Utah Truck Driver Phone Law
You are under the federal hand-held ban the moment you cross into Utah. No holding, dialing, or reaching in a CMV (49 CFR 392.82). Utah does not ban handheld talking for everyone, but it bars far more than texting: no email, internet, video, or manual dialing beyond one touch for any driver, and it is a primary stop (Utah Code §41-6a-1716). A first offense is a class C misdemeanor up to $100; cause injury or repeat within 3 years and it climbs to a class B misdemeanor up to $1,000.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Utah’s rule for all drivers
You are under the federal hand-held ban the moment you cross into Utah. No holding, dialing, or reaching in a CMV (49 CFR 392.82). Utah does not ban handheld talking for everyone, but it bars far more than texting: no email, internet, video, or manual dialing beyond one touch for any driver, and it is a primary stop (Utah Code §41-6a-1716). A first offense is a class C misdemeanor up to $100; cause injury or repeat within 3 years and it climbs to a class B misdemeanor up to $1,000.
- Hand-held: Texting ban only
- Texting: Broad manipulation ban, not a full handheld ban: no texting, email, internet, video, or manual dialing (beyond one touch) for any driver, but handheld voice calls and GPS stay legal for the general public. Primary enforcement (Utah Code §41-6a-1716).
- Fine: Class C misdemeanor, up to $100 for a first offense. It rises to a class B misdemeanor (up to $1,000, up to 6 months jail) if you cause injury or have a prior conviction within 3 years. Points attach to your Utah record.
- Points: A conviction adds points to your Utah driving record. Federally it is worse — 392.82 is a CSA serious violation, and two in any 3 years disqualify your CDL for 60 days.
Utah Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Utah?
What is the phone fine in Utah?
Is texting while driving illegal in Utah?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter6a/41-6a-S1716.html. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
More for Utah
Check Utah before you roll
Live weather, closures, and hazards on one map. Free, no account.
Open Live Map →