Many drivers use their phones on the road, whether to answer a quick call or get directions. But is talking on the phone while driving considered distracted driving in Utah? Can police pull you over if they see you using your phone?
Understanding Utah’s distracted driving laws can help you stay safe and protect your rights if you are involved in a crash. Here is what you need to know.
What Counts as Distracted Driving in Utah?
Utah recognizes many forms of distracted driving, including anything that takes your hands, eyes, or attention away from safely operating a vehicle. The law focuses heavily on handheld electronic devices.
Under Utah Code § 41-6a-1716, drivers are prohibited from manually using a handheld device to:
- Write, send, or read text messages or emails
- Dial a phone number
- Access the internet
- Enter GPS or other data
- Take a video or photograph
- Type, scroll, or interact manually with an electronic screen
The key factor is manual use. The law is designed to prevent drivers from taking their eyes off the road and reduce distracted driving accidents in Utah.
Is Talking on the Phone Distracted Driving in Utah?
Talking on the phone while driving is considered a distraction, but it is not automatically illegal for most drivers in Utah. Drivers may legally:
- Hold a phone to their ear and talk
- Use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or vehicle voice systems
However, the moment a driver begins dialing, typing, searching contacts, or otherwise manipulating the device, the behavior crosses into prohibited manual use. Young drivers with restricted licenses face stricter limitations and may be barred from nearly all phone use, even hands-free.
Can Police Pull You Over for Talking on the Phone in Utah?
Whether police can pull you over depends on what you are doing with the phone. Utah treats manual handheld use differently from simply talking. Manually using a phone while driving is a primary offense. This means an officer can stop and cite a driver solely for illegal handheld phone use, even if no other traffic violation occurs.
Manual use includes:
- Dialing a number
- Texting or typing
- Scrolling or browsing
- Entering GPS information
- Reading messages
An officer typically does not need another reason to initiate a stop if they see a driver using their phone in any of these ways.
When Is Phone Use Allowed Under Utah Law?
Utah’s distracted driving law does not ban all cellphone use while driving. Utah Code § 41-6a-1716(2) lists several situations where using a wireless device is legal. You may use your phone while driving if you are:
- Using a wireless device for voice communication
- Viewing GPS or navigation information
- During a medical emergency
- Reporting a safety hazard or asking for assistance with one
- Reporting criminal activity or requesting help
- Operating hands-free or voice-activated technology
These exemptions make clear that Utah’s distracted driving law is aimed at manual use, not every phone interaction.
How Phone Use May Impact Fault After a Crash
Cellphone use can play a significant role in determining fault after a crash. While Utah allows certain types of phone use, a driver who is texting, dialing, or otherwise interacting with a device illegally may be found negligent if that distraction leads to an accident.
Police reports, witnesses, and phone records can all be used to show that a driver was not paying attention and may owe compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Call McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation
Hands-free talking may be legal, but drivers can still be held responsible if distraction causes them to miss traffic signals, drift out of their lane, or react too slowly. Utah’s comparative fault rules mean every driver’s actions are weighed, and even partial distraction can affect liability.
If you were injured in a crash involving a distracted driver, a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation. Contact McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers today to get started with a free consultation.
We serve in Austin, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT.
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City, UT Office
650 S 500 W Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(385) 462-7630
