How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Utah
If you got a speeding ticket in Utah, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Utah uniform fine schedule amounts (base fine before court costs/surcharges): 1–10 mph over = approximately $130; 11–15 mph over = approximately $160; 16–20 mph over = approximately $210; 21–25 mph over = approximately $280; 26–30 mph over = approximately $380; 31+ mph over = approximately $480 plus $10 per mph over 31.
How to fight a speeding ticket in Utah, step by step
Decide how to plead
Yes — the Deferred Traffic Prosecution (DTP) Program administered by Utah Courts. If eligible, you plead 'no contest,' pay the fine plus a $5 registration fee, and if you maintain a clean record for 1 year, the charge is dismissed with no points recorded.
Check Utah's dismissal & mitigation options
Utah Driver License Division (DLD) assigns points as follows: 1–10 mph over = 35 points; 11–20 mph over = 55 points; 21+ mph over = 75 points. Adults (21+) who accumulate 200+ points in any 3-year period face license suspension of 3 months to 1 year.
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 speeding citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Utah uniform fine schedule amounts (base fine before court costs/surcharges): 1–10 mph over = approximately $130; 11–15 mph over = approximately $160; 16–20 mph over = approximately $210; 21–25 mph over = approximately $280; 26–30 mph over = approximately $380; 31+ mph over = approximately $480 plus $10 per mph over 31.
Show up prepared
Utah uniform fine schedule amounts (base fine before court costs/surcharges): 1–10 mph over = approximately $130; 11–15 mph over = approximately $160; 16–20 mph over = approximately $210; 21–25 mph over = approximately $280; 26–30 mph over = approximately $380; 31+ mph over = approximately $480 plus $10 per mph over 31. Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
Prepare for your Utah court date — free
Get a guided prep chat for your exact violation, then a court-ready mock script you can rehearse.
Start my free court prep →Utah Speeding ticket — frequently asked questions
What is the statute for speeding in Utah?
Speeding in Utah is governed by UCA § 41-6a-601 (speed restrictions) and UCA § 41-6a-605 (speed limit on highways). Speeding is generally an infraction (not a crime), except that driving 105 mph or faster is treated as reckless driving per se under UCA § 41-6a-528 — a Class B misdemeanor.
What are the fines for a speeding ticket in Utah?
Utah uniform fine schedule amounts (base fine before court costs/surcharges): 1–10 mph over = approximately $130; 11–15 mph over = approximately $160; 16–20 mph over = approximately $210; 21–25 mph over = approximately $280; 26–30 mph over = approximately $380; 31+ mph over = approximately $480 plus $10 per mph over 31. NOTE: Court costs and surcharges are added on top of the base fine — your actual total due will be higher. Verify the exact amount with the court on your citation or at mycase.utah.gov.
How many points does a speeding ticket add in Utah?
Utah Driver License Division (DLD) assigns points as follows: 1–10 mph over = 35 points; 11–20 mph over = 55 points; 21+ mph over = 75 points. Adults (21+) who accumulate 200+ points in any 3-year period face license suspension of 3 months to 1 year. Drivers under 21 face suspension at 70+ points in 3 years. You can remove 50 points by completing an approved defensive driving course once every 3 years, and points reduce by 50% after 1 year without a conviction, and 100% after 2 clean years.
Is there a way to dismiss a speeding ticket in Utah?
Yes — the Deferred Traffic Prosecution (DTP) Program administered by Utah Courts. If eligible, you plead 'no contest,' pay the fine plus a $5 registration fee, and if you maintain a clean record for 1 year, the charge is dismissed with no points recorded. You may also be required to complete online traffic school ($40 fee) within 28 days. DTP is available online at mycase.utah.gov. Eligibility: must be 21+, have a valid non-commercial Utah driver's license, apply within 21 days of the citation, have no more than 1 traffic infraction conviction in the past 24 months, and the citation must not involve an accident or 3+ violations from the same incident. DTP is generally NOT available for speeding 26+ mph over the limit.
What happens if I just pay my speeding ticket in Utah?
Paying the fine is treated as a no-contest plea — the infraction is recorded on your driving record and points are assessed immediately. If you are eligible for the Deferred Traffic Prosecution (DTP) Program, use that option instead through mycase.utah.gov before paying. DTP keeps points off your record if you maintain a clean record for 1 year.
Are work zone or school zone speeding fines higher in Utah?
Yes. Utah Code § 41-6a-606 provides for enhanced penalties in school zones and construction zones. Fines are generally doubled in active work zones with workers present. School zone speed limits are 20 mph unless otherwise posted. NOT CONFIRMED — verify current construction zone and school zone fine enhancements at utcourts.gov.
What speed is considered reckless driving in Utah?
Under UCA § 41-6a-528, driving 105 mph or faster is considered reckless driving per se — a Class B misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in jail, a fine up to $1,000, and potential license suspension up to 3 months. Additionally, committing 3 or more traffic violations in a single continuous period covering 3 miles or less may be charged as reckless driving. At 105+ mph, do not use DTP — retain an attorney.
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.