Utah’s 2025 traffic laws continue to emphasize safety, clear rules of the road, and strict enforcement of violations, including specific guidance on maneuvers such as the right turn on red, as well as broader traffic safety rules. In Utah, making a right turn on a red light is permitted after a complete stop if no sign prohibits it. Drivers must ensure the intersection is clear and yield to all other vehicles and pedestrians, as they do not have the right-of-way on a red turn. The full stop must be made at the nearest crosswalk, stop line, or before entering the intersection. Failure to come to a full stop before turning right on red is considered a red-light violation and can result in fines and points on the driver’s license. The state is increasing enforcement efforts in 2025 to reduce these violations.
Utah also permits left turns on red, but only when turning left from a one-way street onto another one-way street. Like the right turn on red, a full stop is required and clearance of the intersection must be assured before safely proceeding. Drivers must yield to other vehicles and pedestrians in such situations. This rule adaptation facilitates smoother traffic flow on certain urban one-way streets but demands careful driver attention to safety[Original conversation; Additional clarifications based on Utah laws, 2025].
Other prominent 2025 Utah traffic laws include the stringent prohibition on texting and driving. The law bans manual use of hand-held electronic devices for texting, browsing, video recording, or other manual inputs while driving, with violations carrying fines starting at $100 for the first offense. This rule excludes emergency calls and hands-free, voice-controlled functions such as GPS navigation. The intent is to minimize distracted driving, a leading cause of accidents. Enhanced enforcement is applied to encourage full driver attention on the road.
Further, Utah enforces a “Slow Down, Move Over” law requiring drivers to yield to emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside by moving to an adjacent lane if safe, or by significantly reducing speed when lane change is unsafe. This law protects emergency responders and stranded motorists from accidents and serious injury. Fines and license points can be imposed for non-compliance.
Utah’s 2025 Uniform Fine Schedule categorizes fines for moving and non-moving traffic violations, with varying degrees of penalties and mandatory court appearances for serious offenses including DUI and misdemeanors. Certain misdemeanors, including traffic offenses, can carry fines from $100 to $750, jail time, or community service alternatives. The system ensures consistent application of penalties statewide, with credits available for compliance measures such as community service or jail time served.
Additional technical amendments for vehicle registration, insurance coverage notifications, and clearer definitions of terms related to trailers and motorcycles have been made, streamlining administration but not substantially altering driver responsibilities.
Utah’s 2025 traffic laws:
- Allow right turns on red after a full stop with yield to pedestrians and vehicles, prohibiting turns where signed.
- Permit left turns on red only from one one-way street onto another after full stop and yield.
- Ban texting and manual phone use while driving, with significant fines and increased enforcement.
- Require drivers to slow down or move over for emergency vehicles stopped roadside.
- Impose structured fines and penalties for traffic violations, including mandatory appearances for serious offenses.
Drivers in Utah should remain vigilant about stopping fully before right and left turns on red, avoiding distractions, and complying with emergency vehicle laws to avoid fines and ensure roadway safety.
This legal framework balances traffic flow efficiency with public safety and reflects the state’s commitment to reducing accidents and promoting responsible driving in 2025.
Sources
[1] https://sahlegal.com/4-utah-laws-all-drivers-should-know/
[2] https://legacy.utcourts.gov/rules/appendices/Appendix_C/Uniform_Fine_Schedule.pdf
[3] https://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowTopic-g28965-i411-k10834989-Utah_Traffic_Driving_Rules-Utah.html
[4] https://le.utah.gov/Session/2025/bills/introduced/SB0027.pdf
[5] https://dld.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/Driver-Handbook-2024-Compressed.pdf
