Utah is the only state where drivers 21 and older can be arrested for DUI at a blood alcohol concentration of .05, instead of the .08 standard used everywhere else. The rule, in effect since the end of 2018, applies to visitors too. With holiday parties around the corner, it’s worth understanding what a DUI can mean for your auto insurance as well as your license.
Common Myths About Utah’s .05 Law and Insurance
Myth: If I feel fine, I’m probably under the limit.
Fact: Many people reach .05 with fewer drinks than they expect. Planning a sober ride is the only reliable approach.
Myth: An auto policy won’t cover anything after a DUI crash.
Fact: Liability coverage is generally still designed to respond to injuries and damage you cause to others, even when alcohol is involved. What insurance doesn’t cover are criminal fines, court costs, or legal penalties. Coverage for your own vehicle depends on your policy.
Myth: An SR-22 is a special kind of insurance.
Fact: An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the state to show you carry required coverage. Depending on the circumstances, the Utah Driver License Division may require one before reinstating a license, often for several years. If coverage lapses during that period, the state is notified.
Myth: A restricted license lets me drive any vehicle for work.
Fact: Utah drivers who reinstate early as ignition interlock-restricted drivers may only drive vehicles with an approved device installed. That restriction can affect company vehicles too.
What Can Happen to Your Policy
A DUI conviction can lead an insurer to reconsider whether it will renew a policy, and some drivers end up needing to find coverage elsewhere. Our post on what full coverage really means in Utah explains how liability limits fit in. For questions about charges or license requirements, a Utah DUI attorney is the right resource.
Elevated Insurance in Springville, UT can help you understand your auto insurance options and filing requirements. Drivers across Springville, UT and Utah County can reach out to Elevated Insurance with questions.
