Utah Driver Handbook 2024-2025

Overview

• The handbook is created by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) and Utah Driver License Division.
• It includes rules for operating vehicles in Utah, applicable to both motor vehicles and bicycles.

Driver License Division Services

• Offers various licenses like Class D, CDL, Driving Privilege Cards, ID cards, and endorsements.
• Services include driver records, reinstatement fees, exams, voter and organ donor registrations.
• Appointments are recommended for faster service, accessible via dld.utah.gov.

New 2024 Laws

• HB 85: Amends electric-assisted bicycle definitions.
• HB 311: Lane filtering allowed on off-ramps.
• HB 345: Increases fines for certain school zone violations.
• HB 30: Addresses penalties related to road rage events.
• SB 45 (effective 2025): Changes license plate display requirements.

Driver License History

• Driver licensing began in Utah in 1934.
• Notable changes include the introduction of commercial licenses in 1989, online services in 2005, and the adoption of REAL ID standards by 2013.

Leading Causes of Crashes

• Failed to keep in proper lane, running off the road, and failure to yield right-of-way are common crash causes.
• Teen and age 65+ demographics show different dominant crash causes.

Mobile Driver License (mDL) Program

• Allows residents to carry driver license data on their phones.
• mDL app is available on Apple and Google Play stores with initial free trial.
• mDL provides secure data sharing and is accepted at TSA PreCheck in Salt Lake International Airport.

Utah Driver Handbook Contents

• Sections cover everything from definitions, licensing requirements, driver education, vehicle exams, rules of the road, and more.

Important Sections

Licensing Requirements

• Residents and non-residents must comply with different licensing rules.
• Utah participates in Driver License Compact and Non-Resident Violator Compact.

Driver Education & Permits

• Education requirements differ for ages 15-18 and 19+.
• Written test scores valid for 18 months; permits must be held for specific periods depending on age.

Examinations

• Written knowledge, traffic safety, and driving skills tests are required.
• Specific requirements for the driving skills test and vehicle standards are outlined.

Rules of the Road

• Covers flex lanes, freeway driving, intersections, and speed limits.
• Emphasizes proper use of signaling, yielding right-of-way, and adherence to traffic controls.

Alcohol/Drugs and Driving

• Discusses effects of substances, legal limits, penalties under Utah law, and ignition interlock requirements.

Distractions & Driving Challenges

• Addresses avoiding distractions and specific challenges like aggressive driving, animal collisions, and adverse weather.

Crashes and Insurance

• Outlines what to do in case of a crash, financial responsibility, insurance types, and crash report information.

Suspensions and Your Record

• Details reasons for suspension, revocation, and the point system for traffic violations.

Sharing the Road

• Focuses on safety around bicycles, large trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians.

Appendices

• Optional information on organ donation, voluntary contributions, emergency contacts, identity fraud prevention, vehicle registration, and clean air initiatives.

Additional Information

• Sample test questions provided to aid in studying for the written knowledge test.
• List of driver license field offices with addresses for in-person services.