Safety Laws in Utah

Child Car Seat Laws

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.

If you're in the market for one, you can shop online for a child car seat at any time. Before ordering, be sure to read our Buying a Child Safety Seat article.

Child passenger seat inspection stations are available throughout Utah.

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

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 and Texting

Cell phone restrictions:

• Utah classifies talking on a hand-held cell phone while behind the wheel as careless driving. This is a secondary offense, meaning you cannot be stopped only for cell phone use.

Texting restrictions:

• All drivers, regardless of age, are banned from texting while driving.

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

It's a misdemeanor to knowingly leave any child under nine years old unattended inside a vehicle. If you see a child you believe to be endangered, call 911 and stay with the car.

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