Utah (UT) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

In the state of Utah, a teen driver crashes every 35 minutes. What’s worse is, Utah teen drivers represent only a small percentage of all licensed drivers in the state, but they cause three times as many car crashes than the average driver. To help reduce the number of teen car crashes in the state, Utah has adopted a Graduated Driver Licensing program, which allows the teen to gradually work his way up from beginner to experienced driver. 

Continue reading to learn more about Utah’s Graduated Driver Licensing program and what it takes to successfully complete the program. 

Utah Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

To obtain an unrestricted Utah driver license, you must begin by completing the permit phase. To apply for a learner permit, you must be at least 15 years of age. Your parent or guardian must sign your application and you must pass a knowledge test. You must hold the learner permit for 6 months before obtaining a unrestricted Utah driver license.

During the learner permit phase, you must complete a minimum of 40 hours of driving, including 10 at night. You must also pass a state approved driver education course. Once you have completed all of the conditions of the learner permit phase, you may apply for a unrestricted Utah driver license. To apply for your license, you must pass a driving skills test and complete an application.

To obtain your learner permit and license, you must provide the following documentation to the DMV:

•    Two forms if ID
•    Proof of Utah residency
•    Signature of parent or legal guardian
•    $15 for learner permit, $30 for Utah license

Utah Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

Learner permit holders may only drive when accompanied by an approved driving instructor or a parent or legal guardian. The supervising adult must occupy the front passenger seat next to the learner permit holder. The teen driver must carry the learner permit with him at all times when driving. In addition, drivers under the age of 17 may not drive between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. There are several exceptions to this rule:

•    You may drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. if a licensed driver accompanies you. The licensed driver must be at least 21 years of age. The driver must be seated in the front passenger seat at all times.
•    Driving to and from work
•    Driving to and from school
•    In cases of emergency

If you are a learner permit holder under the age of 17, for the first 6 months you may not drive with a passenger that is not an immediate family member, unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older.

If you violate any of the conditions listed above, your licensing may be delayed or suspended. You will also have to pay a fine up to $45.

Utah Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

In the state of Utah, it is against the law to text while driving. In addition, drivers are not allowed to email while driving. Although you may be fined for violating the ban, the infraction is not a reportable one, so it will not count against your driving record. Talking on the cell phone is allowed with a hands-free accessory.

When it comes to teens, it really doesn’t matter if cell phone use is legal, it is never a good idea to talk on the cell phone while driving – especially if you are a new driver. All drivers, especially beginners and teens, should use common sense when it comes to talking on a cell phone while driving. Pull over to a safe place if you must make or take a call.

Utah Teen DUI Laws

Utah teens must follow Utah’s “no drop” law or suffer the consequences. In the state of Utah, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle any amount of alcohol in his system. This means, Utah has a true Zero Tolerance law. If you think you can pass a chemical test after drinking just one beer, think again. A blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict a Utah teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, your driving privileges may be suspended for 90 days. If you are in the beginning stages of licensing, your licensing might be delayed or you may even lose your driving privileges until your 18th birthday.

Utah Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

Whether you are an adult or a teen, in the state of Utah you must carry auto insurance. The state of Utah sets its minimum coverage amounts at  25/65/1. This is equal to $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $65,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 per accident for property damage. Utah also requires all driver’s to carry $3,000 personal injury protection (PIP).

Because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel, Utah auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year. The average increase is around $2,171 a year.