Designated Driver Arrested for DUI After Speeding at 126 MPH

Utah Highway Patrol clocked the driver at over 120 mph while allegedly under the influence.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:56pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a car's speedometer needle pegged at 126 mph, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic through dramatic lighting and a pitch-black background.A high-speed DUI arrest exposes the reckless risks of drunk driving, even when someone claims to be the designated driver.West Valley City Today

A man who claimed to be the designated driver for a group of vehicles was arrested for DUI in West Valley City, Utah after he was clocked driving at speeds up to 126 miles per hour on SR-201. The Utah Highway Patrol trooper reported smelling alcohol on the driver's breath and the driver failed multiple field sobriety tests.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of drunk driving, even when someone claims to be the designated driver. Driving at extremely high speeds while intoxicated puts not only the driver but also other motorists and pedestrians at serious risk of injury or death.

The details

According to court documents, a Utah Highway Patrol trooper witnessed a group of three vehicles approaching at an "extremely high rate of speed" on Sunday. The trooper clocked the vehicles traveling between 113 and 126 miles per hour. After pulling over the silver Audi that appeared to be the fastest, the trooper reported smelling alcohol and noticing the driver's eyes were "glossy and slightly bloodshot." The driver claimed he was the designated driver for the group, but later failed multiple field sobriety tests. A preliminary breath test measured the driver's blood alcohol content at 0.120, twice the legal limit in Utah.

  • On Sunday, a Utah Highway Patrol trooper witnessed the speeding incident on SR-201 near 3000 West.

The players

Utah Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the high-speed DUI incident.

The Driver

A man who claimed to be the designated driver for a group of vehicles but was arrested for DUI after being clocked driving at speeds up to 126 mph.

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What they’re saying

“We must take drunk driving seriously, no matter the circumstances. Even if someone claims to be the designated driver, driving at those extreme speeds while intoxicated is unacceptable and puts innocent lives at risk.”

— Lt. Cameron Roden, Utah Highway Patrol Spokesperson

What’s next

The driver was arrested on charges of DUI, Reckless Driving, Speeding, and Speed Contest or Exhibition on a Highway. He will appear in court in the coming weeks to face these charges.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder that drunk driving, even by a self-proclaimed designated driver, is extremely dangerous and illegal. It underscores the need for greater public awareness and enforcement around impaired driving to keep Utah's roads safe.