Utah Speeding Tickets and Penalties

In Utah, you can get a speeding ticket for exceeding the presumed maximum speed limit or the basic speed law. Here are how these two different types of speed limits work and the fines and other penalties for a speeding citation.

Basic Speeding Law

Utah's basic speeding law prohibits driving at a "speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions." The law specifically mentions potential hazards such as crossing a railroad, going around a curve, cresting a hill, traveling on a narrow or winding roadway, bad weather, and passing through areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. However, the bottom line is that drivers must always operate a safe speed, and what's safe depends on the current conditions.

Presumed Maximum Speed Limits

Utah also has presumed maximum speed limits, including:

• 20 miles per hour in school zones, and
• 25 miles per hour in urban districts.

The presumed maximum speed limits on state highways and freeways vary but generally can't exceed 65 or 75 miles per hour.

When a driver gets caught going faster than a presumed maximum speed limit, there's a presumption that the speed is unsafe. However, the driver might be able to beat the ticket by proving in court that his or her speed was safe given the road and weather conditions at the time and location of the citation. And, depending on the circumstances, the driver could have other viable defenses.

Penalties for a Speeding Ticket

A speeding violation is a traffic infraction in Utah. The consequences of a speeding ticket depend on the circumstances. The fines for a speeding violation are:

• $120 for 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit
• $150 for 11 to 15 miles per hour over the limit
• $200 for 16 to 20 miles per hour over the limit
• $270 for 21 to 25 miles per hour over the limit
• $370 for 26 to 30 miles per hour over the limit, and
• $470 minimum for 31 or more miles per hour over the limit.

A speeding violation will add between 35 and 75 points to the driver's record.

And depending on the circumstances—including the degree of dangerousness and whether anyone was injured or killed—a speeding violation could also lead to reckless driving or vehicular homicide charges.