Utah Requirements
Utah is unique among all 50 states because the state has a lower blood alcohol content (BAC) threshold than any other state. While other states consider .08 percent to be the legal threshold for DUI, in Utah the legal BAC limit is .05 percent.
The UT Ignition Interlock Program
Utah drivers do risk a driver’s license suspension for drunk driving offenses, but some drivers may be able to avoid a suspension by enrolling in the state’s interlock program.
To qualify, offenders may need to meet other criteria including:
- No other suspensions that prevent reinstatement on record
- Complete an Impaired Driving Assessment (IDA) after their arrest date
- IDA results should show that the person is a low-risk offender
- Must install ignition interlock device and pay reinstatement fees
There is an allowance for those who are physically unable to provide a deep lung breath sample to use an ignition interlock device for medical reasons. Offenders can apply for a medical exemption, and their doctor can supply documentation showing their inability to properly provide a deep lung breath sample an IID.
What Happens if I Get a DUI in Utah?
First DUI Offense
- Two days to 180 days in jail
- Fines of up to $1,310
- Offenders may be able to avoid license suspension by enrolling in Utah’s interlock program
- May be required to undergo screening, assessment, educational programs, or treatment
- 24/7 sobriety program or treatment may be ordered, or supervised probation
- Mandatory interlock device for offenders with a BAC > .16 percent
- Judge can assign interlock requirement at their discretion for offenders with a BAC < .16 percent
Second DUI Offense
- 10 days mandatory jail time, up to 180 days in jail
- Jail time may be converted to five days in jail plus 30 days of electronic monitoring
- Fines of $1,560 (and possibly more)
- May be required to undergo screening, assessment, educational programs, or treatment
- 24/7 sobriety program or treatment may be ordered, or supervised probation
- Offenders can petition the Driver License Division to become an Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver if their 2nd or subsequent offense occurs within 10 years of the first offense. The offender shall maintain the IID restriction for at least two years
Third DUI Offense
- 62 days in jail, with five years in prison maximum
- Fines of $2,850 and possibly more
- License revoked for two years
- May be required to undergo screening, assessment, educational programs, or treatment
- 24/7 sobriety program or treatment may be ordered, or supervised probation
- Offenders can petition the Driver License Division to become an Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver if their 2nd or subsequent offense occurs within 10 years of the first offense. The offender shall maintain the IID restriction for at least two years
What Happens if I Fail to Complete or Refuse to Submit to a DUI Test in Utah?
Refusing to take a BAC test in Utah will not get you out of the consequences for your actions. If an offender refuses to take a test, they can have their license suspended for up to 18 months on a first offense. Repeat offenders may have their license suspended for three years, and those under 21 risk a suspension of 18 months or until they turn 21.
Offenders may be able to reduce license suspension or revocation by enrolling in Utah’s interlock program.
How Do I Regain Driving Privileges in Utah?
Utah allows eligible offenders to get an alcohol or drug-related limited license if they meet certain criteria. This license allows them to drive during the suspension period, if they fulfill requirements. The criteria include:
- Must be violation free for a year
- Pay all required fees
- Complete any required testing (some may need to take the written driving test, for example)
- Install an interlock device from an approved provider
- Some offenders may need to supply proof of employment and schedule from their employer, if the license will be used to drive to work. Students may need to provide a class schedule and proof of enrollment.
- Provide proof of SR-22 insurance
The court may require additional criteria depending on the specifics of the incident.
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The Process: What to Expect
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Consult with Legal Counsel
Seek guidance from a DUI lawyer to understand your legal options and rights following a DUI violation.
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Get an Assessment
Complete a court-ordered or voluntary assessment to evaluate your risk level and determine any required interventions.
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Schedule Interlock Install
Speak to our State Specialists to schedule your IID installation to meet court or state requirements.
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Regular Monitoring
Your ignition interlock usage will be regularly monitored to maintain compliance with legal requirements.
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Device Removal
After fulfilling your IID requirement and receiving approval from your monitoring authority, you can arrange to have your ignition interlock device removed at your local service center.
Interlock Cost in Utah
Expert DUI Attorneys in Utah
Alan J. Buividas, Attorney At Law
Midvale, UT 84047
Dyre Law Group, PLLC
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Cardon, Stuart & Associates
Ogden, UT 84403
Koehler Law Offices
South Jordan, UT 84095
Utah FAQs
An ignition interlock device is an ignition system that promotes accountability and prevents impaired individuals from operating a vehicle.
Utah’s legal BAC limit is the lowest in the country at .05 percent BAC. Some convicted drunk driving offenders are required to install an ignition interlock device after their offense, often as a condition of regaining driving privileges.
Offenders are required to cover the cost of their ignition interlock device. Costs can vary depending on the interlock provider you choose. Intoxalock customers will pay a deposit of $67.99 to $115.99 at installation, as well as a setup fee of $27.50. Monthly lease costs run from $49.99 to $115.99.
When you are ready to install, you can contact the Intoxalock service center of your choice to make your installation appointment. If you need help or have questions, our state specialists can assist you.
You should bring your Utah driver’s license or state ID card, and you may need to share the name of the vehicle’s registered owner if it is not you.
Visit the Utah locations page to review all locations in Utah.
Your monitoring authority needs to give authorization before you can remove your ignition interlock device. Once you have this verification from the Monitoring Authority, you can schedule your removal appointment at your interlock provider service center.
You should make sure you have the authorization to remove the device, but otherwise do not need to bring paperwork to the appointment.
Check the Utah state page for all DUI penalties.
Yes, customers can file for financial aid with the court. Those who obtain a court order for assistance will receive funds to help cover the cost of their IID.
Intoxalock has a list of Utah attorneys who can assist with DUI cases.
To see how an ignition interlock device works, visit our ignition interlock page and watch our video demonstrating how to use the device.
To learn more about ignition interlock information, please visit our ignition interlock device page.
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