Utah Motor Vehicle Laws & Regulations

Insurance System & Requirements

System type: Utah operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that your insurance covers your medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit, regardless of who caused the accident. However, you can still sue the at-fault driver for a liability claim if your accident meets a certain threshold. 

Minimum liability requirements: To drive legally in Utah, all motorists must maintain minimum liability insurance coverage, as specified by state law:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person
• $65,000 for bodily injury or death per accident involving two or more people
• $15,000 for property damage

This liability coverage ensures that drivers are financially responsible for damages they may cause to others in a car accident.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage: Utah requires PIP coverage with a minimum of $3,000 per person for necessary medical expenses. It also includes:

• Lost income: Up to $250 per week for 52 weeks
• Household services: $20 per day for up to 365 days
• Funeral expenses: Up to $1,500
• Death compensation: A lump sum of $3,000

No deductibles are allowed for PIP coverage, ensuring quick financial support regardless of fault.

Optional coverages: Utah drivers may opt for additional insurance coverage to enhance their financial protection:

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UM/UIM): Protects against accidents involving drivers without sufficient insurance. Utah law requires that UM/UIM coverage limits cannot exceed the limits of the insured’s liability policy unless specifically waived in writing by the policyholder
• Collision coverage: Covers damages to your vehicle in accidents, regardless of fault
• Comprehensive coverage: Pays for non-collision-related damages such as theft, fire, or natural disasters
• Rental reimbursement and roadside assistance: Covers costs for rental cars or emergency services following an accident

Rideshare insurance requirements: Utah rideshare drivers and companies must maintain specific insurance coverage depending on the stage of rideshare service.

• During the waiting period: When a driver is logged into the application, but a ride hasn’t been accepted, drivers must carry PIP coverage as well as: 
  • $50,000 for injury or death per person
  • $100,000 total per accident for all injuries or deaths
  • $30,000 for property damage
• During a ride: When a passenger is in the vehicle, or a request is made, drivers must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 minimum liability coverage and PIP coverage

Non-compliance penalties: Failing to meet Utah’s insurance requirements can result in severe consequences, including:

• Fines up to $400 for a first offense, escalating to $1,000 for repeat offenses within three years
• Suspension of vehicle registration until proof of insurance is provided
• Driver’s license suspension until the driver submits proof of insurance and pays a $100 reinstatement fee

Fault & Negligence Laws

Criteria for filing a lawsuit

Even though Utah operates as a no-fault state, meaning personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is required to cover initial medical expenses regardless of fault, there are specific circumstances under which an injured party can file a lawsuit against a third-party at-fault driver for general damages (e.g., pain and suffering). To pursue such a claim, one of the following criteria must be met:

• Death
• Dismemberment
• Permanent disability or impairment with objective findings
• Permanent disfigurement
• Bone fractures        
• Medical costs surpass $3,000

It’s important to note that this restriction does not apply to individuals pursuing claims under uninsured motorist coverage.

Modified comparative negligence

Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for an accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For instance, if you are 20% at fault for an accident with $10,000 in damages, you would recover $8,000. 

If your fault percentage exceeds 51%, you are barred from receiving any compensation. 

Multi-vehicle collisions

Determining fault in multi-vehicle accidents can be complex. Utah follows comparative negligence laws, meaning fault is assigned proportionally. Drivers under 50% at fault may seek compensation reduced by their fault percentage. These cases often involve multiple insurers and require careful analysis of evidence.

Passenger rights

Passengers in car accidents can claim compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance, regardless of who caused the crash. Utah’s PIP coverage provides up to $3,000 for medical expenses, and passengers may seek additional damages for injuries from one or more at-fault parties.

Statute of Limitations

• Personal injury: In Utah, personal injury claims from car accidents must be filed within four years from the accident date. This includes injuries sustained by drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or bicyclists
• Wrongful death: If a car accident results in a fatality, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of the individual's death
• Property damage: For claims involving damage to property, such as vehicles or personal belongings, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident or discovery of the damage
• Claims against the government: If your claim involves a government entity, such as damages caused by a government vehicle, you must file a notice of claim within one year of the accident. Lawsuits must then be filed within two years of the accident

Exceptions to the statute

• Minors or mentally incapacitated individuals: The statute of limitations may be paused for individuals under 18 or those who are mentally incapacitated at the time of the accident. Once the individual turns 18 or regains capacity, the statute of limitations begins
• Discovery rule: For injuries or damages that are not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations begins when the injury or damage is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered
• Absence of the defendant: If the at-fault party leaves Utah after the accident and is unavailable for legal action, the statute may be tolled until they return
• Fraud or misrepresentation: If fraud prevents a claimant from discovering the cause of action, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the fraud is discovered

Procedures for MVAs & Police Involvement

When to report an accident

In Utah, accidents must be reported if they result in:

• Injury or death of any person
• Total property damage exceeding $2,500

Drivers involved in such accidents are required to notify law enforcement immediately. Failing to report an accident is considered an infraction under state law.

Filing a report

• At the scene: Responding officers typically document the accident and file an official report. This is the most thorough way to ensure all details are recorded accurately
• Online or in person: Depending on your city, you may file a report online via your local police department’s website or visit a nearby law enforcement agency
• Unable to file immediately: If injuries prevent you from filing a report, someone else, such as the vehicle owner, must file it on your behalf within 15 days

How to access accident reports

Accident reports are created by the investigating officer and can be accessed through the following steps:

• Identify the report: At the scene, officers may provide a receipt with an identification number for the report. Use this number to locate the report later
• In-person: 
  • Visit your local law enforcement agency that handled the report
  • Provide your identification and details about the accident (e.g., date, time, location)
  • You will have to pay a small fee to obtain the report
• Online:
  • Request a copy online through the Utah Department of Public Safety 
  • Approval timeline: Most reports are released within 10 days, but this timeline is not definite

Accident reports are legally protected and can only be accessed by specific parties, such as those directly involved in the accident, their representatives, or law enforcement.

Types of Compensation Available & Limits

Economic damages: As a no-fault state, Utah requires PIP coverage to handle medical expenses, lost wages, and property repairs. PIP typically covers up to $3,000 in medical expenses, with no overall cap for additional claims beyond PIP limits.

Non-economic damages: Non-economic damages address intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Like economic damages, Utah does not cap non-economic damages for personal injury cases.

Punitive damages: Punitive damages in Utah are awarded to punish extreme misconduct. While there’s no cap in cases involving DUIs or illegal substances causing death, other cases follow these guidelines:

• First $50,000: Goes to the injured party
• Excess over $50,000: Split equally between the injured party and the state of Utah

Claims against the government: When suing a governmental entity or its employees, strict limits apply to the amount you can recover:

• Personal injury or death: Up to $827,000 per person per occurrence and a maximum of $3,329,100 in aggregate awards for a single incident
• Property damage: Up to $326,200 per occurrence

Medical Payments & Health Coverage

PIP coverage: Utah’s no-fault insurance laws require a minimum of $3,000 in PIP coverage. This pays for initial medical expenses like ambulance rides, emergency care, and basic treatments, regardless of fault.

Health insurance: Once your PIP coverage is depleted, private health insurance can cover additional medical costs. To activate health insurance coverage for accident-related bills, you must get a PIP exhaustion letter from your insurance provider and submit it with your medical bills to your health insurance. 

Medicare or Medicaid: If you don’t have private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid can help cover your medical expenses after your PIP benefits run out. Medicare provides coverage for people over 65, and Medicaid offers coverage for those with low-income eligibility requirements.

At-fault driver: In cases of severe injury exceeding Utah’s no-fault threshold, you may pursue a claim against the driver to recover costs. However, this process may take time, so having other coverage options is critical.

Medical liens: For expenses beyond what PIP, health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid can cover, lien-based care is an option. Medical providers treat you and agree to wait for payment until your personal injury claim is resolved.

Unique Local Considerations

Utah's diverse climate and topography create unique challenges for drivers, requiring vigilance and adaptability throughout the year.

Weather and road conditions

• Snow and ice: Utah winters are characterized by heavy snowfall, icy roads, and "white-out" conditions during snowstorms. Black ice is a common hazard, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas. Drivers should reduce speed, increase following distances, and use snow chains or winter tires when required
• Dense fog and smog: Poor visibility caused by fog or smog is frequent in Utah, especially during winter inversions in valleys like Salt Lake City. Visibility can drop to 60-100 meters, increasing the risk of accidents. Drivers should slow down and use low-beam headlights in such conditions
• Spring rain and melting snow: Spring brings heavy rain and melting snow, leading to slick roads and increased pothole formation. Hydroplaning is a concern during heavy rains
• Summer heat: High temperatures can cause engine overheating, tire blowouts, and glare-related visibility issues. Drivers should ensure their vehicles are well-maintained to handle extreme heat
• Fall frost: Early morning frost on bridges and overpasses can create slippery surfaces. Wet leaves in autumn also reduce traction on roads

Traffic hazards and wildlife

• Deer collisions: Wildlife crossings are common in rural areas of Utah. Deer activity peaks during dawn and dusk in the fall and after a storm, increasing the risk of collisions
• Potholes and uneven roads: Seasonal weather fluctuations lead to potholes and uneven pavement across Utah's roadways. If not navigated carefully, these hazards can damage tires or suspensions, leading to accidents

If you’re driving in Utah, you can use UDOT Traffic to stay informed about road conditions and better plan your trips. 

Local Resources & Contacts

Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT): https://www.udot.utah.gov/

Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS): https://dps.utah.gov/

Utah Insurance Department: https://insurance.utah.gov/

Utah Highway Patrol (UHP): https://highwaypatrol.utah.gov/

Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): https://dmv.utah.gov/