Utah · Handbook chapter 8 · 3 min read
Chapter 8: Crashes, emergencies and insurance
What Utah law requires after a crash, defensive driving facts, brake failure, ABS, breakdowns, blowouts, stuck pedals, drop-offs, financial responsibility, SR22 and required insurance.
Why this chapter matters
Knowing what to do in the first minutes after a crash or a mechanical failure protects you legally and physically.
After a crash
- Stop immediately. Leaving can bring up to a year's loss of license, a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Leaving an injury crash is a third-degree felony.
- Help anyone injured, including arranging transport for treatment. Do not move seriously injured people unless it prevents further harm.
- In a damage-only crash, move the vehicles out of travel lanes to a safe nearby spot and stay there.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt or killed or damage totals $2,500 or more.
- Exchange names and addresses, registration numbers and insurance details. For an unattended vehicle, leave a note with your name, address and plate number.
Defensive driving facts
Driver error is a factor in 75 percent of crashes. Most crashes happen between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., most often in shopping and business areas. Following too closely is the top cause of crashes in Utah, and failing to keep in the proper lane the top cause of deaths.
Emergencies
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Brake failure | Apply the parking brake slowly; if it fails, turn off the engine and find a safe place to stop |
| ABS stop | Press hard and hold; you can still steer |
| Breakdown | Pull off, flashers on, hood up, flares 200 to 300 feet behind, call 911 |
| Power failure | Steering is heavy but works; brake steadily and pull off |
| Stuck gas pedal | Shift to neutral, steer smoothly, brake gently, pull off |
| Blowout or flat | Grip the wheel, steer straight, ease off the gas, do not brake hard |
| Wheels off the pavement | Slow gradually, then turn back on |
Insurance and financial responsibility
- You must carry insurance; knowingly driving uninsured is a class B misdemeanor.
- Liability and personal injury protection (PIP) are mandatory. Collision and comprehensive are optional by law.
- Proof of insurance must be in the car and may be shown electronically.
- An unpaid crash judgment after 60 days suspends your license until paid and an SR22 is filed.
- SR22 proof is kept for three years. A conviction for driving uninsured also brings a $40 reinstatement fee.
- An uninsured owner's registration is revoked unless insurance is bought within 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
When do I have to call police after a crash in Utah?
When anyone is injured or killed, or total property damage is at least $2,500.
Which insurance is mandatory in Utah?
Liability coverage and personal injury protection (PIP).
Based on the Utah Driver Handbook 2026 (Utah Driver License Division).