If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Utah, you might already know about the Utah point system—a system that assigns points to your driving record for each violation. Too many points can lead to higher insurance rates, probation, or even a suspended license.

The good news? In Utah, points don’t have to stay on your record forever. With the right steps, you can reduce or remove them and protect your driving privileges. Here’s how.

Understanding Utah’s Point System

In Utah, most moving violations come with a point value. For example:

• Speeding 1–10 mph over the limit: 35 points
• Speeding 11–20 mph over: 55 points
• Failure to yield: 60 points
• Reckless driving: 80 points

If you accumulate 200 points or more in three years, you could face license suspension for adult drivers (the limit is even lower for younger drivers).

Step 1: Wait for Automatic Point Reduction

The Utah Driver License Division automatically reduces points over time if you avoid new violations:

• One year violation-free: Points reduced by half
• Two years violation-free: All remaining points removed

This is the simplest method—though it requires patience and careful driving.

Step 2: Complete an Approved Defensive Driving Course

Utah allows drivers to take an approved defensive driving course to remove up to 50 points from their record.

Here’s how it works:

1. Enroll in a Utah-approved course (online or in-person).
2. Complete the course and pass the test.
3. Submit proof to the Utah Driver License Division.

This can be a smart choice if you’re close to the suspension threshold or want a quicker reduction.

Step 3: Consider Plea in Abeyance for New Violations

If you recently received a ticket and haven’t yet resolved it, you might be able to request a plea in abeyance in court. This means:

• You agree to meet certain conditions (such as traffic school and no new violations for a set time).
• The court will dismiss the ticket after successful completion, so no points are added to your record.

This option only works before the conviction is entered and requires court approval.

Step 4: Challenge Inaccurate Points

Sometimes points remain on a record due to errors. If you believe points were added incorrectly:

1. Request a copy of your driving record from the Utah Driver License Division.
2. Compare it with your ticket history and court records.
3. Contact the Division to dispute any inaccuracies and provide documentation.

Step 5: Drive Safely and Keep Your Record Clean

The best way to keep points off your record long-term is to avoid violations altogether. Here are some simple habits:

• Obey posted speed limits.
• Avoid distractions like texting while driving.
• Leave plenty of distance between your car and others.
• Plan routes to avoid high-risk driving situations.

Why Clearing Points Matters

Reducing points can help you:

• Lower insurance premiums — Fewer points signal to insurers that you’re a lower risk.
• Avoid suspension — Keeping your point total low prevents hitting Utah’s limits.
• Maintain peace of mind — A clean record can be important for job opportunities that require driving.
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Final Thoughts

Clearing points from your Utah driving record is possible—and often easier than most drivers think. Whether you wait them out, take a defensive driving course, or resolve tickets strategically, these steps can help protect your license and your wallet.



If you need help fighting a ticket or exploring your legal options, The Ticket Dr. can guide you through the process and work to keep your record as clean as possible.