Safety Laws

Child Safety Seats

All children under the age of five riding in a vehicle must be properly secured in an approved child safety seat.

Children between the ages of five and 15 must be properly restrained in either an appropriate child restraint device or by a safety belt.

The law does not apply to school buses, and vehicles manufactured without safety belts.

Generally speaking, children should ride in the rear seat of a vehicle as it normally offers the most protection.

Child passenger seat inspection stations are available throughout Utah.

For more information on child safety seat laws, consult the Office of Highway Safety site. And to figure out which seat to buy, read our Buying a Child Safety Seat article.

Seat Belts

Everyone over the age of 15 riding inside a vehicle must wear a safety belt if there are seat belts available.

Police enforcement officers have the right to stop a vehicle solely because an occupant under the age of 19 is spotted violating the rule.

Violators of this rule may be cited and fined up to $45. Drivers are responsible for enforcement of the rule for any passenger under the age of 16.

The law does not apply to school buses, and vehicles manufactured without safety belts.

For more information on safety seat laws, consult the Office of Highway Safety site.

Cell Phones

There aren't any statewide laws prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving.

Careless Driving

However, Utah law specifically mentions the use of handheld cell phones or other electronic devices while driving as possible distractions, and if a driver is found guilty of a moving violation (other than speeding) while using these devices, the driver may also be charged with a "careless driving" offense.

Headlights

Headlights must be turned on when driving at least 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and whenever conditions make it impossible to clearly see at least 1000 feet ahead.

High beams must be dimmed when within 500 feet of approaching traffic, and within 300 feet of traffic heading heading in the same direction.

Helmets

Anyone riding on a motorcycle under the age of 18 must wear an approved helmet.

Unattended Children in a Vehicle

While Utah doesn't have any rules specifically addressing the issue of leaving children unattended in a vehicle, the state considers child abuse to occur when someone permits serious physical injury to a child.

If the injury occurs due to reckless behavior, the crime is considered a felony. If it happens due to negligence, it's considered a misdemeanor.

If you see a child you believe to be endangered, call 911 and stay with the car.