Getting a traffic ticket in Utah can be stressful, especially when you are unsure about the fines, point penalties, or what happens if you accidentally miss the payment deadline. At Jardine Law Offices, we help drivers throughout Utah understand their rights and options so they can protect their driving record and avoid unnecessary consequences. Whether you want to challenge your ticket or resolve it before it impacts your insurance or license, the right information makes a big difference.
Utah uses the Uniform Fine Schedule to determine standard fines for traffic violations. Actual amounts can vary based on the location of the stop, the speed of your vehicle when receiving your speeding ticket, severity of the violation, and whether additional surcharges apply.
Typical fine ranges include:
These amounts increase with aggravating factors, such as speeding in a school zone or construction zone.
Most Utah traffic citations are infractions, which usually carry lower fines and no jail time. These include common violations like minor speeding or failure to yield. More serious offenses, such as reckless driving or driving without insurance, may be charged as misdemeanors.
Misdemeanor traffic offenses come with higher fines, mandatory court appearances, and the possibility of probation or jail, so the consequences can be much more significant than a standard infraction.
Beyond the base fine, Utah drivers also pay required state surcharges and local court fees. These extra costs can add anywhere from about thirty dollars to several hundred dollars to the total amount owed. As a result, the final cost of a ticket is often much higher than the listed fine, which is an important factor to consider when deciding whether to pay the ticket or challenge it in court.
In addition to fines, Utah uses a point system to track driving behavior. Too many points can result in license suspension or increased insurance rates.
Utah assigns the following approximate point values:
You can quickly accumulate points if you receive more than one citation within a short period. As you are approaching the threshold for increased penalties, there is a legitimate risk of your license being suspended.
If you reach 200 points within a three year period, the Utah Driver License Division can suspend your license. Insurance companies may also raise premiums after even a single moving violation.
You can reduce or eliminate points by:
The amount of time needed for points to drop depends on the severity of the offense.
Missing your traffic ticket deadline can create problems that escalate quickly if you do not act fast. What starts as a simple unpaid fine can turn into additional penalties, late fees, a license suspension, or even a warrant in some cases. Ignoring the deadline does not make the ticket go away; instead, the court assumes you are refusing to respond. Taking prompt action is the only way to prevent the situation from snowballing into something far more serious and expensive.
If you ignore or miss the deadline on your ticket:
These consequences stay in place until the issue is resolved with the proper court.
If your payment is already late, it is important to take action immediately. Consider these steps:
An experienced attorney can communicate with the court on your behalf and help negotiate solutions. Taking prompt action demonstrates responsibility, and courts are often more willing to work with drivers who act quickly. Reaching out to Jardine Law Offices ensures you have professional support to protect your driving record and minimize potential consequences.
Utah drivers have several options when faced with a traffic ticket. These may include:
Each option has advantages, and a defense attorney can help determine which approach is best for your situation.
A basic traffic offense like a ticket may seem minor, but it can affect your insurance rates, driving record, employment opportunities, and long term financial stability. A criminal defense attorney from Jardine Law Offices can guide you through every step of the process and identify opportunities to protect your driving privileges.
An attorney can help by:
Many tickets are issued based on quick roadside decisions, and mistakes do happen. The right legal strategy can prevent a simple citation from turning into a bigger problem. Jardine Law Offices works with drivers throughout Utah to defend their rights, reduce penalties, and protect their driving future.
If you are dealing with Utah traffic ticket fines, missed deadlines, or want to fight your citation, contact us today at (801) 451-9555 for your free, confidential consultation. Our team is ready to help you understand your options and take the next step toward resolving your case.
