If you’re facing a DUI arrest in Utah, the fear of losing your license often sinks in before you’ve even processed what’s happened. The state’s administrative license suspension process operates fast, with strict deadlines and high stakes that can impact your ability to work, care for your family, and move forward with daily responsibilities.
We understand how overwhelming the situation can feel, and our goal is to give you the knowledge and options that put you back in control. In this guide, we break down every step of the administrative suspension process in Utah, offering practical, detailed information you won’t find elsewhere, so you can make immediate, informed decisions about safeguarding your driving privileges.
What Triggers an Administrative License Suspension in Utah?
In Utah, an administrative license suspension occurs when a driver is arrested for DUI or refuses a chemical test, such as a breath, blood, or urine test. The law is based on “implied consent,” which means that by having a Utah driver’s license, you agree to undergo chemical testing if suspected of impaired driving. A failed test—showing a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05% or higher for adults, or stricter standards for commercial and underage drivers—leads to an automatic administrative process.
Administrative suspensions move fast to remove potentially unsafe drivers from Utah roads. However, for many people, these immediate consequences are unexpected and confusing. Missing a deadline or misunderstanding the requirements can result in losing your license long before you enter a courtroom or have an opportunity to present your side. That’s why understanding the triggers and timeline is crucial for every Utah driver.
What Happens to Your License After a DUI Arrest in Utah?
After a DUI arrest in Utah, the arresting officer will confiscate your physical driver’s license and provide you with a yellow “Notice of Suspension.” This slip serves as both a notification of the pending suspension and a temporary driving permit, allowing you to drive legally for 29 days after your arrest.
If you continue to drive even one day past the expiration date of this temporary permit, you risk additional criminal charges and a longer period of suspension.
From the moment you receive this notice, the Utah Driver License Division begins administrative proceedings. Evidence—such as your chemical test results and the officer’s declaration—is promptly transmitted to the state. During this 29-day window, you maintain some driving privileges, but this is a fixed grace period that automatically ends unless you take proper action.
If you do not request an administrative hearing within the required timeframe, the suspension becomes final at the end of the 29 days. There is no option to extend this temporary driving status by simply waiting. It’s essential to pay attention to the exact date on your notice and act immediately to avoid a lapse in your ability to drive legally in Utah.
How Long Does an Administrative License Suspension Last in Utah?
The length of an administrative license suspension in Utah varies based on your age, prior record, and the type of violation. For adults aged 21 and older, a first-time DUI leads to a 120-day suspension. A second or subsequent DUI within ten years results in a two-year suspension—highlighting the state’s increasing penalties for repeat offenders.
For drivers under 21, the “Not a Drop” law imposes even stricter consequences. An administrative suspension for a minor with any measurable alcohol in their system typically results in a one-year suspension for a first offense. For commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, penalties are more serious: a first DUI (even in a personal vehicle) triggers at least a one-year disqualification of CDL privileges, while a violation during hazardous materials transport may extend the disqualification to three years or more.
If you are from out of state but arrested in Utah, Utah will suspend your in-state driving privileges and notify your home state under the Interstate Driver’s License Compact. Your home state may impose its own penalties or reciprocal suspensions, making the consequences of a Utah DUI far-reaching. Each category presents unique challenges. Working with a legal team that understands both administrative rules and the implications for out-of-state and commercial drivers can help you assess how long any suspension will impact your ability to drive.
What Immediate Rights & Responsibilities Do You Have After Arrest?
When you’re served with a Notice of Suspension in Utah, you gain important legal rights and face urgent responsibilities. Most significantly, you have the right to request an administrative hearing within 10 calendar days of your arrest. This request, if submitted on time, pauses the suspension process and opens up an opportunity to present your defense.
The responsibility to act—and act fast—rests entirely with you. To preserve your rights, you must submit a written or online request for a hearing to the Utah Driver License Division before the 10-day window closes. Waiting or ignoring paperwork means you cannot challenge the suspension until it is already enforced, complicating efforts to restore your license later.
You also have the right to consult with an attorney familiar with administrative hearings and DUI law in Utah. While not required, having legal representation greatly increases your chances of effectively contesting the suspension and protects you from missteps that could result in more severe penalties or longer suspensions than necessary. Each case is unique, and professional guidance makes a substantial difference during the earliest stages.
What Immediate Steps Should You Take to Protect Your License?
The hours and days following a DUI arrest in Utah are crucial. Missing critical steps—such as the 10-day hearing request deadline—can lead to automatic license suspension.
To protect your driving privileges, it’s vital to:
- Read your Notice of Suspension carefully and record all dates and deadlines.
- Submit your hearing request to the Driver License Division within 10 calendar days.
- Collect related paperwork, including police reports, test results, and details for any witnesses.
- Secure legal counsel experienced with administrative suspension hearings before you speak to state agencies.
- Request any available video or audio evidence quickly, as it is often erased after a short period.
After your hearing request is accepted, you’ll receive notice of the date (usually within 29 days of your arrest). The hearing takes place before a Driver License Division officer. While less formal than court, it is a critical opportunity to present your side. Be aware that not attending or submitting insufficient information often leads to automatic suspension based solely on police evidence.
Legal counsel can assist with every phase: preparing the hearing request, gathering evidence, cross-examining law enforcement, and representing your interests. The more thoroughly you prepare, the better your odds of a favorable outcome—especially when the initial evidence seems stacked against you.
What Are the Chances of Winning an Administrative Hearing in Utah?
Succeeding in an administrative hearing is challenging, as Utah law generally presumes that law enforcement acted correctly. However, there are situations where suspensions have been overturned or reduced if you can prove procedural mistakes, faulty test equipment, improper stops, or violations of your rights. The presence of legal representation significantly boosts your chances by identifying flaws in the evidence or procedural missteps.
Most administrative hearings end in suspension when drivers are unprepared or attend without legal counsel. Typical winning arguments involve technicalities, such as incorrect notice, incomplete police documentation, or lack of a valid reason for the traffic stop. These require detailed analysis and a clear strategic approach to present effectively before the hearing officer.
Our team’s approach involves careful examination of every aspect of your case, from reviewing arrest reports for inconsistencies to ensuring that all testing and evidence-handling procedures follow legal requirements. Although the odds can be daunting, proper preparation and a proactive defense often make the difference in contested hearings. Acting early maximizes the possibility of restoring or preserving your license eligibility.
How Do Administrative Suspensions Affect Your Insurance & Driving Record?
An administrative license suspension in Utah does more than temporarily remove your privilege to drive. It can significantly impact your auto insurance rates and have long-lasting effects on your driving record. Most insurers will require you to carry SR-22 insurance—a higher-risk policy mandated by the state—before reinstating your license. These premiums are often much higher than standard policies and may be required for several years after your suspension period ends.
The administrative suspension will also remain on your Utah driving record for an extended time. While minor traffic violations may disappear over a few years, a DUI-related suspension or refusal can appear on your record for ten years or more. This is visible to future employers, police, insurance providers, and certain state licensing boards, and can impact job prospects, especially for those seeking commercial driving or positions of public trust.
For out-of-state drivers, Utah’s reporting requirements mean that your home state will likely learn of your suspension and may add penalties or reciprocal suspensions. Knowing the full range of insurance and employment consequences is critical. By anticipating these issues and planning for SR-22 requirements ahead of time, you’ll be better positioned to protect your financial and professional future as your case proceeds.
Why Our Approach to Administrative License Suspensions in Utah Is Different
We know how stressful it is to face an administrative license suspension, and we take pride in being the team that listens, plans, and guides you through each unique challenge. From the first conversation, we focus on your individual needs, questions, and concerns—never treating you like just another file. This personal, strategic approach helps clients feel understood and supported, not just defended.
Our firm’s straightforward and affordable pricing model means you can access meaningful legal support without worrying about hidden costs. Because we are recognized by clients and peers for our level of service and results, you can be confident in partnering with a team who cares about your outcome—and understands both administrative and criminal complexities in Utah.
Our record for handling more traffic ticket expungements than any other attorney in the state demonstrates our mastery of Utah's road law landscape. Whether you’re dealing with your first encounter or a more complicated situation, our combination of careful preparation, attention to deadlines, and aggressive advocacy gives you the tools to secure the best possible outcome. At every stage, we strive to keep you informed, empowered, and ready to move forward.
Take Action to Protect Your Driving Privileges in Utah
Facing an administrative license suspension in Utah can feel overwhelming, but by taking strategic steps and acting quickly, you can protect your right to drive and your future opportunities. Every situation is different, and personalized guidance delivers the best results. If you or someone you love needs help navigating Utah’s administrative suspension system, our team at Melton Law is ready to provide clear answers and strong support from the very start.
Contact us today at (801) 781-5803 to discuss your specific needs and get started on a confident, well-prepared path to restoring your driving privileges.