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New Utah DUI Law Targets Repeat Offenders
Interdicted individuals now required to have special licenses, businesses must check IDs
Feb. 4, 2026 at 2:07pm
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A new Utah law, House Bill 437, requires the state's Driver License Division to issue special licenses and identification cards to individuals who have been convicted of multiple DUIs. These 'interdicted' cards will have a prominent 'NO ALCOHOL SALE' banner, and businesses are now required to check IDs and refuse alcohol sales to these individuals.
Why it matters
The law aims to curb repeat DUI offenses by making it more difficult for those with a history of drunk driving to purchase alcohol. It's part of a broader effort by Utah lawmakers and law enforcement to improve public safety on the state's roads.
The details
The new law requires the Driver License Division to create a special license or ID card for 'interdicted' individuals - those who have been convicted of multiple DUIs. These cards will clearly display 'NO ALCOHOL SALE' to alert businesses. Businesses are now required to check IDs and refuse alcohol sales to these individuals every time, even if they appear over 21. The law also defines an 'extreme DUI' as a blood alcohol content of 0.16% or higher, or the presence of controlled substances.
- The new law went into effect at the start of 2026.
- In 2024, the average blood alcohol content for DUI arrests in Utah was 0.14%.
The players
Utah Driver License Division
The state agency responsible for issuing driver's licenses, including the new 'interdicted' cards for repeat DUI offenders.
Grantsville Police Department
A local law enforcement agency that commented on the new law and its potential impacts.
Tooele City Police Department
A local law enforcement agency that is working to educate businesses on the new law and enforce it in the community.
Utah Highway Patrol
The state's highway patrol agency, which has a strong history of DUI enforcement and sees the new law as 'business as usual' for their operations.
Mountain West Medical Ambulance Services
A local emergency medical services provider that responds to crash sites, and hopes the new law will lead to more treatment and recovery options for those struggling with alcohol addiction.
What they’re saying
“I think it'll work as fine as any of the other laws do; it will just require everyone to show ID when they buy liquor, even if they are 75. Which is just a minor inconvenience.”
— Lt. Jeffery Watson, Public Information Officer, Grantsville Police Department
“Any move towards helping to lower the level of DUIs in our state, by any number, no matter how small the margin, will always be a win for all Utah residents.”
— Sgt. Colbey Bentley, Tooele City Police Department
“I think, overall, the new law is a good step, but I don't want to see people get lost in the sauce, right? Like, I don't want to say. 'Oh, you got a DUI? You can't buy alcohol anymore, blah, blah, you're a bad person.' Like, I want to see some sort of opportunity for recovery or redemption come out of this, like, trying to set people up on therapeutic routes as well.”
— Joe Carnell, Ambulance Services Director, Mountain West Medical
“We welcome any changes that the legislature makes that help keep our roads and communities safe. Our responsibility is to enforce the law and we will continue working to remove impaired drivers from the roadways in our community.”
— Sgt. Lerdahl, Public Information Officer, Tooele County Sheriff's Office
“UHP has very much had a very strong tradition for enforcement of DUIs and has always been proactive in seeking out and having zero tolerance for impaired drivers and will continue to do that.”
— Major Chamberlin Neff, Utah Highway Patrol
What’s next
The Utah Driver License Division plans to closely monitor the number of 'interdicted' licenses and IDs issued since the law went into effect at the start of 2026.
The takeaway
This new law is part of Utah's broader efforts to crack down on repeat DUI offenders and improve road safety. While it may create some inconveniences for businesses and individuals, law enforcement agencies are hopeful it will lead to a reduction in drunk driving incidents across the state.
