Using a mobile phone while driving in Utah (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Utah bans manually texting, emailing, dialling, browsing or entering data on a wireless device while the vehicle is moving; voice calls and hands-free use are allowed.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | No [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Manually writing, sending or reading a text message, instant message or email, dialling, accessing the internet or entering data on a wireless device is banned while the vehicle is moving. Voice calls, viewing navigation and hands-free or voice-operated technology are allowed. [1] |
Notes
- The banned acts are manually writing or sending a written communication, dialling a number, accessing the internet, recording video, taking a photograph, entering data, reading a written communication, or viewing a video or photograph. Use for voice communication and for navigation is allowed.
- A Class C misdemeanour with a maximum fine of USD 100. It is a Class B misdemeanour if serious bodily injury is inflicted or there is a prior conviction within three years.
- The statute does not state penalty points, and no points schedule was read.
Sources
- Utah State Legislature: Utah Code Section 41-6a-1716 Prohibition on using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle (effective 4 May 2022) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Utah and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | No (calls allowed) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Arizona | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 75 to 149 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Colorado | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 75 | 2 points |
| Idaho | Banned (hands-free allowed) | — | USD 75 (first offence) | No points (first offence) |
| Nevada | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 50 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Wyoming | No (texting only) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Utah
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (licence after 6 months on permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16; under 14 supervised
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no firecrackers, rockets)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed-carry offence covers firearms · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any alcohol (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.