In Utah, it is not illegal to flip off a police officer. The gesture, while rude and offensive, is considered a form of expression protected under the First Amendment. Courts have established that giving the middle finger to a police officer is constitutionally protected free speech, and police do not have legal grounds to arrest or detain someone solely for that gesture.
A notable case in Orem, Utah, involved a man named Seth Dame who was stopped and cited for disorderly conduct after flipping off an officer in 2010. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Utah intervened, arguing that the stop and citation violated his constitutional rights. The city of Orem settled, agreeing that the gesture alone should not lead to citation or detention, paying damages and committing to First Amendment training for officers. This reinforces the principle that rude gestures to police are protected speech, not criminal acts.
However, although flipping off a cop is legal, it is not advisable to provoke police officers as it may escalate the situation or affect how officers treat you in the future.
- Flipping off a cop in Utah is legally protected free speech, not a crime.
- Police cannot lawfully pull you over or arrest you just for making that gesture.
- Past legal challenges and settlements emphasize the constitutional protection of such expression.
- Exercising this right wisely and cautiously is recommended to avoid unnecessary conflict.
These points reflect both case law and civil rights advocacy positions in Utah.
Sources
[1] https://www.fox13now.com/2012/11/15/orem-settles-lawsuit-over-middle-finger-free-speech
[2] https://kezj.com/is-it-against-the-law-to-flip-the-bird-to-a-cop-in-idaho-wa-or-utah/
[3] https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=55293260&itype=CMSID
[4] https://www.ksl.com/article/22983058/orem-settles-with-man-who-flipped-off-officer
[5] https://www.acluutah.org/press-releases/aclu-utah-settles-claim-man-stopped-and-cited-flipping-bird-orem-police-officer/
