Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Utah: Charges, Penalties, and How to Get Reinstated
General information, not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.
Short answer: Under Utah Code § 53-3-227, a person whose driving privilege has been denied, suspended, disqualified or revoked who drives a motor vehicle on a Utah highway commits a crime. The base offense is a class C misdemeanor (up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine as maximums). It's a class B misdemeanor (up to six months and a $1,000 fine) if the underlying suspension, revocation or disqualification was for refusing a chemical test, DUI, impaired driving, certain homicide-by-vehicle offenses, a plea-bargained reduction from those charges, an extended suspension, a commercial license disqualification for driving a commercial vehicle improperly, or certain other alcohol-related violations (§ 53-3-227(3)). For the class B offense, the fine must be at least the maximum fine for a class C misdemeanor.
Who this guide is for
Utah drivers who were stopped while suspended, drivers who aren't sure whether their license is valid, and people trying to get reinstated.
The penalties
| Underlying reason for suspension | Charge |
|---|---|
| Most reasons (for example, unpaid ticket, insurance lapse, failure to appear, points) | Class C misdemeanor (§ 53-3-227(2)) |
| DUI, refusal, impaired driving, certain related offenses, or a suspension extended under § 53-3-220(2) | Class B misdemeanor, with a fine of at least $750 (the class C maximum) (§ 53-3-227(3)) |
Maximums: class B — six months in jail and $1,000; class C — 90 days and $750 (§§ 76-3-204, 76-3-301). Additional consequences can include an extended suspension, vehicle impound, higher insurance costs and a record.
Common reasons licenses are suspended
- DUI or refusal — see What Happens to Your Utah License After a DUI Arrest.
- Failure to appear in court or unpaid fines on a ticket — see Utah Arrest Warrants.
- Driving without insurance or failing to provide proof of insurance.
- Too many points — see Utah Traffic Tickets and Points.
- Other court or agency actions.
Check your status with the Driver License Division before driving; a letter you didn't receive can still count.
How to get reinstated
The details depend on the reason. In general:
- Find out why you're suspended and what the Driver License Division requires.
- Clear the court side — pay or arrange the fine, resolve the failure to appear.
- Pay the reinstatement fee for each suspension. For suspensions that began with a court's failure-to-appear notice, the court generally has to clear it before the Division will reinstate; ask the Division what proof it needs.
- Provide required documents such as proof of insurance.
- Ask about a limited or hardship license if you qualify — consult the Driver License Division.
If you can't afford the fine or fees, ask the court about payment arrangements or a fee waiver. See How to Ask a Utah Court to Waive Fees.
If you're charged
- Show up to court. Missing a hearing can lead to a warrant.
- Bring proof if you've since reinstated or if the DLD notice was wrong (for example, you never received notice).
- Ask about options — a prosecutor may dismiss or reduce the charge if you reinstate.
- Get legal help if you face jail or a DUI-related suspension. See How to Find Free or Low-Cost Legal Help in Utah and Public Defender Eligibility in Utah.
Frequently asked questions
Is driving on a suspended license a felony in Utah?
Not under § 53-3-227; it is a class C or class B misdemeanor.
What is the fine?
Up to $750 for class C and $1,000 for class B, with a minimum for the DUI-related class B offense.
Does the charge depend on why my license was suspended?
Yes. A suspension for DUI or refusal and related reasons makes it a class B misdemeanor.
How do I get my license back?
Resolve the underlying reason, pay fees, and follow the Driver License Division's reinstatement steps.