DMV Point System in Utah

You might think you're done dealing with a traffic ticket after paying the required fines. However, the points for your violation can impact your life long after you've paid your dues.

The Utah Driver License Division (DLD) uses a point system to monitor the traffic tickets on your driving record. On this page, you'll learn about the basics of the UT point system and how points can affect your driver's license.

Points & Your Utah Driver's License

If you're a regular commuter, accumulating enough points on your record could turn your daily routine upside down.

In Utah, your age AND the severity of the charges determine how many points result in license suspension AND how long you'll be without driving privileges:

  • Under 21 years old: 70 points or more in 3 years.
    • Suspended license for 1 month to 1 year.
  • 21 years old or older: 200 points or more in 3 years.
    • License suspension for 3 months to 1 year.

If you receive a ticket for DUI, the Utah DLD will immediately suspend your driver's license regardless of the amount of points on your driving record.

Check out our page on suspended driver's licenses to learn about reinstating your driving privileges AND the UT Driver License Division's policies on suspension.

Check the Record!

If you aren't sure how many points you've accumulated, especially after receiving a traffic ticket, check your Utah driving record! That way you'll know if you're close to license suspension and can make the necessary preparations to ensure you have a way of getting around.

Utah DLD Point Schedule

The seriousness of each traffic offense dictates the number of points added to your UT driving record. Each point designation can vary by up to 10% depending on the circumstances surrounding the traffic ticket.

Below you'll find a list of common traffic violations and their starting point values. For the full point schedule, take a look at the Driver License Division's point system page.

  • Texting and driving: 50 points.
  • Negligent Collision: 50 points.
  • Running a:
    • Stop sign: 50 points.
    • Red light: 50 points.
  • Following too closely behind another vehicle: 60 points.
  • Failing to yield right of way: 60 points.
  • Speeding over the limit by:
    • 1 to 10 MPH: 35 points.
    • 11 to 20 MPH: 55 points.
    • 21 MPH or more: 75 points.
  • Reckless driving: 80 points.

For more serious charges with higher point values you might have to go to traffic court to plead your case. Review our guide to fighting traffic tickets for tips on preparing for court AND helpful legal resources.

NOTE: Commercial drivers in Utah may face higher point penalties AND license suspension for certain traffic offenses. If your CDL is suspended, take a look at our CDL suspension guide to learn how to reinstate your driving privileges.

Are You Prepared for Insurance Rate Changes?

DID YOU KNOW: Insurance companies look at how many points you have while deciding if they'll write you a policy AND how much to charge you for coverage. Learn about how traffic violations can affect your auto insurance rates, especially if you're in the market for a new insurance policy.

Clear Your UT Driving Record

The key to maintaining your driving privileges is keeping a clean driving record. The Utah DLD automatically removes points from your record 3 years after you commit a traffic violation, though if you're a careful driver, points may come off sooner.

If you drive long enough without receiving a moving violation ticket, a portion of the total points on your record will be removed:

  • 1 year: 1/2 points.
  • 2 consecutive years: All points.

Additionally, the Driver License Division will remove 50 points from your record if you complete a Utah driver improvement course. You can take a driver improvement course for point reduction once every 3 years.

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