{"data":{"id":"us-ut/utah-code-41-6a-1716","jurisdiction":"us-ut","citation":"Utah Code § 41-6a-1716","heading":"Prohibition on using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle -- Exceptions -- Penalties.","body":"(1) As used in this section:\n(a) \"Wireless communication device\" means:\n(i) a cellular phone;\n(ii) a portable telephone;\n(iii) a text messaging device;\n(iv) a personal digital assistant;\n(v) a stand-alone computer, including a tablet, laptop, or notebook computer;\n(vi) a global positioning receiver;\n(vii) a device used to display a video, movie, broadcast television image, or visual image; or\n(viii) a substantially similar communication device used to initiate or receive communication, information, or data.\n(b) \"Wireless communication device\" does not include a two-way radio device described in 47 C.F.R. Part 90, 95, or 97, or a functional equivalent.\n(2) Except as provided in Subsection (3), an individual may not use a wireless communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle on a highway in this state to manually:\n(a)\n(i) write or send a written communication, including:\n(A) a text message;\n(B) an instant message; or\n(C) electronic mail;\n(ii) dial a phone number;\n(iii) access the internet;\n(iv) record video;\n(v) take a photograph; or\n(vi) enter data into a wireless communication device;\n(b) read a written communication, including:\n(i) a text message;\n(ii) an instant message; or\n(iii) electronic mail; or\n(c) view a video or photograph.\n(3) Subsection (2) does not prohibit an individual from using a wireless communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle:\n(a) when using a wireless communication device for voice communication;\n(b) to view a global positioning or navigation device or a global positioning or navigation application;\n(c) during a medical emergency;\n(d) when reporting a safety hazard or requesting assistance relating to a safety hazard;\n(e) when reporting criminal activity or requesting assistance relating to a criminal activity;\n(f) when used by a law enforcement officer or emergency service personnel acting within the course and scope of the law enforcement officer's or emergency service personnel's employment; or\n(g) to operate:\n(i) hands-free or voice operated technology; or\n(ii) a system that is physically or electronically integrated into the motor vehicle.\n(4) An individual convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a:\n(a) class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $100; or\n(b) class B misdemeanor if the individual:\n(i) has also inflicted serious bodily injury upon another as a proximate result of using a wireless communication device in violation of this section while operating a moving motor vehicle on a highway in this state; or\n(ii) has a prior conviction under this section, that is within three years of:\n(A) the current conviction under this section; or\n(B) the commission of the offense upon which the current conviction is based.","path":["Title 41 Motor Vehicles","Chapter 41-6a Traffic Code","Part 41-6a-17 Miscellaneous Rules"],"source_url":"https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter6a/41-6a-S1716.html","current_through":"2026 General Session","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-03T11:34:33Z","sha256":"5d8ee7cb5306b14dcbf95813cdaac678e7ebebb60759528aaa73e2487ab18801","source_id":"us-ut","stale":false,"prev":"us-ut/utah-code-41-6a-1715","next":"us-ut/utah-code-41-6a-1717"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}