Utah Red Light Laws: Get to Know Traffic Rules in Your State

As a driver, it’s important to know the driving laws in your state and local area to keep yourself and the people around you safe. Crashes caused by moving violations are more common than you think.

In Utah, there were over 61,000 crashes in the year 2021 alone. Familiarizing yourself with Utah’s red-light laws can help prevent some of these accidents, but you can’t always control what other people do on the road. If you experience a red light crash, you should also know your options and who you can call. 

 

Statistically, young male drivers are the most likely to run red lights. Red stoplight runners likely have prior moving violations and DUI convictions. With that said, almost all of us have accidentally ran a red light, and there are many causes of red light crashes. All it takes is one distracted driver or someone in a hurry to run a red light and endanger other drivers.

Keep the roads safe by learning the laws, driving carefully, being aware of your surroundings, and becoming a practitioner in defensive driving. 

What Are the Laws You Should Know?

When it comes to red lights, you should know when and where to stop and the legalities of turning on a red light. Though you may think you know traffic rules, it’s always a good idea to refresh your knowledge every few years and stay updated on changes in your area. 

Turning Right on Red

Can you turn right on red in Utah? The answer is yes, as long as no signage is posted. If you see a “no right on red” sign, it’s likely posted there because of insufficient traffic visibility. There are some instances where you may see a sign restricting right turns on a red light during certain days or hours. 

 

When you are legally allowed to make a right turn at a red light, you must follow all stopping guidelines and adhere to standard right-of-way rules. Yield to all other traffic and pedestrians, and only make the turn when you can safely do so. Remember, you do not have the right-of-way in this situation. You either have to wait until there’s a break in traffic or until you get a green light.

Stopping Guidelines

1. When you approach a red light, you legally must come to a complete stop before the stop line. 
2. You should not be in the middle of a crosswalk or enter the intersection when you stop. 
3. After making a complete stop, you may cautiously enter the edge of the intersection to get better traffic visibility and prepare to turn right–as long as no pedestrians are crossing the road.

Entering the Intersection on Yellow

In some states, you cannot enter an intersection once the light turns yellow. This is not the case in Utah. A yellow light indicates that the signal will turn red, so if you are in the intersection before the light changes, you are following the law. If the light turns red, you are not running a red light. 

If you see a flashing yellow arrow, this doesn’t mean the same thing as a solid yellow light. A flashing yellow arrow means you have to yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians when turning and do not have the right-of-way. You may see this in Utah for right and left turns, depending on the area. 

Turning Left on Red

Believe it or not, there is a circumstance where you can legally turn left on a red in Utah. You can turn left on red when turning left from a one-way street onto another one-way street. As always, be aware of pedestrians and make a complete stop first. 

Are There Special Rules for Motorcycles? 

There are special rules for motorcycles, mopeds, and bikes in Utah. In some cases, traffic sensors aren’t always triggered by these smaller motor vehicles, so bikers can get stuck waiting for a green light that will never come—unless a car triggers the sensor. As a result, motorcyclists sometimes have to run a red light when it is safe to do so. If they get ticketed, they can establish a defense by proving they:

 

• Made a complete stop at the intersection’s stop-line. 
• Waited at least 90 seconds without being detected by the sensors.
• Ensured no other vehicle had the right-of-way.
• Ensured no pedestrians were crossing the intersection or near the crosswalk.
• Crossed through the intersection with caution. 

What Happens When You Run a Red Light?

You will most likely have to pay a fine when you get caught running a red light. The penalty for a red light violation in Utah is around $120.

In addition to a fine, you may also gain around 50 demerit points on your driving record. For reference, 200 points in three years can cause a suspended license and a spike in insurance rates. If you get points on your record from running a red light, don’t panic. In many cases, you can get those points removed by simply completing a defensive driving course. 

 

In extreme circumstances, running a red light can lead to a reckless driving conviction. This kind of charge can only happen if you are under the influence and driving impaired or if your moving violation resulted in a fatality. Overall, this is not a common consequence—if you’re nervously wondering, “What if I accidentally ran a red light?” you don’t have to worry.

Red Light Accidents and Crashes

In 2021, over 26,000 injuries resulted from car crashes in Utah. Though it doesn’t happen with every accident caused by a red light violation, it is possible. In the unfortunate event that you experience a car crash injury, you don’t have to go through the aftermath alone.

If you’re injured in a car accident, it’s best to at least schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney because medical bills and income loss from time off can rack up. You may need a car accident lawyer even if you’re not injured. 

Go to Ipson Law for Legal Help

Ipson Law is a top-tier law firm that handles personal injury and car accident cases in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. If you or someone you know needs support through the aftermath of an accident, we can help.

Even if you’re not sure you need a lawyer, it’s better to call and check than assume you don’t have a case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!