How to Fight a Reckless Driving Ticket in Utah
If you got a reckless driving ticket in Utah, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Yes.
How to fight a reckless driving ticket in Utah, step by step
Decide how to plead
A plea in abeyance (Utah Code § 77-2a-3) is an agreement where you plead guilty or no-contest, but the plea is held ('in abeyance') by the court for a set period (typically up to 1 year). If you comply with all conditions — no new offenses, possible community service, education programs — the charge is dismissed.
Check Utah's dismissal & mitigation options
No. DTP is available only for infractions under UCA Title 41, Chapter 6a — moving violations.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your reckless driving citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Yes.
Show up prepared
A plea in abeyance (Utah Code § 77-2a-3) is an agreement where you plead guilty or no-contest, but the plea is held ('in abeyance') by the court for a set period (typically up to 1 year). Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
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Start my free court prep →Utah Reckless Driving ticket — frequently asked questions
What is the statute for reckless driving in Utah?
UCA § 41-6a-528 — Reckless Driving. A person is guilty of reckless driving when they operate a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This explicitly includes: (1) traveling at 105 mph or greater on a highway, or (2) committing three or more traffic violations under Title 41, Chapter 6a in a series of acts within a single continuous period of driving covering three miles or less.
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Utah?
Yes. Reckless driving under UCA § 41-6a-528 is a Class B misdemeanor — a criminal offense. A conviction creates a criminal record (not just a traffic record), carries up to 6 months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine, and results in 80 points on your driving record plus a possible license suspension of up to 3 months (first offense). This is significantly more serious than an infraction.
What are the penalties for reckless driving in Utah?
Class B misdemeanor: up to 6 months in jail; fine up to $1,000; 80 demerit points on your driving record; and for a first conviction, the Driver License Division (DLD) may suspend your license for up to 3 months on the judge's recommendation. Second or subsequent convictions carry harsher consequences. A conviction also remains on your criminal background check record.
Is the Deferred Traffic Prosecution (DTP) Program available for reckless driving?
No. DTP is available only for infractions under UCA Title 41, Chapter 6a — moving violations. Reckless driving is a Class B misdemeanor, not an infraction, and is not eligible for DTP. You should consult a licensed Utah criminal defense attorney. A plea in abeyance may be negotiable with the prosecutor, depending on your record and circumstances.
What is a 'plea in abeyance' in Utah and how does it apply to reckless driving?
A plea in abeyance (Utah Code § 77-2a-3) is an agreement where you plead guilty or no-contest, but the plea is held ('in abeyance') by the court for a set period (typically up to 1 year). If you comply with all conditions — no new offenses, possible community service, education programs — the charge is dismissed. Unlike DTP (which requires no criminal plea), a plea in abeyance does require entering a criminal plea. An attorney is strongly recommended to negotiate the best possible terms.
What should I do if I am cited for reckless driving in Utah?
Do NOT pay the fine or plead guilty without first consulting a licensed Utah criminal defense attorney. Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor. An attorney may be able to: negotiate a plea in abeyance (dismissed after compliance period), negotiate reduction to careless driving (an infraction under UCA § 41-6a-1715), or challenge the basis for the reckless driving charge (e.g., the 3-violation trigger or the 105 mph threshold). Without an attorney you risk a permanent criminal record, license suspension, and significant insurance consequences.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.