Recent Utah Driving Related Law Changes

S.B. 152 Vehicle Load Penalties Amendments

1. 1. Any person who violates this section is guilty of:
      • an infraction, if the violation creates a hazard but does not lead to a motor vehicle accident.
      • a class B misdemeanor, if the violation creates a hazard that leads to a motor vehicle accident; or
      • a class A misdemeanor, if the violation creates a hazard that leads to a motor vehicle accident that results in the serious bodily injury or death of a person.
   2. A person who violates a provision of this section shall be fined not less than:
      • $200 for a violation; or
      • $500 for a second or subsequent

H.B. 143 Driver License Suspension Amendments

• • The division may not revoke, deny, suspend, or disqualify an individual’s driver license based solely on:
    • the individual’s failure to appear.
    • the individual’s failure to pay an outstanding penalty accounts receivable; or
    • the issuance of a bench warrant as a result of an event described in Subsection.

H.B. 18 Driver Education Amendments

• • The division, upon receiving an application for a learner permit, may issue a learner permit effective for 18 months to an applicant who is at least 15 years old.
  • Rules made by the commissioner may not require observation time to observe the instructor, another student driver, or another road user.
  • The prohibition on rulemaking described in Subsection (2)(a) does not prohibit a commercial driver education school or other driver education program from including observation time as part of a driver education curriculum.

H.B. 69 Traffic Code Amendments

• • A person may not turn a vehicle, merge into a continuing lane from a lane of travel that is ending, or otherwise move right or left on a roadway or change lanes until:
    1. the movement can be made with reasonable safety; and
    2. an appropriate signal has been given as provided under this section.
  • A signal of intention to turn right or left or to change lanes shall be given continuously for at least the last two seconds preceding the beginning of the movement.

• • A person may not stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal to the operator of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give a signal.
  • A stop or turn signal when required shall be given either by the hand and arm or by signal lamps.

H.B. 142 Cyclist Traffic Amendments

• Except as provided in Subsection (6), an individual operating a bicycle approaching a stop sign may proceed through the intersection without stopping at the stop sign if:
  • the individual slows to a reasonable speed; and
  • yields the right-of-way to:
    • any pedestrian within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk.
    • other traffic within the intersection; and
    • oncoming traffic that poses an immediate hazard during the time the individual is traveling through the intersection.

Friendly Safe Driving Tips

There is a reason why there are four seasons in a year. Utah’s weather is very bipolar, and you could experience all four seasons in a single day. Winter, spring, summer, and fall within a few hours of a day. Once each season or before your take a major road trip, it’s highly recommended that you perform your pre-season or pre-trip checkups which include the following minimums.

Battery-

• Recharge or replace weak batteries. Dead batteries are no fun on road trips.
• Pay attention to the warning lights on your dashboard to avoid getting stranded on the
roadway.

Fluid:

• Check fluid levels under the hood, battery posts for corrosion, and charging system for proper function.
• Be aware of your under-hood fluid. Just like your body joints the automobile joints require lubrication and conditioned with proper liquid.
• Check your antifreeze which helps cool your powerful engine. Check your power steering and brake fluid to make sure you can remain in full control of your car in the event the
unexpected happens. Check your windshield wiper fluids for proper fill.
• Most importantly keep an eye on your engine oil. Running out of engine oil on a road trip is a disastrous and expensive trip for the mechanic.

Lights

• Check the headlights, side-markers, emergency flashers, parking lights, front and rear directional signal lights, taillights, and brake lights. Your automobile lighting is the safest way to communicate your movement intentions with other motorists on the roadway. From your rear-white reverse lights that alert when you are backing up to your amber turn signal lamps, make sure they are all in working order.
• If one goes out, be quick to replace it so that you do not burn the other one faster. There is nothing worse than going on a road trip with only one operational headlight to just burn out the other and then you are left with no headlights on a road trip distance away from your nearest city.

Brake & Tire System

• Check brakes for proper operation. Pulling to one side, a taut pedal or unusual squealing or grinding could indicate the need for brake repair.
• Tires Traction is the key to good movement, turning, and stopping on wet surfaces. Good tire tread allows water to escape from under the tires, preventing loss of traction. During the winter season, consider changing to tires designed for increased traction on wet surfaces.
• Make sure tires are properly inflated to the pressure shown in the owner’s manual or on the door frame.

Emergency Kit

At minimum remember to have an emergency kit in your trunk. In the event of an unexpected delay on your road trip, these items in your emergency kit will come in to save you. Your kit should include at minimum jumper cables, a spare tire with a jack, dry snack food, first aid kit. It is also advisable to have a pair of winter clothing in your kit in the event you experience sudden season changes while on a long-distance road trip.