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Driving in Utah

The rules foreign visitors most often get wrong — with the official source for every fact. Always verify directly before you drive.

Key rules

Max rural interstate speed: 80 mph ^[1]
Portions of I-15, I-80, I-84
Right turn on red: Permitted after full stop (unless signed otherwise) ^[1]
Seatbelt enforcement (front): unverified See notes — verify with the state authority.
Upgraded to primary in 2015 (HB 79) per GHSA; verify direct with Utah Highway Safety Office
Handheld phone: unverified See notes — verify with the state authority. ^[2]
Texting + hand-entry of data banned; handheld calls allowed hands-free — verify exact rule
Texting while driving: Banned ^[2]
Min liability — bodily injury per person: $25,000 ^[3]
Min liability — bodily injury per accident: $65,000 ^[3]
Min liability — property damage: $15,000 ^[3]
Motorcycle helmet: Required for some riders (see notes) ^[4]
Under 21 required
Move-over law: Yes — required to move over / slow for emergency vehicles ^[5]
Studded tires: unverified See notes — verify with the state authority. ^[6]
Allowed seasonally — UDOT treats as traction device; consult Utah Code §41-6a-1636 for exact window
Marijuana in vehicle: Open container / consumption in vehicle illegal ^[7]
Medical only; recreational illegal

Every claim above links to its numbered source here. If a link is broken, or you believe a fact is outdated, please let us know.

[1] UDOT — HB 83 Speed Limit Amendments — UDOT · accessed 2026-04-23
[2] Utah Code §41-6a-1716 — Communication Device — Utah Legislature · accessed 2026-04-23
[3] Utah Insurance Dept. — Auto Insurance — Utah ID · accessed 2026-04-23
[4] Utah Code §41-6a-1505 — Motorcycle Helmet (under 21) — Utah Legislature · accessed 2026-04-23
[5] NHTSA — Move Over, It's the Law — NHTSA · accessed 2026-04-23
[6] UDOT — Snow Tire and Chain-Up Requirements — UDOT · accessed 2026-04-23
[7] Utah Medical Cannabis Program — Utah Dept. of Health · accessed 2026-04-23