes, injuries, and deaths. Not looking at the road or taking your hands off the steering wheel
is dangerous. Anything that takes your mind away from driving is a hazard.
Avoid distractions before driving by turning off mobile devices, setting navigation systems, eating
and grooming before you leave, and securing all loose items.
When driving:
 Do not talk on the phone, and do not text.
 Don’t argue with passengers.
 Do not eat while driving.
 Be sure children are safely buckled up.
 Keep pets in a pet carrier, not loose in a vehicle.
 Eliminate things that take your mind away from driving.
Sometimes, while driving, you may drop something, lose a contact lens, be stung by a bee, or be
distracted in another way. Some people panic when something like this happens. They become
more concerned with the problem than about their driving and often run off the road or into the car
in front of them. Don’t let this happen to you. If you have a problem or there is a distraction, im-
mediately pull over to the side of the roadway and take care of the problem.

A. AGGRESSIVE/ROAD RAGE DRIVING

Aggressive driving is when you commit moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons
or property; an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or pas-
senger of one motor vehicle on the operator or passengers of another motor vehicle. Don’t get
angry when other drivers make mistakes or act rudely. Be patient and courteous to others.
Road rage is on the rise in Utah. Utah law defines road rage as the commission of a criminal of-
fense by:
 An operator of a vehicle;
 In response to an incident that occurs or escalates upon a roadway; and
 With the intent to endanger or intimidate an individual in another vehicle
The court may order that your license be suspended for one (1) year on the first conviction.

B. AVOIDING COLLISIONS WITH ANIMALS

You can reduce your chances of colliding with an animal by:
 Using caution when driving at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
 Being alert when driving on roadways marked with deer crossing signs. These signs

55
 are placed in areas with many deer/vehicle collisions.
 Look well down the road and at the sides of the road. Slow down and use caution
when approaching animals standing near the roadway; they may bolt or change direc-
tion at the last minute, and other deer may follow.
 Do not swerve to avoid the animal; your risk of personal injury may be greater if you do.
 Keep your vehicle under control and in the travel lane.
 Watch for dogs and cats in residential areas and try to avoid hitting them.
If you need help pull, to the side of the road, turn on your emergency flashers, raise your hood,
and tie something white or orange on the antenna or left door handle.

C. DESERT DRIVING
Desert driving is generally done on reasonably good roads with gas, food, water, and accommo-
dations available at convenient intervals. Unless you go off-road, most roads will be paved or
gravel. Except during the summer, deserts get hot, with daily temperatures in the 100 degrees
Fahrenheit range and low to zero humidity. Some tips to use when driving in the desert:
 If you are not used to high temperatures, do not drive through the desert in the sum-
mer. If you must drive through the desert in the summer, stay on the freeways and use
a vehicle with air conditioning.
 Always carry enough water for you and your passengers to survive in the desert if your
vehicle breaks down.
 Carry water for your vehicle’s radiator. The vehicle’s cooling system can be affected,
so watch the radiator temperature and coolant levels.
 If your vehicle breaks down in the desert, stay with it. Do not wander away from the
vehicle unless it is to get help from a visible call box on the road or an inhabited build-
ing within a few minutes’ walk.
 When off the freeways or major highways, ensure you have enough gas and water.
You can never have enough water and gas while driving in the desert.
 Do not take side roads off the freeway or highway unless you know where they go.

D. FATIGUE
When you are physically or mentally tired, that is called fatigue. It can be caused by physical or
mental strain, illness, or lack of sleep. Fatigue can make you see less clearly. Fatigue can also
make your mind and body slow down. When your mind and body slow down, you cannot do
things as quickly. You may not stop as fast as you need to if a car suddenly stops in front of you.
Do not drive if you are tired. You do not want to fall asleep while you are driving.
ගඉඓඑඖඏ ඉ ක඗ඉඌ ගකඑ඘
Before you take a trip, do the following:
 Get enough sleep—most people need 7 to 9 hours to stay awake during the day.

56
  Plan to stop every two (2) hours during long trips to take a break from driving.
 Have another person go with you to watch your driving.
 Check the labels on your medicine; some will make you sleepy.
 Do not drink alcohol and drive.
 Do not take other drugs when you drive.
Ways to avoid fatigue:
 If you start to feel tired, stop driving, pull off at an exit or rest area and take a 20-minute
power nap, or find a place to sleep for the night.
 Do not drive late at night.
 Driving is hard mental work; you will have a much better trip if you are rested and
ready.
Warning signs of drowsiness:
 Can’t remember the last few miles driven.
 Hit a rumble strip or drift from your lane.
 Keep pulling the vehicle back into the lane.
 Thoughts are wandering and disconnected.
 Yawn repeatedly.
 Have difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open and your head up.
 Tailgate or miss traffic signs.
 Narrowly missed crashing.

E. FLOODING
Flooding can occur when streams and rivers flow over their banks, dams or levees break, runoff
from deep snow, or heavy rainfall. Floodwaters can be found on roads, bridges, and low areas.
Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours
of excessive rainfall.
Do not drive through flooded areas:
 If you see a flooded roadway ahead, turn around and find another route to get to your
destination.
 Be cautious, especially at night, when visibility is limited.
 Six (6) inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of
control or possible stalling.
 Two (2) feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehi-
cles and pick-up trucks.
 If the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road-
way. Water can hide dips, or worse, floodwaters can damage roadways by washing

57
 away the underlying road surface.
 If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.

F. HANDHELD WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE (HWC)

A person may not use an HWC device while operating a moving motor vehicle on a highway in
this state to manually write, send, or read a written communication, including: a text message, in-
stant messenger, electronic email, dial a phone number, access the internet, view or record a vid-
eo, take a photograph, or enter data into a wireless communication device.
Utah law allows drivers over 18 years of age to talk on an HWC device while driving as long as
voice commands are used to connect to a call. When using hands-free and voice-activated tech-
nology, the law allows using GPS functions, reporting safety hazards, criminal activity, and medi-
cal emergencies.
Drivers under the age of 18 may only use an HWC device while operating a motor vehicle during
a medical emergency, reporting a safety hazard, reporting criminal activity, or communicating with
a parent or legal guardian.
A person convicted of a texting violation is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine
of $100 or a Class B misdemeanor if they inflict bodily injury or have a previous violation for this
offense. Officers may pull a driver over if they observe a driver texting, etc.

G. HIGHWAY WORK ZONES

Highway work zones are those portions of a street or highway where construc-
tion, maintenance, or utility work is being done to the road, its shoulders, or
any other items related to the roadway. This includes under-
ground and overhead utility work, tree trimming, and survey-
ing activities. Highway work zones are easily recognized by
the presence of orange signs and other orange traffic control
devices, flashing lights on equipment, and workers dressed in
highly visible clothing.

Each year, nearly a thousand people are killed, and thousands are injured as a result of crashes
in highway work zones. Some of these are highway workers, flaggers, or law enforcement offi-
cials. However, over 80% of the fatalities and injuries are suffered by drivers, passengers, and
pedestrians. Many of these work zone crashes are preventable.
Highway workers are trained to set up safe work zones with directional traffic
signs and devices. Motorists and pedestrians are responsible for knowing how to
read and react to these directions. Paying attention and driving cautiously and
courteously are the most critical steps in preventing crashes while driving through
highway work zones.
Work zones may involve lane closings, detours, and heavy equipment moving on
or near the road. Watch out for signs, cones, barrels, large vehicles, and workers in work zones.
Work zone signs have an orange background and black letters or symbols. Always slow down
even if there are no workers. Narrow lanes and rough pavement can be dangerous.
58
The courts are required to fine a driver who speeds in a highway construction zone at least twice
the amount of the regular fine for speeding.
Slow down in a work zone, increase your following distance, and be prepared to stop. Be careful
when driving through a work zone at night, even if no workers are there. Stay well away from
workers and construction vehicles. Obey the posted work zone signs until you see “end road
work.” Expect delays, plan to leave early, and finish your trip on time. If possible, use a different
route to avoid work zones.

H. LIGHTNING
Only a hard-topped vehicle will protect you in a lightning storm. Make sure all doors are closed
and windows are up. Do not touch any metal surfaces. Do not use radios connected to an exter-
nal antenna mounted on the vehicle. Otherwise, the safest place during a thunderstorm is inside
a well-constructed building with plumbing and electric wiring.

I. MOUNTAIN DRIVING
Mountain driving can be very different from normal driving conditions. Some hazards you should
be aware of are steep hills, wildlife, rocks in the roadway, and changing weather conditions.
Gravity plays a significant role in mountain driving because it slows your vehicle down on an up-
grade. You need to use lower gears to drive up hills and steep mountains. When coming down
steep hills or mountains, gravity causes the speed of your vehicle to increase. Therefore, you
must select a safe speed, use proper braking techniques, and use a low gear.
You should try to plan and obtain information about any long steep grades along your planned
travel route. If possible, speak to other drivers familiar with the grades to determine safe speeds.
Here are some more tips to use when driving up hills or mountains:
 If your vehicle experiences difficulty traveling up steep roadways, pull off the road at a
safe place or stay in the right lane to allow other vehicles to pass.
 Pay special attention to speed limit signs and warning signs, such as warnings about
curves, steep hills, or other hazards.
 If a speed limit is posted or a sign indicates maximum safe speed, never exceed the
speed shown.
 You must yield to vehicles going uphill if traveling downhill on a narrow road.
 Do not coast downhill by shifting into neutral or disengaging the clutch.
 Stay close to the right edge of the road to avoid oncoming traffic.
 Sound the horn when approaching any sharp curve on a narrow road where the view is
obstructed.

J. NIGHT DRIVING
Driving at night is more complex and dangerous than driving in daylight. The
distance you can see is limited:

59
  Ensure the headlights and taillights of the vehicle are illuminated.
 If your vehicle is being operated on a highway at any time from sunset to sunrise, or
when persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of
1,000 feet ahead due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions.
 If your vehicle’s high beam lights are on and a car is coming toward you, dim your lights
before you get within 500 feet of the oncoming car.
 Dim your high beams for oncoming traffic. If an oncoming vehicle does not dim, look at
the right side of the road. This helps avoid being blinded by the headlights.
 If you are following a car, dim your lights when you are within 300 feet of the vehicle
ahead of you.
 Use your lights any time conditions keep you from seeing 1,000 feet ahead.
 Avoid looking directly into headlights.
 Keep your eyes searching the road in front of your vehicle and look for dark shapes on
the roadway. Glance to the right and left to check for the edge of the pavement and
hazards on the sides.
 Do not wear sunglasses or colored lenses at night. Tinted or colored lenses reduce the
light you need for good vision.
 Increase your following distance at night by at least two (2) seconds.
 The law requires that you drive at a reasonable and prudent speed. That means, espe-
cially at night, if you drive the posted speed limit, it may be too fast.

K. RURAL ROADS
Driving on rural roads can be dangerous. Stay alert, watch for warning signs, and obey the
speed limit. Some problems and driving hazards are unique to rural roads.
ඏකඉඞඍඔ ඗ක ඌඑකග—there is less traction on gravel or dirt roads. Slow down and increase your fol-
lowing distance. You may skid when stopping your vehicle.
ඖඉකක඗ඟ ක඗ඉඌඛ—rural roads are narrower and may have ditches or drop-offs instead of shoul-
ders. Slow down and center your vehicle in your lane. Look out for oncoming traffic that may be
in your lane.
ඖඉකක඗ඟ ඊකඑඌඏඍඛ ඉඖඌ ඛඑඖඏඔඍ-ඔඉඖඍ ඊකඑඌඏඍඛ—the first driver to the bridge has the right-of-way.
Take turns crossing the bridge.
඗඘ඍඖ ඊකඑඌඏඍ ඏකඉගඑඖඏඛ ඗ක ඛගඍඍඔ ඊකඑඌඏඍඛ—reduce your speed, increase your following dis-
tance, and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
ඔඑඕඑගඍඌ ඞඑඍඟ—wooded areas, crops growing in fields, and steep hills can block your view. In
these areas, slow down and be ready to stop.
ඝඖඋ඗ඖගක඗ඔඔඍඌ එඖගඍකඛඍඋගඑ඗ඖඛ—these intersections can be very dangerous. Approach them
with caution. Slow down and be ready to stop for crossing or oncoming traffic.

60
L. SKIDDING
Most of us think of ice and snow when we think of skidding. Remem-
ber that skidding can also happen on wet roads. Your car may start
to hydroplane at speeds over 35 mph. Hydroplaning occurs when
your front tires ride on water instead of the road. As you go faster,
the problem worsens, and you will lose control of your steering.
In Utah, we also have a particular problem with black ice. Black ice is difficult to see on the road-
way and appears more like a wet spot than a patch of ice.
Unfortunately, many crashes occur each year from skids caused by black ice.
The best policy is to keep a skid from happening:
 Slow down to a speed at which you can control the car.
 If you do skid, slowly take your foot off the gas pedal.
 If your rear wheels skid to the right, turn your front wheels to the right.
 If the rear wheels skid to the left, turn left.
 Do not steer too far, though, as that will make the car skid in the other direction.
 Do not slam on your brakes.
 Once your car regains traction, straighten out your wheels.

M. TRIP PLANNING
To prepare a vehicle for any trip, check the important mechanical components such as wind-
shields and windows, lights, tires, all fluid levels, belts, hoses, and brakes. Get a good night’s
sleep the night before the start of the trip.
Before going on a trip, consider the time of day to avoid congestion in city areas. Have a plan for
the route, including the route number and entrance and exit numbers of the final destination.
Consider rest stops, fuel stops, food stops, and potential construction areas.

N. VEHICLE SUBMERGED UNDERWATER

If you are in a crash and your vehicle enters a pond, lake, river, or other body of water, you
should remain calm and assess the situation:
 If your vehicle enters water, it will only float on the surface for 30 to 60 seconds so im-
mediately attempt to get out of the vehicle.
 First, remove your safety belt.
 Lower the window, and climb onto the vehicle’s top.
 Before trying to swim away, assess the current of the water.
If the vehicle is sinking quickly and you cannot open the door or window, you will have to wait for
the pressure to equalize:
 Take off heavy clothing that will cause you to sink, but keep your shoes on in case you
have to kick the window to escape.
61
If you cannot open the door or window, there will be a small air pocket near the part of the vehicle
that is highest in the water. If you can’t get a side window open, take a breath and kick the win-
dow out. Go to the air pocket for one more breath and then escape.

O. WEATHER
ඐ඗ග ඟඍඉගඐඍක
When driving in very hot weather, pay special attention to these items:
ගඑකඍඛ—check the tire mounting and air pressure. Inspect the tires every two (2) hours or every
100 miles. Air pressure increases with the temperature. Do not let the air out; the pressure will
be too low when the tires cool off.
ඍඖඏඑඖඍ ඗එඔ—the engine oil helps keep the engine cool. Make sure there is enough oil. If you
have an oil temperature gauge, ensure the temperature is within the proper range while driving.
ඍඖඏඑඖඍ උ඗඗ඔඉඖග—ensure the engine cooling system has enough water and antifreeze before
driving. When driving, check the water temperature or coolant temperature gauge occasionally.
Make sure that it remains in the normal range. If the gauge goes above the highest safe temper-
ature, something wrong may lead to engine failure and possibly fire. Stop driving as soon as
safely possible to find out what is wrong.
ඟඉගඋඐ ඎ඗ක ඊඔඍඍඌඑඖඏ ගඉක—tar in the road pavement frequently rises to the surface in hot weath-
er. Spots where tar bleeds to the surface can be slippery, so use caution when you see them.

උ඗ඔඌ ඟඍඉගඐඍක
Winter is the most challenging driving season. There are fewer hours of daylight and you can en-
counter conditions such as: fog, stormy weather, snow, or ice. Use your low beams to avoid
glare in fog, rain, or snow. Before winter weather arrives, make sure your vehicle is in good con-
dition and has good snow tires. Put them on the vehicle before the first snowfall. For front-wheel
drive vehicles, it is best to put snow or “all-season” tires on all four (4) wheels, not just the front.
Snow tires with metal studs may be used from October 15 through March 31 of each year.
During ice or snowstorms, especially when a weather advisory is issued, do not drive unless it is
essential. If you must drive, first clear the ice and snow from your vehicle, including the head-
lights, taillights, windshield wipers, and all windows. Use a freeze-resistant cleaning solution for
the wipers and that the reservoir is filled adequately.
Even if your vehicle has good traction in ice and snow, drive slowly. Other drivers will be travel-
ing with caution. Do not disrupt the traffic flow by driving faster than everyone else. When sleet,
freezing rain or snow starts to fall, remember that bridges, ramps, and overpasses are likely to
freeze first. Also, be aware that slippery spots may remain after road crews have cleared the
roadways.
An emergency on the road can happen at any time. Be prepared with a survival kit that should
always remain in the vehicle and replenished after each use. Supplies include a properly inflated
spare tire, a shovel, jumper cables, tow and tire chains, a bag of salt or sand, and a tool kit.
Working flashlight and extra batteries, reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth, compass, first
aid kit, exterior windshield cleaner, ice scraper, snow brush, matches in a waterproof container,
blankets, woolen gloves, socks, hat, water, and non-perishable foods that give you energy such
62
as unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.
If you become stranded while traveling in cold weather, stay with your vehicle. Do not leave your
vehicle unless you know exactly where you are and how far it is to help. Most deaths under these
circumstances occur when people get out of their vehicles, become lost, and suffer prolonged ex-
posure to the cold. Stay calm, wait for help to arrive, and use the following tips:
 Turn on your hazard warning lights.
 To attract attention, light two (2) flares and place one at each end of the vehicle a safe
distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your driver-side window, mirror, or
door handle.
 Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and debris. Fumes from the exhaust can leak into
the vehicle and can cause you to black out or even cause death.
 Run the engine and heater until the vehicle is reasonably warm, then turn it off. Repeat
this process as long as fuel is available. Running the engine for approximately 10
minutes each hour to charge the battery and warm the interior is recommended.
 Even in frigid temperatures, leave at least one window open to let fresh air in. Occu-
pants of an idling vehicle can suffer carbon monoxide poisoning if ventilation is inade-
quate, and heavy snow and ice can seal a vehicle shut.
 At least one person in the vehicle should remain awake at all times.
 To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia, use blankets to keep warm.
In freezing weather, several things can happen to your brakes:
 They may be ineffective for several hundred feet, then suddenly grab as the friction
dries out the brakes.
 All moving parts can freeze solid, resulting in the complete loss of brakes.
 The brakes may not release once they are applied.
 To help prevent problems from occurring, lightly touch your brakes occasionally.

63
SECTION 12: Crashes and Insurance
If you are involved in a crash—stop immediately. You may be penalized severely for not remain-
ing at the scene of a crash in which you are involved. Your driver license may be suspended or
revoked for up to one year. In addition, you may receive a jail sentence of up to one year, a fine
of up to $2500, or both.
You are required to render reasonable assistance to any person injured in the crash, including
transporting or making arrangements for transporting the injured person to a physician or hospital
for medical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or the injured person requests
transportation. Avoid moving anyone who appears to be seriously injured unless such action is
necessary to prevent further injury.
Note: It is a third-degree felony for a person to fail to stop at the scene of an injury crash.
If the crash results in property damage only and there are no injuries, the law allows for the oper-
ator of a vehicle with knowledge that the operator was involved in, or who has reason to believe
that the operator may have been involved in, an accident resulting only in damage to another ve-
hicle or other property; may move the vehicle as soon as possible out of the travel lanes on any
roadway to an adjacent shoulder, the nearest suitable cross street, or other suitable location that
does not obstruct traffic; or off the freeway main lines, shoulders, medians, or adjacent areas to
the nearest safe location on an exit ramp shoulder, a frontage road, the nearest suitable cross
street, or other suitable location that does not obstruct traffic; and shall remain at the scene of the
accident or the location described until all other requirements are fulfilled.
If the crash results in injuries, death, or at least $2500 in total property damage, you must notify
law enforcement (911) immediately. This rule applies to all crashes, regardless of whether anoth-
er driver was involved. You may also be requested to provide insurance information to the Finan-
cial Responsibility Section, Driver License Division.
The following information must be exchanged between drivers or other persons involved in the
crash:
 Your name and address.
 Vehicle registration number.
 Your insurance information, including the agent or provider’s name and phone number.
If the owner of an unattended vehicle is not available or cannot be found, leave a note providing
this information:
 Name and address of the driver of your vehicle.
 Vehicle plate number of the vehicle that caused the crash.
Note: The operator of a vehicle that provides the information required to a police officer at the
scene of the crash is exempt from providing the information to other persons involved.

A. DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Just knowing the rules of the road is not enough. You need to develop particular skills for special
situations. One skill that is useful in all situations; however, is defensive driving. Defensive driv-

64
ing involves looking for possible crashes and mistakes other drivers may make. Learning how to
be aware of everything that happens around you is essential.
 Over half the drivers killed in two-car crashes in Utah were not at fault.
 One in four (4) persons will be in a crash in the next four (4) years. There are ways to
reduce your chances of being that person.
 A national study revealed that driver error is a factor in 75% of all car crashes.
 The time of day when most crashes happen is between 2 pm and 6 pm.
 The highest rate of reported car crashes occurs in shopping and business areas.
 Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for ages 1—24 years of age.
Studies show your chances of being in a crash will be much less if you take a defensive driving
course. Even a defensive driver needs to have some special skills. These skills include freeway
driving, night driving, and emergency measures.

B. EMERGENCIES AND AVOIDING CRASHES

Emergencies happen. You will be less likely to panic and know what to do if you think about
emergencies and plan for them before they happen. When driving, paying attention to the road
and other cars and objects around you is important. You never know when something unex-
pected is going to happen.
Note: Motorists have been seriously injured or even killed when attending to vehicle malfunc-
tions such as a flat tire, out of gas, and other equipment problems on and off the roadways.
The majority of these incidents are preventable to minimize death or injury follow these simple
rules:
 Ensure your vehicle, including the internal engine components, is properly maintained.
 Maintain adequate tire pressure and tread.
 Be sure your vehicle has a sufficient amount of fuel.
 If you experience a vehicle malfunction, pull off the road as far as possible or exit the
freeway completely. A shredded tire or bent rim is better than risking your life.
 If you are off to the side of the road and need help, stay in your vehicle as much as
possible and keep walking on the road to a minimum.
 Use your mobile device to call the local dispatcher if you need assistance. If you do not
have access to a mobile device, leave the hood of your car up and your hazard lights
on. This will advise the traveling public that you need assistance.
 Inform family members or other persons when to expect you at your destination.
 Have an emergency kit in the trunk of your vehicle with blankets, extra food and water
to sustain you and your family.
ඊකඉඓඑඖඏ ඉඖඌ ඊකඉඓඍ ඎඉඑඔඝකඍ
During an emergency, the first action for most drivers is to stop. A brake warning light tells you
that your brakes are not working. Do not drive if you see this warning light.

65
  If your brakes stop working while driving, use the parking brake.
 Apply the parking brake slowly to avoid locking the rear wheels.
 Be ready to release the brake if you start to skid.
 If the parking brake fails, turn off the engine and look for a safe place to stop. Make
sure the vehicle is well off the roadway. Do not drive without brakes.
 Many new vehicles have ABS (Anti-lock Braking Systems.) ABS helps you stop with-
out skidding. It helps keep steering control. Be sure to read the vehicle owner’s manu-
al on how to use the ABS.
 To use ABS, press the brake pedal as hard as possible and apply pressure.
ABS only works if you stay on the brake pedal. The pedal may vibrate and hear
a clicking noise; this is normal, and you can still steer with ABS on.
 If your vehicle does not have ABS, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for
how to use the brakes.
ඊකඍඉඓඌ඗ඟඖඛ
If your vehicle breaks down, ensure other drivers can see it. Crashes often happen because driv-
ers do not see a disabled vehicle until it’s too late to stop.
 If you have a breakdown, get your vehicle off the roadway and away from traffic.
 Turn on your emergency flashers, raise your hood, attach something white or orange to
the antenna or door handle.
 Put emergency flares or triangles 200 to 300 feet behind your vehicle, giving other driv-
ers time to change lanes or slow down.
 Call law enforcement (911) about the breakdown.
඘඗ඟඍක ඎඉඑඔඝකඍ
Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel if the engine shuts off while driving. The steering wheel
may be hard to turn, but you can turn it. Look for a safe place to pull off, brake gently, and use
steady pressure on the pedal. Slow down and pull off the road. Try to start the engine; if it
doesn’t start, raise the hood, turn on the emergency flashers, and call for help.
ඛගඍඍකඑඖඏ
You may be able to avoid a collision by steering around a hazard. This is sometimes called
swerving. To quickly steer around a hazard, ensure you have a good grip with both hands on the
steering wheel and steer in the direction you want, but try to avoid other traffic. Once you have
missed the hazard, straighten your vehicle and slow down.
ඛගඝඋඓ ඏඉඛ ඘ඍඌඉඔ
If your vehicle is speeding out of control, shift to neutral and look for a safe place to pull off, steer
smoothly, brake gently, and pull off the road.
ගඑකඍ ඊඔ඗ඟ඗ඝග
If a front tire blows out, your vehicle will pull hard toward the blown tire. Do not slam on the
brakes.

66
  If a rear tire blows out, the vehicle will wobble, shake, and pull toward the blown tire.
 If a tire goes flat, grip the steering wheel firmly, steer straight, slow gradually, and take
your foot off the gas pedal; do not brake.
Allow the vehicle to slow down. Brake gently only if you must, and do not stop on the road. Pull
off the road in a safe place and turn on the emergency flashers. If possible, pick a level spot, and
turn on your emergency flashers, and change the tire.
ඝඖඍඞඍඖ ඛඝකඎඉඋඍඛ/ඌක඗඘-඗ඎඎඛ
Drop-offs can cause crashes unless you handle them right. Don’t panic if your wheels drop off
the paved road surface. Slow down gradually and then turn back onto the roadway.

C. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT

The Financial Responsibility Act is designed to protect the public from losses due to motor vehicle
crashes. This law requires that you have your vehicle or yourself, as a driver, insured. Anyone
who knowingly operates a motor vehicle or permits one to be operated without owner’s security is
guilty of a class B misdemeanor, which may result in losing your driver license, motor vehicle reg-
istration, and license plates. To regain these items, you must provide proof of adequate financial
security, pay the required reinstatement fees, and pay any applicable fines.
Motor vehicle insurance is the most convenient and least expensive way to comply with this law.
඘ක඗ඞඑඌඑඖඏ ඛඍඋඝකඑගඡ ඉඎගඍක ඉ උකඉඛඐ
There are two (2) ways you can provide the required security after a crash in which you were the
at-fault driver:
1. Depositing money with the Financial Responsibility Section in the amount of the loss
suffered by the other parties involved; or
2. Showing you were covered by automobile liability insurance at the time of the crash. If
you were not covered by such insurance, you must file one of the following:
 Evidence that all parties involved in the crash have released you from liability.
 Evidence that you have agreed in writing to make payments for any damages or
injuries suffered by the other party or parties.
 Evidence that you have been found not liable by a court of law.
 Evidence that the operator complied with the operator’s security requirement.
If your driving privilege is suspended under this act, it may be reinstated by complying with one of
the above-listed procedures or one year following the effective date of suspension if no civil ac-
tion arising out of the accident has been instituted.
ඝඖඛඉගඑඛඎඑඍඌ ඒඝඌඏඕඍඖග
A court may render a judgment against you for damages to other injured parties. If this judgment
is not satisfied within 60 days after the court decision, your driving privilege will be suspended.
This rule may apply not only to drivers but also to those who own or maintain the vehicle. If your
driving privilege is withdrawn, the suspension will be in effect until the judgment is satisfied and
you have filed “future proof” of financial responsibility in the form of an SR22.

67
SR22 එඖඛඝකඉඖඋඍ
“Future proof” of financial responsibility is evidence that you pay for any damage to others if you
are responsible for a future accident. It is required if you have failed to satisfy a judgment as ex-
plained above or if your driving privilege is suspended for violating the financial responsibility
laws. This proof must be maintained for three (3) years following the date of the suspension or
revocation or, in the case of an unsatisfied judgment, three (3) years from the date of reinstate-
ment.
The most common way to file “future proof” is to furnish evidence that you are covered by an
SR22 automobile liability insurance policy.
ඝඖඑඖඛඝකඍඌ ඕ඗ග඗කඑඛග
If a vehicle owner is convicted of driving without insurance, is suspended for driving without insur-
ance, or is identified in the computer records as having no insurance, the Department of Motor
Vehicles must revoke the vehicle registration unless insurance is purchased within 30 days.
Note: The law states that any time anyone drives a motor vehicle, proof of insurance for the ve-
hicle and/or the operator must be in the vehicle and shown to any peace officer asking to see it.
You can provide proof of insurance to a peace officer electronically using a mobile electronic
device. UCA 41-12a-303.2(2)(a)(i) and 41-12a-303.2(2)(d)(i)(B)

D. INSURANCE COVERAGE
ඊ඗ඌඑඔඡ එඖඒඝකඡ ඉඖඌ ඘ක඗඘ඍකගඡ ඌඉඕඉඏඍ ඔඑඉඊඑඔඑගඡ—mandatory coverage that provides payment
for injuries or damages caused by your negligence to another person or property. This coverage
can be used to meet the Utah Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law requirements.
ඝඖඑඖඛඝකඍඌ ඕ඗ග඗කඑඛග—covers injuries to you and your passengers if you are in a crash that is
caused by another driver who does not have insurance or by a “hit-and-run” driver. Property
damage losses are generally not paid under this coverage.
඘ඍකඛ඗ඖඉඔ එඖඒඝකඡ ඘ක඗ගඍඋගඑ඗ඖ (also known as “no-fault” or “PIP”)—mandatory and provides
some basic benefits and coverage for bodily injury to you and others without having to determine
“fault” in a crash.
උ඗ඔඔඑඛඑ඗ඖ—covers repairs to your vehicle for damage caused by a collision, subject to a deducti-
ble, usually when no other person is at fault. This coverage is not required by law but is generally
required by a lien holder.
උ඗ඕ඘කඍඐඍඖඛඑඞඍ—covers repairs to your vehicle for damage caused by reasons other than colli-
sions, such as fire, theft, vandalism, or glass breakage. This coverage is not required by law but
may be required by a lien holder.
Note: If you are convicted in a court of law of a violation for driving without insurance or driving
without proof of insurance, you will be required to carry an SR22 for three (3) years and pay a
$40 reinstatement fee.

E. RELEASE OF CRASH REPORT INFO

Crash reports are protected and may be released only as provided by the law. A report may be

68
released to persons involved in the crash, excluding witnesses; anyone they name as a repre-
sentative, with signed permission from the person involved in the crash; parents or legal guardi-
an, attorney, insurance company, licensed private investigator, or the media.
Information released to the news media is limited to name, age, sex, city of residence, vehicle
make and model (whether or not the vehicles were insured), and the location and description of
the crash.

69
SECTION 13: Suspensions and Your Record
Some drivers do not meet acceptable driving standards. The Driver License Division is here to
help those drivers, if possible, and to take corrective action, if necessary. The division also deals
with cases of license fraud and alteration.
The various driver control programs are designed to improve driver attitude and performance. In
most cases, the treatment programs are successful. However, some drivers are unable or unwill-
ing to correct their bad habits. Those drivers can expect revocation, suspension, denial, or dis-
qualification of their driving privileges.

A. ALTERED OR FICTITIOUS LICENSE

It is unlawful to display a license you know has been canceled, suspended, or altered. It is also
illegal to alter a driver license. Either of these actions could result in your license being suspend-
ed.

B. DRIVING RECORD (MVR)

The Driver License Division maintains a computerized driving and crash record of every driver in
the state. It contains a record of convictions for moving traffic violations and suspensions within
the past three (3) years. All alcohol/drug-related violations, suspensions, and revocations remain
on the record for 10 years. When a driver is convicted of a moving traffic violation, a notice of the
court action is sent to the division for posting on the driver’s record.
If you are a commercial driver, your driving record will be submitted to the commercial driver li-
cense information system, and a record of suspensions and revocations will be forwarded to the
national driver register.

C. DRIVING WHILE DENIED, SUSPENDED, OR REVOKED

If you drive while your driver license is denied, suspended, or revoked, you may be sentenced to
jail for 90 days and be required to pay a fine.
Also, the length of time your driver license was originally denied, suspended, or revoked will be
increased by the amount of the original time period. For example, your license was originally sus-
pended for three (3) months, an additional three (3) months would be added to your suspension.
If your original suspension or revocation is based upon an alcohol-related offense, the fine may
be up to $1000, and you may be imprisoned for up to six (6) months. If you drive while your li-
cense is suspended or revoked for DUI, metabolite of a drug, negligent homicide, a violation of
the alcohol-restricted driver law, or refusal to submit to a chemical test, your vehicle may be im-
pounded.

70
D. LICENSE SUSPENSIONS
Your driving privilege will result in a mandatory suspension and may be suspended for as long as
two (2) years or until your 21st birthday for any of the following:
 You have been convicted of an offense for which mandatory suspension is required.
 You have caused or contributed to a crash by reckless or unlawful conduct in which
someone was injured or killed or which resulted in serious property damage.
 You have unlawfully or fraudulently used or permitted your license by someone else.
 You have been convicted of sufficient traffic violations to be subject to the division point
system.
 You have been arrested for DUI or have been found guilty of any drug offense.
 As a Utah driver, you failed to appear in court for a traffic violation when it occurred in
Utah or a Non-Resident Violator Compact member state, or you were unable to satisfy
fees, fines, or restitution to the court on any criminal charge.
 You failed to show proof of no-fault insurance or other security as required under the
Utah Automobile No-Fault Insurance Act.
 You operated a vehicle or allowed a registered vehicle to be operated without required
insurance or proof of financial responsibility.
 You failed to pay child support.
 You have been convicted of a texting violation and the judge has ordered the suspen-
sion of your license.
 You are under the age of 21 and have used false or improper proof of age to obtain or
consume alcohol or gain admittance to a bar.
 You have been convicted of custodial interference.
 You have been convicted for a violation related to approaching an emergency vehicle
and have failed to complete a four-hour live classroom course on driving safety offered
by an approved entity.
 The court may order that your license be suspended for one (1) year on the first convic-
tion for a citation with a road rage enhancement.

E. LICENSE REVOCATIONS
Your driving privilege will result in a mandatory revocation if a court finds you guilty of any of the
following:
 Manslaughter or negligent homicide while driving.
 A second or subsequent conviction for driving or being in actual physical control of a
motor vehicle or a motorboat while intoxicated or while any measurable controlled sub-
stance or metabolite of a controlled substance is in your body (including prescribed
medications.)
 Making a false statement under oath when applying for a driver license.
 Using a motor vehicle to commit or facilitate a felony, including negligent homicide.
71
  Failure to stop and give aid if you are involved in a motor vehicle crash resulting in the
death of or personal injury to another.
 Two (2) reckless or impaired driving charges in one year. (The court may recommend
that your license be suspended for three (3) months on the first conviction.) Reckless
driving is defined as operating a vehicle in a willful and/or wanton disregard for the
safety of persons or property.
 Attempting to flee or refusing to stop after receiving a visual or audible signal from a
police officer.
 Discharging or allowing the discharge of a firearm from a vehicle.
 Using, allowing the use of, or causing to be used any explosive, chemical, or incendiary
device from a vehicle.
 Driving with a measurable or detectable amount of alcohol in your system when you
have an alcohol-restricted status.
 Driving a vehicle without an ignition interlock device installed when you have an ignition
interlock restricted status.
 You have been convicted of careless driving, and a judge has ordered the revocation of
your driver license. If you forfeit bail after being arrested for one of the above, your
driver license will be revoked/suspended as if you had appeared in court and been
found guilty.
 You have been convicted of negligent homicide using a handheld wireless communica-
tion device.
 Refusal to submit to chemical testing as requested by law enforcement.
 You have two (2) citations that have been enhanced as a road rage violation in one (1)
year.

F. POINT SYSTEM
඘඗එඖග ඌඑඛගකඑඊඝගඑ඗ඖ
Reckless driving 80
Speeding (depending on severity) 35-75
Failure to yield right-of-way 60
Following to closely (tailgating) 60
Wrong side of road 60
Wrong way on one-way street 60
Red light 50
Stop sign 50
Improper lookout 50
Improper passing 50
Texting while driving 50
Other moving violations 40

72
The point system is part of Utah’s Driver Improvement Program. Points are assigned for specific
types of violations:
 ඗ඞඍක 21 ඡඍඉකඛ ඗ඎ ඉඏඍ—if you acquire 200 or more points within a three (3) year peri-
od, you will be asked to appear for a hearing.
 ඝඖඌඍක 21 ඡඍඉකඛ ඗ඎ ඉඏඍ—if you acquire 70 points or more within a three (3) year peri-
od, you will be asked to appear for a hearing.
Based on the hearing, you may be placed on probation, requested to take the defensive driving
course, or have your driving privilege denied, or suspended. The denial/suspension may be for
one month to one year, depending on your driving record.
උඔඍඉක ඘඗එඖගඛ ඎක඗ඕ කඍඋ඗කඌ
By driving safely, you can clear points from your record.
 The point system provides that half of the total points on your record will be removed
when you drive one full year without being convicted of a moving traffic violation.
 If you drive two (2) successive years without a conviction, all points will be removed
from your record.
 Points for individual convictions are automatically removed from your record three (3)
years after the date of the violation.
As a further incentive, 50 points may be removed from your record upon completing a defensive
driving course recommended by the division. This 50-point reduction will be permitted only once
during any three (3) year period. For more information, view the Utah Safety Council website at:
utahsafetycouncil.org/defensive_driving/.
Note: The defensive driving course required to reduce 50 points from your driving record is differ-
ent than the traffic school offered by some courts.

73
SECTION 14: Sharing the Road
Everyone has a right to the roadway. Remember to be courteous. Communicate to let others
know where you are and what you plan to do.
ඞඝඔඖඍකඉඊඔඍ ඝඛඍකඛ ඗ඎ ගඐඍ ඐඑඏඐඟඉඡ
Utah law defines a vulnerable user of the highway as a pedestrian, including a person engaged in
work upon a highway or utilities facilities along a highway or providing emergency services within
the right-of-way of a highway, a person riding an animal, and a person operating any of the fol-
lowing on a highway: farm tractor or implement of husbandry without an enclosed shell, skate-
board, roller skates, in-line skates, bicycle, electric-assisted bicycle, electric personal assistive
mobility device, moped, motor-driven cycle, motorized scooter, motorcycle, and wheelchairs.
A person who distracts or attempts to distract a vulnerable user of a highway with the intent to
cause violence or injury or force a vulnerable user off the roadway may be given a traffic citation.
If convicted in court, this type of traffic citation will appear on a person’s driving record, and points
will be assessed.
People walking, jogging, riding bicycles, or operating pedestrian vehicles on the roadway can
cause special problems for drivers. Besides being hard to see, they sometimes do the unex-
pected. As a driver, you must always have your car under control and be ready to react to any
sudden action of others using the roadway.

A. BICYCLES
Bicycles are considered vehicles when on roadways. Bicyclists are required and
expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorized vehicles. As a motor-
ist, you should know that a bicyclist has the same rights, privileges, and responsi-
bilities as you. Respect for each other will aid in the smooth flow of traffic.
Bicyclists may not be easily seen in traffic. You must be alert for bicyclists and
be extra careful when approaching them. Just as motorists have different skill
levels, bicyclists also have varying skills. A skillful bicyclist rides predictably and holds a steady
line. An unskillful bicyclist may swerve unpredictably, ignore traffic signs and signals, and ride
without a light at night. If you see an unskillful bicyclist, be ready for any sudden movements.
As a driver, you must:
 Yield to bicyclists in intersections as you would for pedestrians and other vehicles.
 Yield right-of-way when a bicycle path or bike lane intersects a road. Do not stop, park,
or drive on a designated bicycle path or lane unless you are entering or leaving an alley
or driveway, performing official duties directed by a police officer, or an emergency ex-
ists. Dedicated bicycle lanes are marked with solid white lines.
 Allow as much space as possible and slow down when approaching or passing a bicy-
clist. You should slow down and let the cyclist clear the intersection before turning.
 Avoid slowing down or stopping quickly. A motor vehicle’s brakes are more powerful
than a bicycle’s, and you could cause a crash.

74
  Avoid sounding your horn close to the bicyclists unless there is a chance of a crash.
Sounding your horn to alert your presence may startle bicyclists and cause them to
steer into your path and crash.
 Watch carefully for bicyclists entering your lane. Be especially careful if you see chil-
dren riding bikes on the sidewalk. They may come onto the road, and they cannot see
things out of the corner of their eyes as well as adults can. Therefore, even though
children glance toward you, they may not see you before they pull out in front of you.
They also have trouble judging the speed and distance of oncoming cars and lack a
sense of danger.
 Avoid turning sharply in front of bicyclists, and do not force a bicyclist off the road.
 Although bicyclists are required to ride in the direction of traffic, you should look for
them riding anywhere on the roadway. Utah law requires a minimum of three (3) feet of
distance from any bicyclist or vulnerable user of the highway you are passing.
 If a bicyclist travels at less than a reasonable speed, you may drive in a center lane,
that is, a two-way left turn lane; the center lane is on a roadway divided into three (3) or
more lanes that provide for two-way movement of traffic.
 Dim your headlights within 500 feet when approaching or overtaking bicyclists at night.
 Be careful around bicyclists when the roadway is wet or covered with sand or gravel.
These conditions affect bicycles much more than vehicles.
 When parking on the street, check to the sides and rear for bicyclists before opening
your vehicle door.
 You should always check for bicyclists in your path before backing. Be especially cau-
tious near schools or residential areas where bicyclists may be present.
 Cooperate with bicyclists. They are re-
quired to use hand signals, as shown
when turning and stopping. However, re-
member bicyclists may be unable to signal
if road or traffic conditions require them to keep both hands on the handlebars. Look
for other clues of a bicyclist’s intent, such as turning their head or looking over their
shoulder before changing lane position.
Note: When turning left, a bicyclist can use the left-turn or two-way left-turn lanes in the same
manner required of motor vehicles.
When overtaking and passing a bicycle or moped under Subsection (1)(c), a person operating a
vehicle may not pass a bicycle or moped proceeding in the same direction if the pass cannot be
made safely, including under any of the following conditions:
 When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway where the
operator’s view is obstructed.
 When approaching within 100 feet of, or traversing, any intersection or railroad grade
crossing unless otherwise indicated by an official traffic control device.
 When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct,
or tunnel.
 When the pass cannot be made in accordance with Section 41-6a-706.5 and shall

75
 move the vehicle to the left of the lane the vehicle is traveling in if there is at least one
lane to the left of the vehicle that is proceeding in the same direction and the movement
can be made in accordance by UCA 41-6a-804.1.
As a bicyclist, you must:
 Never attempt to ride a bicycle while impaired. Alcohol can affect your balance and
judgment.
 Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. Never carry any package, bun-
dle, or article, which prevents using both hands in the control and operation of the bicy-
cle.
 Every bicycle must have a brake or brake system that enables the rider to stop the bi-
cycle within 25 feet from a speed of 10 mph.
 Wearing a CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) approved bicycle helmet
when riding is always recommended, which dramatically improves the chances of sur-
viving a crash.
 You are required to have a white headlight, red taillight or reflector, and side reflectors,
all visible for at least 500 feet any time you ride earlier than a half-hour before sunrise,
later than a half-hour after sunset, or whenever it is otherwise difficult to make out vehi-
cles 1000 feet away. The lights may be on the bicycle or the rider.
 Obey all traffic signs and signals and never ride against the traffic. Learn to look back
over your shoulder without losing balance or swerving left. Some riders use rear-view
mirrors.
 Make eye contact with drivers; you must assume they do not see you and may pull out
in front of you.
 Bicyclists approaching a stop sign may proceed through the intersection without stop-
ping at the stop sign if the bicyclist slows to a reasonable speed and yields the right-of-
way to any pedestrian within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk.
 When riding a bicycle on a sidewalk or crosswalk, bicyclists must ride slowly, yield the
right-of-way to any pedestrian, and give an audible signal before overtaking and pass-
ing any pedestrian.
 Always ride to the right side of the road or street, as it is safe and practical. On a one-
way street in a city, bicyclists may ride as near as possible to either the right or left side
of the street or roadway.
 While cycling, never attach yourself or the bicycle to any vehicles moving on the high-
way.
 You cannot have a siren or whistle on your bicycle.
 Ride no more than two (2) abreast and only if you would not impede traffic.
 A bicycle may not carry more persons than the number it is designed or equipped for,
except that an adult rider may carry a child securely attached to their person in a back-
pack or sling.

76
ඍඔඍඋගකඑඋ ඉඛඛඑඛගඍඌ ඊඑඋඡඋඔඍ
This is a bicycle with an electric motor that:
 Has fully operable pedals.
 Has permanently affixed cranks installed at the time of the original manufacture.
 Is fully operable as a bicycle without the use of an electric motor.
 Is listed as one of the following:
 උඔඉඛඛ 1—equipped with a motor or electronics that provides assistance only
when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist when the bicycle reaches the
speed of 20 miles per hour.
 උඔඉඛඛ 2—equipped with a motor or electronics that may be used exclusively to
propel the bicycle and is not capable of assisting when the bicycle reaches the
speed of 20 miles per hour.
 උඔඉඛඛ 3—equipped with a motor or electronics that provides assistance only
when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist when the bicycle reaches the
speed of 28 miles per hour. This class is equipped with a speedometer.

B. EMERGENCY VEHICLES
When police cars, fire engines, ambulances, or
other emergency vehicles approach using si-
rens, emergency lights, or other warning devic-
es, you MUST YIELD the right-of-way. DRIVE
AT ONCE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE
ROAD AND STOP until the emergency vehicle has passed.
Unless you are on official business, do not follow within 500 feet of any fire vehicle responding to
an alarm. You may not drive or park on the same block where the fire vehicle has stopped to an-
swer an alarm.
ඕ඗ඞඍ ඗ඞඍක ඔඉඟ
The incidents of law enforcement officers, emergency medical services, and fire department per-
sonnel being struck while performing roadside duties are increasing frighteningly. Move over
laws have been enacted to lessen the problem, requiring drivers to slow down and change lanes
when approaching a roadside incident. Signs are posted on the highways.
When approaching a stationary vehicle adjacent to a highway that is not parked in an apparent
legal parking area that has flashing hazard lights illuminated, the driver shall reduce the speed of
the vehicle, provide as much space as practical to the stationary vehicle, if practical and with due
regard to safety and traffic conditions, make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the station-
ary vehicle.
Upon approaching a stationary vehicle displaying amber lights, the driver of a vehicle traveling in
the HOV lane shall, if practical, with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, make a lane
change out of the HOV lane into a lane not adjacent to the stationary vehicle.
If you are convicted for NOT making a lane change or slowing down when approaching a stopped

77
stationary vehicle, you must attend a four (4) hour live classroom defensive driving course within
90 days of conviction. If you fail to attend the defensive driving class, your license will be sus-
pended for 90 days.

C. LARGE TRUCKS
It may sound obvious, but trucks are not large
cars. To reduce the chance of a crash with a
large tractor-trailer, the so-called “18-wheeler”,
motorists must be familiar with a truck’s physical
capabilities and common maneuvers. According
to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 71% of fatal crashes involv-
ing two (2) or more vehicles, one of which is a truck, are caused by another vehicle, usually a car.
ඛඑජඍ ඉඖඌ ඟඍඑඏඐග කඍඏඝඔඉගඑ඗ඖඛ
Moving any vehicle that exceeds the legal size and weight limits on any highway is illegal except
with a special permit. This section describes some of those limits. Remember, no local authority
has the power to alter these limitations.
ඟඑඌගඐ
No vehicle shall have a total outside width, including load, of more than 8 1/2 feet. One exception
to this rule is farm tractors. Their width may not exceed 9 feet. In addition, farm machinery may
move short distances on the highway, regardless of their size, if they are engaged in farm opera-
tions.
ඐඍඑඏඐග
No vehicle shall exceed a height of 14 feet, including any load that may be carried.
ඔඍඖඏගඐ
No single vehicle, except for fire-fighting equipment, shall exceed an overall length of 45 feet, in-
cluding the front and rear bumpers. A truck tractor coupled to a semi-trailer or trailers is consid-
ered two (2) vehicles.
Note: All other combination of vehicles, with or without a load (such as a motor home pulling a
boat), may not exceed a total length of 65 feet, 8 feet in width, and 14 feet in height.
඘඗ඛගඑඖඏ ඗ඎ කඍඏඑඛගඍකඍඌ ඏක඗ඛඛ ඔඉඌඍඖ ඟඍඑඏඐග
The Utah State Tax Commission requires that every vehicle registered for 16,001 pounds or more
have the weight for which it is registered displayed on both the left and right sides of the vehicle.
This can be done with paint, stencils, or decals. The information must be in letters not less than
two (2) inches high and placed in an easily visible location.
උඔඍඉකඉඖඋඍඛ
As you drive, you need to be aware of your vehicle’s increased height, width, and length. Bridg-
es, tunnels, and overhanging trees that were not a problem when driving your car can be a safety
hazard when driving a larger vehicle. Some precautions you can take include:
 Knowing the dimensions of your vehicle. Squeezing through a tight place is risky.

78
 When your clearance is under six (6) inches, be safe and slow down. Hazards like
rough roads might cause you to bounce into a low ceiling or swerve into a close wall.
 Being aware that some bridges and tunnels are not made for a car and a truck to pass
through at the same time. If you have any doubts, let the other vehicle go through first.
 Watch for fire escapes, low-hanging tree limbs, and filling station canopies. Be espe-
cially alert when you bring your vehicle in for a driving skills test. A few Driver License
offices have canopies that are prime targets for unaware drivers.
ඔ඗ඉඌඛ ඘ක඗ඒඍඋගඑඖඏ ග඗ ගඐඍ ඎක඗ඖග ඉඖඌ කඍඉක
No train of vehicles or single vehicle shall carry a load ex-
tending more than three (3) feet to the front nor more than
six (6) feet to the rear of the vehicle’s body. Requirements
for placement of flags, if required, are listed later in this
chapter.
ඔ඗ඉඌඛ ඘ක඗ඒඍඋගඑඖඏ ග඗ ගඐඍ ඛඑඌඍඛ
No vehicle, including a passenger vehicle, may carry any load ex-
tending beyond the line of the fenders on the left side of the vehi-
cle nor extending more than six (6) inches beyond the line of the
fenders on the right side. Requirements for lighting and flagging
loads that project beyond the sides or ends of a vehicle are dis-
cussed later in this section.
ඕඉඖඍඝඞඍකඉඊඑඔඑගඡ
Trucks are designed to carry products to and from towns and cities; they are not designed to be
as maneuverable as cars. Trucks have longer stopping and accelerating distances, wider turning
areas, and weigh more. On multi-lane highways, tractor-trailers stay in the center lane to help
with local traffic flow on and off the highway. Staying in the middle lane also increases a truck
driver’s options if they switch lanes to avoid a dangerous situation or a crash.
Listed below are common mistakes motorists must avoid when driving around trucks:
 Cutting off a truck in traffic or on the highway to reach your exit or turn. Cutting into the
open space in front of a truck removes the truck driver’s cushion of safety. Trying to
beat a truck to a single-lane construction zone is particularly dangerous. Take a mo-
ment to slow down and exit behind a truck—it takes only a few extra seconds and can
avoid causing a crash.
 Don’t linger alongside a truck when passing. Always pass a tractor-trailer completely
and always on the left side. If you linger when passing, your position makes it impossi-
ble for the trucker to take evasive action if an obstacle appears in the road ahead.
 Following too close or tailgating. When following behind a truck, if you can’t see the
truck driver’s rear view mirrors, there is no way the truck driver can see you. Tailgating
a truck or car is dangerous because you take away your safety cushion if the vehicle in
front of you stops suddenly. If the vehicle you are following hits something in the road,
you will have no time to react before it hits your car.
 Never underestimate the size and speed of an approaching tractor-trailer. Because of
its large size, a tractor-trailer often appears to be traveling slower than it is. A substan-

79
 tial number of car-truck collisions occur at intersections because the driver of the car
does not realize how close the truck is or how quickly it is approaching.
ඊකඉඓඑඖඏ
Tractor-trailers take longer to stop than a car traveling at the same speed. The average passen-
ger car traveling at 55 mph can stop in about 130-140 feet, less than half the length of a football
field. A fully loaded tractor-trailer may take more than 400 feet to come to a complete stop or one
-third more than the length of a football field.
ගඝකඖඑඖඏ ඉඖඌ ඗ඖඋ඗ඕඑඖඏ ඔඉකඏඍ ඞඍඐඑඋඔඍඛ
Watch for large vehicles’ turn signals and give them lots of room. Large vehicles sometimes
swing wide to the left to clear a curb on a right turn. Avoid a crash by not turning until the vehicle
has finished its turn. Avoid wind blasts when you meet a truck by moving as far as you can to the
right side of the road. Stop lines at intersections are designed to give larger vehicles more turn-
ing space. Always stop behind the stop lines. Do not cut in front of a truck in traffic. Do not try to
beat a truck into a single-lane construction zone. Trying to save a few seconds could cost your
life.
ගඝකඖඑඖඏ
With any turning vehicle, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels. The longer
the vehicle, the greater the difference. That’s why the drivers of tractor-trailers must often swing
out to the left as the first step in making a right turn. When following a tractor-trailer, observe its
turn signals before trying to pass. If it appears to be starting a left turn, wait a moment to check
and see which way the driver will turn before passing on the right.
ඉ ගකඝඋඓඍක’ඛ ඊඔඑඖඌ ඛ඘඗ග
It is important to be seen whenever you are driving. Many motorists falsely as-
sume that truckers can see the road better because they sit twice as high as the
driver of a car. While truckers do enjoy a better forward view and have bigger mir-
rors, they still have SERIOUS BLIND SPOTS into which a car can disappear from
view — UP TO 20 FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAB, ON EITHER SIDE OF THE
TRACTOR-TRAILER, PARTICULARLY ALONGSIDE THE CAB, AND UP TO 200
FEET IN THE REAR.
Motorists lingering in blind spots on the sides or at the rear of large trucks hamper the truckers’
ability to take evasive action to avoid dangerous situations, thus increasing the possibility of a
crash. An excellent rule of thumb for motorists sharing the road with a tractor-trailer is, “if you
can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, they can’t see you.”
ගඐඍ ඖ඗-ජ඗ඖඍ
The no-zone is the area around large vehicles in the driver’s blind spots. These blind spots are
on the sides, rear, and front.
ඛඑඌඍ ඖ඗-ජ඗ඖඍ
Large trucks and buses have big no-zones on both sides. A
truck’s largest blind spot is on the right side. It starts behind the
cab and goes the length of the truck. If you cannot see a driver’s
face in the side view mirror, they cannot see you. Do not drive

80
alongside a large vehicle any longer than you have to. If the driver needs to swerve or change
lanes, you could collide.
ඎක඗ඖග ඖ඗-ජ඗ඖඍ
Because they are so big and heavy, large vehicles take longer to stop than cars.
A loaded truck at 55 mph takes at least 335 feet to stop. That’s more than 1.5
times the distance a car takes. Never pull out in front of a large vehicle or
change lanes in front of them. When passing, make sure you can see the whole
front of the vehicle in your rear-view mirror before pulling back into the lane.
කඍඉක ඖ඗-ජ඗ඖඍ
Large vehicles have huge blind spots up to 200 feet behind them. If you are too
close, the driver cannot see your vehicle, and you cannot see what is ahead of you.
Do not follow too closely. Place yourself so the driver can see you in their side mir-
rors. When stopped behind a large vehicle on a hill, be aware the vehicle may stall
or roll backward colliding with your vehicle.

D. MOBILITY VEHICLES
A mobility vehicle is used by a person with a physical disability that meets the specifications out-
lined by the division and can be driven on a public roadway, within appropriate restrictions, and
by an individual who holds a valid mobility vehicle permit. This permit issued by the division
grants authority and specifies the conditions for a person with a physical disability to operate a
mobility vehicle on a public highway.
Note: Pedestrian and mobility vehicles may be used on the highways and are exempt from regis-
tration, inspection, and the usual operator license requirements. The commissioner of Public
Safety governs the authority to operate pedestrian vehicles.

E. MOTOR-ASSISTED SCOOTERS
Follow the same rules as a bicycle, moped, or motorcycle. A person under the age of 15 may not
operate a motor-assisted scooter unless the person is under the direct supervision of the person’s
parent or guardian. A person may not operate a motor-assisted scooter:
 In a public parking structure.
 On public property posted as an area prohibiting skateboards.
 On a highway with four (4) or more lanes.
 On a highway with a posted speed limit greater than 25 mph.

F. MOTORCYCLES
To operate a motorcycle on Utah highways, your driver license must have a motorcycle endorse-
ment. The requirements for this endorsement are the same as for obtaining an operator driver
license, except that the tests are different. If you have not previously been licensed to operate a

81
motorcycle, you may be issued a motorcycle learner permit. You can apply for a motorcycle
learner permit by scheduling a duplicate license appointment at dld.utah.gov.
For further information on the motorcycle learner permit, refer to the motorcycle operator manual.
The division may waive the rider skills portion of the test upon completing a division-approved
motorcycle education course. Any motorcycle operator or passenger who is under 21 years of
age must wear an approved DOT helmet. Also, all motorcycles licensed for street use must have
liability insurance coverage. The signature of a parent or guardian is required for motorcycle ap-
plicants under 18 years of age.
Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. There are things you
need to share the roadway with motorcycles safely:
 Give motorcycles an entire lane. Do not share the lane. Motorcycles need space to
react to other traffic.
 Motorcycles are small and can be challenging to see. Always check your mirrors and
blind spots for them.
 Before turning left, be alert for motorcycles. Look carefully at the front and sides.
 Do not believe a motorcycle is turning when it has a turn signal flashing. Many motor-
cycle turn signals do not self-cancel. The rider may have forgotten to cancel the signal.
 When following a motorcycle, stay at least two (2) seconds back. When it is wet on the
roadway increase this distance. Riders may suddenly change speed or lane position to
avoid potholes, gravel, wet, or slick places. They may also change speed or direction
because of pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved paving. All of these can
be deadly to a motorcyclist.
 Remember that scooters and mopeds travel at a much lower speed than motorcycles.
ඔඉඖඍ ඎඑඔගඍකඑඖඏ
Motorcycle operators may pass another vehicle stopped in the same direction of travel in the
same lane when the following conditions exist:
 The individual is on a roadway, or an off-ramp, divided into two
(2) or more adjacent traffic lanes in the same direction of travel.
 The individual is on a roadway with a speed limit of 45 miles per
hour or less or an off-ramp. Lane filtering is not permitted on an
on-ramp.
 The motorcycle is traveling at a speed of 15 miles per hour or
less.
 The vehicle being overtaken in the same lane is stopped.
 The movement may be made safely.
 For more information on lane filtering, visit: dld.utah.gov/motorcycle/
Note: An operator of a motorcycle, moped, or bicycle who is 16 years of age or older may, after
bringing the vehicle to a complete stop at the intersection or stop line and determines that the
traffic-control signal has not detected the operator’s presence by waiting a reasonable period of
time and not less than 90 seconds at the intersection or stop line may proceed across the road-
way if there is no other vehicles or pedestrians near the intersection.
82
G. PEDESTRIANS
A driver must yield to all pedestrians, even if they are not in a marked or unmarked cross-
walk. Be aware of pedestrians crossing at mid-block crosswalks. They may not be
marked by warning signs and road markings. Always yield to the visually impaired. When
a pedestrian is crossing a street with a guide dog or carrying a white cane, you must come
to a complete stop. If the traffic light is green, you must yield to pedestrians. Watch for
pedestrians when driving next to parked or stopped vehicles and check for pedestrians be-
fore backing up. Slow down near playgrounds and in residential areas. Children can run
out from between parked vehicles, be ready to stop quickly. Children are present when
lights are flashing in a school zone; you must obey a slower speed limit. Stop and yield as sig-
naled at school crossings where there is a traffic patrol.
Pedestrians should remember—if there are sidewalks, you must use them. If there are no side-
walks, walk or jog on the left shoulder as far away as possible from the edge of the roadway.
Where neither a sidewalk nor a shoulder is available, walk as near as possible to the outside
edge of the roadway. Always walk or jog facing traffic on the left side of the shoulder or roadway.
ඛඔ඗ඟ ඌ඗ඟඖ, ඊඍ ඉඟඉකඍ, ඉඖඌ ඉඔඍකග
Drivers are vital in keeping pedestrians and bicyclists safe on our roads. Pedestrians and bicy-
clists are much more vulnerable than people in vehicles.
Drive like you would want people to drive around you and your family. Slow down when you see
pedestrians or bicyclists or when visibility is reduced, such as in bad weather or when it’s dark.
Understand that higher speeds lead to greater injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. Recognize
that you are driving through our community, and your choices can significantly impact other peo-
ple’s lives.
When you are driving:
 Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
 Take extra care when turning, and look twice for pedestrians.
 Many pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes happen when vehicles are turning.
 Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime, early
morning, or bad weather.
 Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
 Always follow all traffic laws, including speed limits.
 Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop before the crosswalk to allow other vehicles
to see the crossing pedestrians so they stop, too.
 Be extra cautious when backing up; pedestrians can move into your path.
 Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk; there may be people crossing that you
can’t see.
 Never assume the right of way.
 Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

83
එඕ඘඗කගඉඖග ඘ඍඌඍඛගකඑඉඖ ඛගඉගඛ
The Highway Safety Office reported that in 2023, there were a total of 40 pedestrian fatalities.
Over ten years (2013-2023), the months with the most pedestrian deaths were:
 October (59)
 December (45)
 January (43)
 July (42)
 November (42)
Over ten years (2013-2023), the hours with the most pedestrian deaths were:
 9 p.m. (53)
 6 p.m. (42)
 7 p.m. (39)
 10 p.m. (37)
 6 a.m. (25)
The leading pedestrian contributing factors in deaths in 2023 were:
 Entering the roadway or crossing the road
 Improper crossing of roadway or intersection (jaywalking)
The leading driver contributing factors in pedestrian deaths in 2023 were:
 Failing to yield right-of-way
 Failed to keep in the proper lane

H. PEDESTRIAN VEHICLES
A pedestrian-vehicle is designed and manufactured for the use of the disabled. It must be less
than 48 inches wide, have an engine displacement of less than 300 cubic centimeters and less
than 12 brake horsepower, and not be capable of exceeding 30 mph.

I. POLICE/TRAFFIC STOPS
If the police pull you over, move to the right side of the road (even when traveling in the HOV
lane) and make sure you are in a safe spot to stop:
 Put your vehicle in park and turn off your engine.
 Stay in the vehicle unless asked to get out.
 Roll down your window so that you and the officer can talk.
 Remain calm and keep your safety belt fastened. Ask your passenger(s) to do the
same.

84
  Keep your hands on the steering wheel.
The officer may ask for documentation—keep one hand on the wheel and reach slowly for the
documents. Answer the officer’s questions and never try to run from the law; many fatal crashes
result from police chases.

J. SLOW MOVING VEHICLES

Watch for slow-moving vehicles, especially in rural areas. A fluorescent or reflective or-
ange and red triangle displayed on the rear means the vehicle is moving less than 25 mph.
Use caution when you see them, and be sure it is safe before you pass.
ඎඉකඕ ඕඉඋඐඑඖඍකඡ
Watch for farm equipment moving across the road or driving on state highways in rural are-
as. Pass with care. Remember, the driver cannot hear your vehicle.
ඏ඗ඔඎ උඉකග
Local municipalities may pass ordinances to allow golf carts to be operated on designated public
roads. Golf cart operators must check local ordinances before operating a golf cart on a public
highway.
Golf cart operators are responsible for safely operating a golf cart and shall comply with the same
rules as a bicycle.
Golf cart operators are prohibited from consuming alcohol while operating a golf cart.
ඉඖඑඕඉඔ-ඌකඉඟඖ ඞඍඐඑඋඔඍඛ ඉඖඌ ඐ඗කඛඍඊඉඋඓ කඑඌඍකඛ
You may share the road with horse-drawn vehicles or horseback riders.
They have the same right to the road as a motor vehicle. They must follow the same
rules you do. Pass with care. Do not use your horn or “rev” the engine. This may
scare the horse and cause a crash. Watch out for left turns into fields and driveways.
Warning signs may be posted in areas where you are likely to find horse-drawn vehicles
and horseback riders. Be alert.

K. STREET LEGAL ALL-TERRAIN

It is possible to register an all-terrain type 1 vehicle (ATV), a utility vehicle (UTV), or a full-size all-
terrain (FSV) vehicle as a street-legal all-terrain vehicle when certain conditions are met.
ATV—ගඡ඘ඍ 1
Any motor vehicle 52 inches or less in width, having an unladen dry weight of 1,500 pounds or
less, traveling on three (3) or more low-pressure tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by
the operator and designed for, or capable of traveling over unimproved terrain.
ATV—ගඡ඘ඍ 2
Any motor vehicle 80 inches or less in width, traveling on four (4) or more low-pressure tires, hav-
ing a steering wheel, non-straddle seating, a rollover protection system, and designed for or ca-
pable of travel over unimproved terrain, and is an electric-powered vehicle; or a vehicle powered

85
by an internal combustion engine and has an unladen dry weight of 3,500 pounds or less. “All-
terrain type II vehicle” does not include golf carts; any vehicle designed to carry a person with a
disability; any vehicle not specifically designed for recreational use, or farm tractors as defined
under Section 41-1a-102.
UTV—ඝගඑඔඑගඡ-ගඡ඘ඍ ඞඍඐඑඋඔඍ
Any recreational vehicle designed for and capable of traveling over unimproved terrain. Traveling
on four (4) or more tires and having a width that, when measured at the widest point of the vehi-
cle, is not less than 30 inches and does not exceed 70 inches. An unladen dry weight of 2,200
pounds or less. Having a seat height of 25 to 40 inches when measured at the forward edge of
the seat bottom. Having side-by-side seating with a steering wheel for control.
FSV—ඎඝඔඔ-ඛඑජඍ ඉඔඔ-ගඍකකඉඑඖ ඞඍඐඑඋඔඍ
Any recreation vehicle designed for and capable of traveling over unimproved terrain. Traveling
on four (4) or more tires and having a width that, when measured at the widest point of the vehi-
cle, is not less than 55 inches and does not exceed 92 inches. Having an unladen dry weight of
6,500 pounds or less, a maximum seat height of 50 inches when measured at the forward edge
of the seat bottom, and a steering wheel for control.
කඍඏඑඛගකඉගඑ඗ඖ
A street-legal all-terrain type 1, utility-type, and full-size vehicle must comply with county motor
vehicle emissions inspections and maintenance programs.
ඔඑඋඍඖඛඑඖඏ
The street-legal ATV/UTV and FSV shall comply with the same requirements as a motorcycle in
terms of following traffic rules, registering, titling, odometer statement, vehicle identification, li-
cense plates, and registration fees.
Note: If you have a Class D or CDL, you are licensed to drive a street-legal ATV/UTV or FSV.
ඐඑඏඐඟඉඡ ඝඛඍ
All-terrain type I, a UTV or an FSV that meets the requirements may be operated as a street-legal
ATV/UTV or a FSV on a street or highway that is a highway with one lane in each direction.
The street-legal ATV/UTV or FSV operating on a highway may not exceed the lesser of the post-
ed speed limit or 50 miles per hour. If operating on a highway with a posted speed higher than 50
miles per hour, the operator shall operate the street-legal ATV/UTV or an FSV on the extreme
right-hand side of the roadway and shall equip the street-legal ATV/UTV with a reflector or reflec-
tive tape.
A street-legal ATV/UTV or FSV shall be equipped with one or more headlamps, one or more tail
lamps, either a tail lamp or a separate lamp to illuminate the rear license plate with a white light,
one or more red reflectors on the rear, one or more stop lamps on the rear, amber or red electric
turn signals on each side front and rear, a braking system other than a parking brake, a horn or
other warning device, a muffler and emission control system which complies with Utah require-
ments, rearview mirrors on the left side of the driver, a windshield (unless the operator wears eye
protection while operating the vehicle), a speedometer illuminated for nighttime operation and
tires no larger than the tires the ATV manufacturer made available for the ATV and have at least
2/32 inches or greater tire tread.

86
Anyone younger than 21 years of age is required to wear a DOT-approved helmet.
For information regarding the usage of or to register for the youth training courses, contact the
Department of Natural Resources State Parks and Recreation at 801.538.7220 or https://
recreation.utah.gov/off-highway-vehicles/.

L. TRAINS AND RAILROAD CROSSINGS

As the number of drivers increase, more and more people die at railroad crossings. In a car-train
collision, the odds that those in the car will live are not very good. Learn what to do at railroad
crossings so that you do not have a collision:
 Use extreme caution at all railroad crossings, and always slow down.
 Never pass a car that is going your direction at a railroad crossing.
 Do not park closer than 50 feet from a railroad crossing unless signs indicate that you
may or it is allowed by local law.
 When you stop at a railroad crossing, you must be between 15 and 50 feet from the
nearest rail.
 Trains sound their horns as they approach a crossing; therefore, turning down the car
radio is a good safety measure.
Every railroad crossing should be taken seriously:
 Do not assume that a train is not coming at night just because you do not see any
lights.
 Slow down or stop and look before crossing the tracks.
 If lights are flashing, you must come to a complete stop. You may not proceed while
the lights are flashing.
 After coming to a complete stop, if you suspect the flashing lights are not working
properly, you may drive through the railroad crossing only if you have a clear line of
sight of at least one mile down the tracks in both directions, there is not evidence of an
approaching train, and you can cross the tracks safely.
 You may not drive through, around, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad
crossing while they are down or being opened or closed.
Public railroad crossings have been marked with warning devices for your safety by highway de-
partments and railroad companies. Learn what the warning devices are and watch for them.
With these warning devices and caution on your part, railroad-crossing crashes may never hap-
pen.
ඉඌඞඉඖඋඍ ඟඉකඖඑඖඏ ඛඑඏඖඛ
Advance warning signs are posted before you reach the crossing and tell you to slow
down, look, listen, and be prepared to stop at the crossing ahead.
඘ඉඞඍඕඍඖග ඕඉකඓඑඖඏඛ
A stop line, an “X” and the letters “RR” may be painted on the pavement in front of railroad
crossings. These markings warn you to be aware of the crossing ahead and to pay partic-

87
ular attention to the possible approach of a train.
කඉඑඔක඗ඉඌ උක඗ඛඛඊඝඋඓ ඛඑඏඖඛ
Crossbuck signs are found at all public crossings. If there is more than one set of tracks, a
sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks. Be prepared to stop at the tracks
if a train is coming. You must yield to train traffic.
ඎඔඉඛඐඑඖඏ ඔඑඏඐගඛ
Flashing lights and bells are used with crossbuck signs at many railroad crossings. Al-
ways STOP when lights begin to flash, or bells begin to ring, which means a train is com-
ing. If there is more than one set of tracks, ensure all tracks are clear before crossing.
ඏඉගඍඛ
Gates are used with flashing light signals at some railroad crossings. Stop when the lights
flash and before the gates begin to lower across your traffic lane. Remain stopped until
the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing. DO NOT DRIVE AROUND THE GATES.
ඕ඗ග඗කඋඡඋඔඍඛ ඉඖඌ ඊඑඋඡඋඔඍඛ
Riders should approach a railroad crossing with caution. Do not swerve to get a better angle for
crossing.
ඛඋඐ඗඗ඔ ඊඝඛඍඛ
Drivers are required to stop at all railroad crossings. The driver must check both directions and
listen to approaching trains, proceed only when safe, and never shift gears on the crossing.
ගකඝඋඓඛ උඉකකඡඑඖඏ ඐඉජඉකඌ඗ඝඛ ඕඉගඍකඑඉඔඛ
Drivers are required to stop at all railroad crossings. Drivers should make a safe, gradual stop to
minimize the possibility of causing a crash. Do not shift gears when crossing the tracks. When
possible, reroute from railroad crossings or use a crossing that utilizes flashing red lights and/or
gates.
ඏඍඖඍකඉඔ කඉඑඔක඗ඉඌ ඛඉඎඍගඡ එඖඎ඗කඕඉගඑ඗ඖ
Expect a train on any track at any time. Freight trains do not travel on a predictable schedule.
Schedules for passenger trains change.
Train tracks are private property, no matter which railroad owns them. Trains have the right-of-
way 100% of the time—over ambulances, fire engines, cars, the police, and pedestrians.
If there are rails on the railroad ties, assume that the track is in use, even if there are weeds or
the track looks rusty.
A typical locomotive weighs approximately 400,000 pounds or 200 tons. When 100 railcars are
added to the locomotive, the train can weigh approximately 6,000 tons. The weight ratio of an
automobile to a train is proportional to a soda can and an automobile.
A train may extend three (3) feet or more outside the steel rail, making the safety zone for pedes-
trians well beyond the rails.
Trains cannot stop quickly. It is a simple law of physics: the considerable weight and size of the
train and the speed of the train dictate how quickly it can stop under ideal conditions. Once the

88
train is set into emergency braking, a 100-car freight train traveling at 55 mph will need more than
a mile to stop—that’s approximately 18 football fields.
There are roughly 200,000 miles of railroad tracks in the United States. Trains can move in either
direction at any time. Trains are sometimes pushed by locomotives instead of being pulled. This
is especially true in commuter and light rail passenger service.
Modern trains are quieter than ever, with no telltale “clackety-clack.” Also, the train approaching
will always be closer and moving faster than you think.
Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning
signs and signals.
Never walk down a train track; it’s illegal and dangerous. By the time the locomotive engineer
can see a trespasser or a vehicle on the tracks, it is too late. The train cannot stop quickly
enough to avoid a collision.
If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, immediately get everyone out of the car and off the tracks.
Notify local authorities immediately. If a train is coming, stay clear of the tracks and run toward
the approaching train at an angle away from the train. Moving toward the approaching train, will
make you less likely to be hit by flying debris. If no train is in sight, post lookouts and try to start
or move the vehicle.
TRAX ඔඑඏඐග කඉඑඔ ඉඖඌ ඛගකඍඍගඋඉකඛ
Utah Transit Authority operates a light rail system throughout the Salt Lake Valley. The system
has over 45 miles of track and 67 actively used grade crossings.
Overheard electrical lines power light rail cars. Each car is 88 feet long and weighs approximate-
ly 88,000 pounds. Trains size can vary from one to four (4) cars in length. It is important to know
that light rail vehicles accelerate quickly and reach speeds up to 65 mph within 21 seconds. Nev-
er try to beat a light rail train through a railroad crossing.
Light rail grade crossings must be treated in the same manner as all train crossings. Motorists
must wait until the gates have entirely raised and the red lights have stopped flashing before en-
tering the crossing. It is also important to ensure there is enough room to completely clear the
tracks before entering the crossing. Never stop on the tracks.
There are many areas where light rail trains operate through the same intersections and streets
as automobiles. When driving in these areas, extra attention must be paid to traffic signals and
posted signs.
At some locations in the system, an overhead sign will flash the logo of a train. This means a
train is approaching the area; you should pay extra attention to obey traffic signals at these inter-
sections. The flashing train logo is not an indication to stop but merely an additional warning de-
vice.

89
SECTION 15: Vehicle Equipment
The following list will serve as a handy guide to Utah’s equipment regulations (an * indicates
equipment required for all motor vehicles.)
ඉඌඞඉඖඋඍඌ ඌකඑඞඍක ඉඛඛඑඛගඉඖඋඍ ඛඡඛගඍඕඛ (ඉඌඉඛ) ඛඉඎඍගඡ ඎඍඉගඝකඍඛ—Many newer
vehicles on the road today have driver assistance safety features designed to save lives and pre-
vent injuries. If used properly. Some driver-assist safety features sense and monitor conditions,
identify present and potential dangers, and may help you avoid a possible crash. These safety
features may provide alerts, such as sounds or vibrations, or may take control of the vehicle, such
as adjusting the braking or steering. Safety features include but are not limited to blind spot
warning, backup camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping
assistance, and active parking assist.
When taking your driving skills test, you cannot use certain safety features, such as parking assist
and cruise control.
Safety features are meant to assist you in driving; they are not there to drive the vehicle. You
must remain engaged and focused on the driving task at all times. You are responsible for being
aware of everything around you by performing head checks and using mirrors and cameras to
observe traffic and other roadway users. You are responsible for the safe operation of your vehi-
cle at all times. Do not rely on safety features alone. It is important to follow the tips below when
driving vehicles equipped with safety features:
 It is your responsibility always to stay focused when driving.
 Read your vehicle owner’s manual to learn how your vehicle’s safety features operate.
 Know the limitations of your vehicle’s safety features.
 Safety features may not work correctly in rain, snow, ice, fog, hills, and curves.
 Always keep vehicle sensors clean and damage-free.
 Always keep software technology current (if applicable) and follow your vehicle manu-
facturer’s recommendations.
ADAS safety features provide many benefits and have great potential to assist drivers in reducing
crashes, injuries, and fatalities when appropriately used.
For additional information, visit:
https://mycardoeswhat.org/
www.trafficsafetyeducationfoundation.org
www.nhtsa.gov
*ඊකඉඓඍඛ—All motor vehicles must have brakes that meet federal standards on all wheels. An
exception to the law is any truck or truck tractor with three (3) or more axles, which must have
brakes on all wheels except the front wheels.
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with ABS brakes, it is unnecessary to pump them when braking
in a slippery situation; apply constant and firm pressure, and your vehicle will make a smooth,
safe stop.

90
Consult the Utah Highway Patrol or the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Ad-
ministration for brake requirements on trailers.
උඔඍඉකඉඖඋඍ ඔඑඏඐගඛ—Buses, RVs, and trailers 80 inches or more in width must have two (2)
amber lights on the front and one on each side. Two (2) red lights are required on the rear and
one on each side at the rear. Lights must be visible from 500 feet at night.
ඎඑකඍ ඍචගඑඖඏඝඑඛඐඍක—Although fire extinguishers are not required for all vehicles, it is recom-
mended that all drivers carry at least one. Stopping a fire in its early stages can avoid expensive
property loss and prevent an extremely hazardous condition. Fire extinguishers; however, are
not effective unless appropriately handled.
*ඎඔඉඏඛ ඉඖඌ ඔඑඏඐගඛ ඎ඗ක ඍචගඍඖඌඑඖඏ ඔ඗ඉඌඛ—Each vehicle that carries a load extending
four (4) feet or more beyond the bed or body of the vehicle must display two (2) flags or lights lo-
cated on the rear of the load.
The flags may be used only during the daytime and must be at least 12 inches square. Lights are
for use during nighttime and must be visible for at least 500 feet. Some loads may also require
red reflectors in addition to the lights.
ඎඔඉකඍඛ, කඍඎඔඍඋග඗කඛ, ඍඔඍඋගකඑඋ ඔඑඏඐගඛ, ඉඖඌ ඎඔඉඏඛ—Trucks, truck tractors, and buses
must have three (3) flares, portable red emergency reflectors, or
red electric lights, and two (2) red flags with standards.
Emergency flares, reflectors, and lights must be capable of being
seen and distinguished at a distance of not less than 600 feet.
Flares must be capable of burning for 12 hours. Fuses must meet
the New York Bureau of Explosives Standards and burn for at least
15 minutes. Vehicles transporting explosive or flammable materials may not use flares or fuses.
*ඐඍඉඌඔඑඏඐගඛ—All vehicles, except motorcycles, must have at least two (2) operational head-
lights (one on each side), that are white in color and can shine 350 feet on high and 100 feet on
low beams. All vehicles must have a high-beam indicator light.
*ඐ඗කඖ—All motor vehicles must have one functioning horn which must be heard under normal
conditions from a distance of no less than 200 feet.
*ඔඑඋඍඖඛඍ ඘ඔඉගඍ ඔඑඏඐග—All vehicles will have one white light mounted on the rear of the vehi-
cle so that the license number may be read at a distance of at least 50 feet. This light may be
part of the tail lamp assembly.
ඕඝඌ ඎඔඉ඘ඛ ඗ක ඏඝඉකඌඛ—Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,500 pounds or
more, any vehicle with altered suspension or tire size, or any trailer with an unladed weight of 750
pounds or more shall be equipped with wheel covers, mudguards, flaps, or splash aprons behind
the rearmost wheels. The flaps or guards must be at least as wide as the tires and made of metal
or flexible material, which will prevent most road materials from being thrown into the windshield
of any following vehicle. The ground clearance must not be more than 50% of the wheel’s diame-
ter on the rearmost axle, nor more than one-fifth the distance from the center of the diameter of
the rearmost axle to the flaps (see illustration above.)
*඘ඉකඓඑඖඏ ඊකඉඓඍ—All vehicles, except motorcycles, must have one functional parking brake.

91
*඘ඉකඓඑඖඏ ඔඑඏඐගඛ—One or more white or amber-colored lights are to be mounted on the front
of each vehicle.
඘඗ඔඔඝගඑ඗ඖ උ඗ඖගක඗ඔ ඌඍඞඑඋඍඛ—Owners of vehicles equipped by the manufacturer with pol-
lution control devices are required to keep and maintain the equipment as effective as the original
equipment.
Note: This law does not apply to propane vehicles if the emissions meet all existing standards.
කඍඌ ඗ක ඊඔඝඍ ඔඑඏඐගඛ ඞඑඛඑඊඔඍ ඎක඗ඕ ගඐඍ ඎක඗ඖග—Red or blue lights visible from the front
of a vehicle may not be used except by emergency, school, snow removal, or other authorized
vehicles.
*කඍඎඔඍඋග඗කඛ—Vehicles must have one amber reflector on each side of the vehicle located at
or near the front and one red reflector on each side at or near the rear. The reflectors must be
visible from 500 feet at night and placed not less than 15 inches or more than 60 inches above
the ground. If the highest part of the permanent structure is less than 15 inches, the reflectors
must be mounted as high as possible.
Vehicles with an overall length of 30 feet or more must have one amber reflector on each side of
the vehicle located at or near the center of each side. The visibility and height requirements are
the same.
ඛඉඎඍගඡ උඐඉඑඖඛ ඗ක උඉඊඔඍඛ—All towed vehicles and regular hitches or couplings must have
one chain or cable strong enough to prevent the vehicles from separating.
ඛඑඌඍ ඕඉකඓ ඔඑඏඐගඛ—Buses, recreational vehicles, and trailers 80 inches or more in width must
have two (2) side markers on each side (amber in front and red at the rear.) The lights must be
visible at night from 500 feet to the side.
ඛඑකඍඖඛ, ඟඐඑඛගඔඍඛ, ඉඖඌ ඊඍඔඔඛ—Only authorized emergency vehicles may be equipped with
sirens, whistles, or bells.
*ගඉඑඔ ඉඖඌ ඛග඗඘ ඔඑඏඐගඛ—Vehicles must have two (2) red tail/stop lights mounted on the rear.
The lights must be visible from 500 feet to the rear in regular sunlight. One tail/stop light is per-
missible on motorcycles and certain vehicles manufactured before 1956.
*ගඝකඖ ඛඑඏඖඉඔඛ—Two (2) red, yellow, or amber lights must be mounted on the rear of the vehi-
cle, and two (2) white, yellow, or amber lights must be mounted on the front of each vehicle.
These lights must be visible from 100 feet in normal sunlight. Turn signals are not required on
vehicles manufactured before 1953, if the vehicle is less than 80 inches wide.
*ඟඑඖඌඛඐඑඍඔඌ—A windshield is required on all vehicles except motorcycles. Your windshield
must be clean of dirt, frost, or anything else that might obstruct your vision while driving (such as
something hanging from the rearview mirror.)
*ඟඑඖඌඛඐඑඍඔඌ ඟඑ඘ඍක—All vehicles with windshields must have at least one wiper to clean rain,
snow, or other moisture from the windshield. If your vehicle was originally equipped with two (2)
windshield wipers, both must function properly. A wiper system with two (2) or more speeds is
required on all vehicles manufactured after 1967.

92
SECTION 16: Towing
On occasion, you may be called upon to tow another vehicle. In this situation, there are only
three (3) rules to remember:
1. The drawbar or other connections between
any tow vehicles may not exceed 15 feet in
length from one vehicle to the other.
2. When a connection consists of a chain, rope, or cable, a red flag or other signal shall
be attached to the connecting device. The flag shall be no smaller than 12 inches
square (one-foot square.)
3. No person shall operate a train of vehicles
when any trailer or other vehicle being towed
whips or swerves dangerously or unreasonably
from side to side.
඘ඔඉඋඍඕඍඖග ඗ඎ ඟඉකඖඑඖඏ ඌඍඞඑඋඍඛ
Your vehicle may break down on the road at some point. It is important to know when and how to
place the flares, flags, lights, etc.. Warning devices must be displayed whenever your vehicle is
at least 80 inches wide or 30 feet long and is disabled or stopped along the road for more than 10
minutes. The warning devices are not required if you are:
 Legally parked in an urban district.
 Lawfully picking up or letting off passengers.
 Stopped to avoid conflict with other traffic.
 Complying with directions from a police officer or an official traffic control device.
Two (2) simple steps for placing warning devices in emergencies are:
1. Immediately place a flare, lighted fuse, electric lantern, or emergency reflector to the
side of the vehicle (in the direction of the nearest oncoming traffic.)
2. Next, place flares, electric lights, or reflectors 100 feet to the front and rear of the vehi-
cle. Also, place a warning device on the traffic side of, and not less than 10 feet from,
the rear of your vehicle.
REMEMBER, FLARES AND FUSES MAY NOT BE CARRIED IN VEHICLES TRANSPORTING
EXPLOSIVES, FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR COMPRESSED GAS.
Listed below are a few additional points you need to know about the placement of warning devic-
es:
 On a one-way street, the rear flag should be placed 200 feet to the rear.
 Warning devices need not be displayed if sufficient light reveals persons or vehicles
from 1,000 feet.
 If your vehicle breaks down within 500 feet of a curve, hilltop, or something else that
obstructs a clear view, the warning device in that direction shall be placed far enough to
give ample warning to approaching motorists. The warning device; however, may not

93
 be placed more than 500 feet away from the vehicle nor closer than 100 feet to the ve-
hicle.
Note: All warning devices must be placed in the center of the lane in which your vehicle is
stopped. If your vehicle is entirely off the road, place the devices on the shoulder of the road as
close as possible to the road surface.
ඛඉඎඍ ඝඛඍ ඗ඎ ඎඔඉකඍඛ ඉඖඌ ඎඝඛඍඛ
Warning devices such as flares and fuses are meant as safety aids. Do not let them become a
safety liability. Careful and safe use of these devices involves:
 Keep the lighted end well away from your face and eyes. Fuses, especially, can cause
nasty burns.
 Do not attach any flare or fuse to your vehicle. Not only is this a hazardous action, but
it is also illegal.
 Keeping the burning flares or fuses away from fuel leakages and spills.
ගඑකඍ ඎඑකඍඛ
Tire fires can be a serious problem for drivers. The best way to avoid this problem is to prevent it
in the first place. The following are a few things you can do to decrease the chance of having a
tire fire:
 Check tires and brakes frequently for unusual heat. If any tires are soft or flat, change
them.
 Never drive for an extended period of time on a soft or flat tire or with a brake that is
dragging. These situations can result in heat buildup and cause a tire fire.
 Never ignore a hot tire. Either stay with the vehicle until the tire is cool or change it.
 Remember to always release your parking brake before moving the vehicle.
 Remain alert for potential problems from dragging or overheating brakes, leaking oil
seals that may splash oil on a hot tire, or dual tires that are partially deflated. When
this condition exists, your odds for a fire are very high.
If a tire fire does occur, these actions will help:
 An ample water supply is probably the best remedy for a tire fire. If possible, get to a
fire station for assistance.
 Fire extinguishers are usually not very practical for this type of fire. Shoveling dirt on
the tire can sometimes retard the fire enough for you to get the tire off.
 If you cannot get the tire off, try driving until the tire burns off the rim or until you reach
a good water source. This alternative is certainly better than just waiting. If you just sit
and wait, your vehicle will probably burn up.
As a last resort, drop your trailer. By doing that, you will at least save one of the units.
ඏඍඖඍකඉඔ ඎඑකඍ එඖඎ඗කඕඉගඑ඗ඖ
Not all fires will be tire fires, and you need to be prepared for them when they occur. Some gen-
eral hints include:

94
 Do not waste the contents of your fire extinguisher. The contents are limited, so care-
fully aim to make every burst count.
 Fight fires with the wind at your back. If you are using an extinguisher, your efforts will
be more effective and you will avoid having poisonous or caustic gases blown into your
face.
 Be familiar with different types of fires. For example, fighting a gasoline or oil fire with
water will only spread the fire.

95
APPENDIX A: Optional Information

A. ORGAN DONATION
You have the power to save lives by becoming an organ and tissue donor.
People who become organ and tissue donors see it as a way to make a differ-
ence. They say it feels good to know they can help others. As of 2022, more than
100,000 patients in the U.S. are waiting for life-saving organ transplants. That’s
more people than most football or baseball stadiums can seat, and the list contin-
ues to grow.
When applying for or renewing your driver license or state ID, you can register
your wish to be an organ, eye or tissue donor. You will then be registered on the Yes Utah Donor
Registry.
If you do not wish to be an organ, eye, or tissue donor, nothing further needs to be done.
One organ donor can potentially save the lives of eight (8) people. Someone who donates tis-
sues can help over 75 people. An open casket funeral is still possible, and there is NO charge to
the donor’s family for the recovery of organs and tissues.
It is also important to tell your family and significant others that you wish to be a donor so they
can serve as your advocate and speak on your behalf at your time of death. In addition, it is help-
ful to cover all your bases by carrying a donor card in your wallet and telling your physician, faith
leader, and attorney of your intent.
You may have more questions about organ and tissue donation. To get the facts, contact:
 DonorConnect 866.937.8824 or yesutah.org.
 Donate Life America at 1.800.355.7427 or donatelife.net.
 US Department of Health and Human Services at organdonor.gov.

B. VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS
The following opportunities have been made available for Utah residents to voluntarily contribute
to one or more organizations. The voluntary contributions are not part of the driver license, driv-
ing privilege card, identification card, or vehicle registration fees.
ඎකඑඍඖඌඛ ඎ඗ක ඛඑඏඐග
Utah residents may make a voluntary contribution of $2.00 for vision screening when applying for
a vehicle registration, a driver license, a driving privilege card, an identification card, or a renewal
of any of the four (4). The contribution will be forwarded to Friends For Sight.
For more information, please visit friendsforsight.org.
඗කඏඉඖ ඌ඗ඖඉගඑ඗ඖ
Utah residents may contribute $2.00 to the Organ Donation Contribution Fund when applying for
a vehicle registration, a driver license, a driving privilege card, or an identification card, or renewal

96
of any of the four (4). The funds will be administered by the Department of Health and dispersed
to organizations that promote and support organ donation, assist in maintaining and operating a
statewide organ donation registry, and provide donor awareness education. For more infor-
mation, please visit yesutah.org.
ඕ඗ඊඑඔඑගඡ ඉඛඛඑඛගඉඖඋඍ
Utah residents may make a voluntary contribution of $1.00 to the “Out and About” Homebound
Transportation Assistance Fund when applying for a driver license or identification card, or a re-
newal of either. The funds will be administered by the Department of Human Services, Division
of Aging and Adult Services, and will be used for public transportation assistance for seniors or
people with disabilities. For more information, please visit dspd.utah.gov.

C. EMERGENCY CONTACT DATABASE

A Utah license certificate holder or identification card holder may provide the division with infor-
mation for two (2) individuals who may be contacted by law enforcement in the event of a motor
vehicle crash or other emergency situation if the certificate holder is unable to communicate with
the contact person(s).
The license holder may provide this information to the division by completing a form at any Utah
Driver License Office or at dld.utah.gov.

97
APPENDIX B: Identity Fraud and Detection
The issue of preventing identity fraud has always been a critical concern for the division. Nation-
ally and locally, the cases of identity fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission ID Theft
Database show an alarming trend. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 9
million Americans have their identities stolen each year.
Utah law states a person is guilty of identity fraud when that person knowingly or intentionally
“obtains personal identifying information of another person and uses, or attempts to use, that in-
formation with fraudulent intent, including obtaining, or attempting to obtain credit, goods, ser-
vices, any other thing of value, or medical information.”
Identity fraud is a felony.
The Driver License Division has an ongoing program to train its em-
ployees to identify fraudulent documents. Technological advances
are being utilized to identify fraudulent documents and safeguard the
documents issued by the division. The Driver License Division coop-
erates fully with all local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
in identifying and prosecuting cases of identity fraud.
Keep your personal identification documents, such as birth certifi-
cates, social security cards, and marriage certificates, in a secure lo-
cation to protect yourself. Carry with you only the information and bank cards that you need.
Guard your mail and trash from theft. Don’t give out personal information over the phone, mail, or
internet unless you have initiated the contact or are sure you know with whom you are dealing.
Before giving out any personal information, ask how that information will be used and secured.
Annually review your credit report and closely examine all your financial statements. Stay in-
formed.
The Federal Trade Commission has a great deal of information available in print and on the inter-
net, visit consumer.ftc.gov.

98
APPENDIX C: Vehicle Registration
In Utah, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles vehicle,
vessel, and aircraft registration, while driver license and identifi-
cation cards are handled through the Driver License Division
(DLD).
ඟඐඉග ඞඍඐඑඋඔඍඛ ඕඝඛග ඊඍ කඍඏඑඛගඍකඍඌ
Cars, watercraft, trucks, off-highway vehicles, trailers, snowmo-
biles, campers, aircraft, motorcycles, low-speed electric vehi-
cles, and street-legal ATVs.
Trailers weighing less than 750 pounds when empty and not used for commercial purposes are
not required to be registered. However, any trailer may be registered for the resident’s conven-
ience.
ඟඐ඗ ඕඝඛග කඍඏඑඛගඍක ගඐඍඑක ඞඍඐඑඋඔඍඛ
Utah residents must register any of the above vehicles for use.
Non-residents using their watercraft in Utah for more than 60 days per year must register in Utah.
Non-residents using their off-highway vehicle or snowmobile in Utah pay an annual user fee to
the Division of Parks and Recreation. Upon payment of the fee, a user receives a decal for dis-
play on the off-highway vehicle or snowmobile. Decals are available from Parks and Recreation
or their authorized agents.
Exceptions: Non-resident students who pay non-resident tuition, certain military personnel, tem-
porary workers, and individuals temporarily in Utah engaged in public or charitable service may
be exempt from registering vehicles in Utah.
ඟඐඍඖ කඍඏඑඛගඍකඑඖඏ ඞඍඐඑඋඔඍඛ එඖ Uගඉඐ
Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at 801.297.7780 or their website at
dmv.utah.gov for more information on vehicle registration and emissions.

99
APPENDIX D: Your Car and Clean Air
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prepared
this fact sheet to answer some of the most common ques-
tions about reducing emissions from private vehicles. This
is a significant concern, as cars are a primary source of air
pollution in the United States. Vehicle emissions contribute
to health and environmental problems like urban smog, air
toxics, and global warming. Yet individual driving habits
make a big difference in car pollution.
Three (3) easy things you can do to help keep emissions as
low as possible are to avoid unnecessary driving, maintain
your car properly, and drive your car wisely.
By combining these strategies, you can reduce the amount your car pollutes. There are addition-
al benefits: your vehicle will last longer, and you will save money.
ඐඍඔ඘ඎඝඔ ඐඉඊඑගඛ ග඗ කඍඌඝඋඍ ඘඗ඔඔඝගඑ඗ඖ
Even a perfectly maintained car will pollute more than necessary if driven carelessly. Your car’s
emissions will be lower if you apply common sense to your driving and follow the basic rules of
the road. Driving situations likely to increase pollution include:
එඌඔඑඖඏ—you will save gas by turning the engine off and restarting it again if you expect to idle for
more than 30 seconds. You will also prevent pollution by avoiding long idles. Try parking your
car and going into restaurants, banks, and the like instead of idling in drive-up lanes.
ඛග඗඘ ඉඖඌ ඏ඗ ඌකඑඞඑඖඏ—driving in traffic is not always avoidable. But whenever possible, plan
trips outside rush hour and peak traffic periods. Try to “smooth” your driving by accelerating and
decelerating gradually, anticipating stops and starts for traffic lights, changing traffic speeds, etc.
ඉඑක උ඗ඖඌඑගඑ඗ඖඑඖඏ—using a vehicle air conditioner increases the load on the engine. This can
increase emissions and decrease fuel economy. Try opening the window or the fresh air vent to
cool the inside of your vehicle—also, park in the shade to prevent your vehicle from heating up in
the sun. Besides keeping the interior temperature of your car more comfortable, you will lessen
the pollution and waste that occurs when gasoline evaporates from the engine and gas tank.
ඐඑඏඐ ඍඖඏඑඖඍ ඔ඗ඉඌඛ—your car burns more gas and emits more pollution when the engine is op-
erating under high load, especially when working hard. Extra load is created by running the air
conditioner, quick accelerations, high-speed driving, climbing grades, revving the engine, and car-
rying extra weight.
උ඗ඔඌ ගඍඕ඘ඍකඉගඝකඍඛ—emission control systems take longer to warm up and fully operational in
cold weather. However, idling will not help. Modern vehicles need little warm-up; they’re most
efficient when being driven. Idling for long periods in cold weather can cause excessive engine
wear.
කඍඎඝඍඔඑඖඏ—spilled gasoline pollutes the air when it evaporates. Watch what you do at the gas
station to prevent spills and overfills. It’s best to avoid “topping off,” especially in hot weather.
Apply the same precautions against sloppy handling when refueling outdoor power equipment
such as lawnmowers and outboard motors.

100
For more information, visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency at epa.gov or lo-
cally at Utah Department of Environmental Quality at deq.utah.gov.
ඉඞ඗එඌ ඝඖඖඍඋඍඛඛඉකඡ ඌකඑඞඑඖඏ
The most effective way to reduce vehicle emissions is to use it less. Vehicle travel in this country
is doubling every 20 years. Several options are available to help you reduce the amount you
drive. These include:
 Consolidating trips.
 Telecommuting.
 Carpooling.
 Using public transit.
 Choosing clean transportation alternatives such as biking or walking.
You will get the most out of your time behind the wheel by planning errands. For example:
 Call ahead to confirm that the product you need is in stock before you drive to the
store.
 Plan to do several tasks when you go somewhere.
 Drive to a central location and park.
 Walk between nearby destinations.
 Ridesharing can be an ideal way to reduce your contribution to pollution.
 Every time you share a ride and eliminate a trip, you help the environment.
 Try pairing up for trips to work or social events; even an occasional carpool or ride on
public transportation will make a difference.
Biking or walking to your destination creates no pollution at all. And you’ll increase your fitness
level at the same time.

ඕඉඑඖගඉඑඖ ඡ඗ඝක ඞඍඐඑඋඔඍ ඘ක඗඘ඍකඔඡ

You will reduce your vehicle’s emissions and enhance performance if you follow the manufactur-
er’s recommended maintenance guidelines. Taking proper care of your vehicle, will extend its
life, increase its resale value, and optimize its “gas mileage” or fuel economy. The owner’s manu-
al with your car contains a wealth of information.
Every car has some items that need to be checked regularly and others that need to be replaced
periodically. These include the air filter, vacuum and coolant hoses, oil, oil filter, fluids, belts, etc.
It’s also important to keep the tires inflated to the recommended pressure. This will minimize tire
wear and help your car get the best possible fuel economy.
Be sure to have your car serviced by a skilled technician who understands modern emission con-
trol systems. The simple adjustments that once occurred during tune-ups will no longer correct
the problem. Finally, be aware that pollution will increase dramatically if you tamper with your
car’s emission control system or use leaded gasoline in a vehicle designed for unleaded gasoline.
These activities are illegal—for individual vehicle owners, fleet operators, and auto technicians.
Fortunately, such fuel-switching practices are becoming increasingly rare as leaded gasoline be-

101
comes harder to find. It is now illegal to manufacture or sell new vehicles requiring leaded gaso-
line. Sale of motor vehicle gasoline containing lead or lead additives was prohibited in the United
States beginning January 1, 1996. Many drivers ask about use of “premium” or “super” grade
gasoline’s. These fuels contain additives to increase octane. Octane is a measure of how much
a fuel can be compressed in an engine before it spontaneously combusts. It is not a measure of
fuel power or quality.

102
SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS FOR THE WRITTEN KNOWLEDGE TEST
Sඍඋගඑ඗ඖ 3 Sඍඋගඑ඗ඖ 9
1. If you are 19 years of age or older and never had a 1. When driving on the freeway a vehicle traveling in the
driver license, you do not have to take a driver educa- left lane must move safely to the right when ap-
tion course. True or False proached behind to prevent impeding traffic. True or
False
2. If you are 17 years of age or younger you need to
hold a learner permit for 6 months. True or False 2. What color line markings on the roadway indicate ve-
hicles are traveling in one direction?
Sඍඋගඑ඗ඖ 4
a. White
1. If you are applying for a regular driver license to drive
a “regular” car, which class of license are you apply- b. Yellow
ing for?
c. Black
a. Class A
3. What color line markings on the roadway indicate ve-
b. Class B hicles are traveling in two (2) directions?
c. Class C a. White
d. Class D b. Yellow
2. If you want to drive a motorcycle you have to an M c. Black
endorsement on your license. True or False
Sඍඋගඑ඗ඖ 10
Sඍඋගඑ඗ඖ 6
1. If you are under 21 and driving with any measurable
1. When taking the driving skills test at the Driver Li- amount of alcohol in your body, your driving privileges
cense Division I have to bring my own car. True or will be denied for?
False
a. 90 days
2. Third-party testers are available to administer?
b. 6 months
a. Written knowledge tests
c. 1 year
b. Driving skills tests
2. If you are under 21 and convicted of a first DUI, you
c. Both written knowledge and driving skills are automatically restricted to driving a vehicle with
tests an ignition interlock device for?
Sඍඋගඑ඗ඖ 7 a. 1 year
1. Everyone in your vehicle must have a fastened seat b. 2 years
belt or child seat. True or False
c. 3 years
2. Children 12 and under should ride buckled up in the
front passenger seat. True or False
Sඍඋගඑ඗ඖ 8
ANSWERS:
1. In a construction zone when two lanes merge togeth-
er both lanes of traffic should be used until the merge Section 3—1.True 2. True
point. This method is called the: Section 4—1. D 2. True
a. Banana method Section 6—1. True 2. C
b. Zipper method Section 7—1. True 2. False
c. Exchange method Section 8—1. B 2. False
2. The turn signals are optional when changing lanes or Section 9—1. True 2. A 3. B
turning. True or False
Section 10—1. B 2. C

103
 DRIVER LICENSE FIELD OFFICES
Visit at our website for office hours and to schedule an appointment at dld.utah.gov.

BEAVER FAIRPARK NEPHI SOUTH VALLEY

105 E Center St. 1095 W Motor Ave. 1143 E Highway 132 14555 S Minuteman Dr.
(part time office) (full time office) (part time office) Draper
(full time office)
BLANDING FARMINGTON OGDEN SPRINGVILLE
151 East 500 North 631 N Lagoon Dr. 615 East 5300 South 2277 West 700 South
(part time office) (full time office) South Ogden (full time office)
(full time office)
BRIGHAM CITY FILLMORE OREM TOOELE
445 West 1200 South 55 West 100 North 759 North 1370 West 1929 N Aaron Dr., Suite G
(full time office) (part time office) (full time office) (full time office)
CEDAR CITY HEBER PANGUITCH VERNAL
181 E DL Sargent Dr. 69 North 600 West 55 S Main St., Basement 230 South 1000 East
(full time office) (full time office) (part time office) (part time office)

DELTA KANAB PRICE WEST VALLEY

39 South 300 East 468 East 300 South 940 S Carbon Ave. TAYLORSVILLE
(part time office) (part time office) (full time office) 4315 S 2700 W, Suite 1600
(full time office)
DIXIE LOGAN RICHFIELD
HURRICANE 110 East 700 South 1160 S Highway 118
102 South 5300 West (full time office) (full time office)
(full time office)
EPHRAIM MOAB ROOSEVELT
10 West 100 South 1165 S HWY 191, Suite 8 30 West 425 South
(part time office) (part time office) (part time office)

THIS HANDBOOK IS AVAILABLE AT dld.utah.gov

Department of Public Safety Spencer J. Cox, Governor

Driver License Division State of Utah
PO Box 144501 Jess L. Anderson, Commissioner
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4501 Department of Public Safety
801.965.4437; 888.353.4224 Chris Caras, Director
dld.utah.gov Driver License Division
Schedule an appointment to avoid longer wait times