Failing to Stop for a Law Enforcement Officer in Utah
If you have been arrested for failing to stop or failure to stop a vehicle at the command of a law enforcement officer, the expert attorneys at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat, LLP, have decades of experience and are ready to defend you.
Elements of Failing to Stop at the Command of a Peace Officer
Under Utah code section 76-8-305.5, the statute for failing to stop at the command of a law enforcement officer is charged as a class A misdemeanor. Failing to stop at the command of a law enforcement officer involves the following elements:
The defendant flees from or otherwise attempts to elude a law enforcement officer
after the officer has issued a verbal or visual command to stop;
by any means other than a violation of section 41–6a–210 regarding failure to stop a vehicle at the command of a law enforcement officer.
Finding an Attorney for Failing to Stop at the Command of a Peace Officer in Salt Lake City, Utah
With offices conveniently located in Salt Lake City, Utah, we are ready to meet with you to discuss your case. Find out what you need to do right now to protect your rights. We represent clients charged with failing to stop at the command of a peace officer, reckless driving, and other types of criminal traffic offenses.
Let us help you at each stage of your case as we fight for the best possible result. Call today for a free consultation at (801) 532-5297.
Criminal Defense — Utah
Frequently Asked Questions: Failing to Stop Laws in Utah
1What are the penalties for failing to stop at a red light or stop sign in Utah?
In Utah, failing to stop at a red light or stop sign is typically an infraction. Penalties generally include a fine (often between $130 and $150) and 50 points added to your Utah driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to a license suspension.
2Is failing to stop for a school bus a serious offense in Utah?
Yes. Under Utah Code § 41-6a-1302, failing to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing is a Class C misdemeanor. As of May 2024, Utah law increased the penalties significantly — a first offense now carries a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 and 10 hours of compensatory service.
3What happens if I fail to stop for a police officer (Fleeing) in Utah?
Failing to stop at the signal of a police officer while operating a vehicle is a third-degree felony under Utah Code § 76-8-305.5. In addition to potential prison time and heavy fines, a conviction for Fleeing and Eluding results in a mandatory one-year revocation of your driver's license.
4How many points go on my Utah driving record for a failure to stop ticket?
A conviction for failure to obey a traffic control device — such as a red light or stop sign — adds 50 points to your Utah driving record. If you are 21 or older, your license may be suspended if you reach 200 points within three years. For drivers under 21, the suspension threshold is only 70 points.
5Can a lawyer help me get a failing to stop ticket dismissed?
Yes. A defense attorney can often negotiate a Plea in Abeyance — a legal agreement where you plead guilty or no contest, but the court holds the conviction. If you complete certain requirements, such as maintaining a clean driving record for a year, the charge is dismissed, preventing points from ever hitting your license.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this document is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Contacting Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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