Skip to content
State Cert Guide

Independent guide, not a government agency. We earn commissions on some links.

Can a defensive driving course take points off my Utah license?

You can remove 50 points from your Utah driving record once in a three year period by attending an approved defensive driving course. Each government and court jurisdiction approves its own courses, so ask the court that handled your ticket. A separate court program, Deferred Traffic Prosecution, can keep points off your record. We haven't confirmed whether an insurer discounts a course.

By State Cert GuideChecked against the sources listed below.Report a mistake

The rule, fact by fact

Point reduction
An approved course removes 50 points, once in a three year periodCheck the date of your last course first.
Verified. www.utcourts.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Who approves it
Each government and court jurisdiction approves courses, so ask if your court has a listAsk before you pay a provider.
Same source and date as above
Deferred Traffic Prosecution
If you qualify, the charge is dismissed after a clean year, and you still pay the fineAsk the court whether your ticket qualifies.
Verified. www.utcourts.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Deferred Traffic Prosecution deadline
Apply within 21 days of receiving your citationPut the date on your calendar when the ticket arrives.
Same source and date as above
Rule
More than 200 points in three years can suspend you, or more than 70 under 21Know your total before you decide.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check your points. If you get more than 200 points in a three year period you could have your driving privileges suspended. Drivers under 21 who get more than 70 points face the same penalty.

  2. Step 2. Ask the court where you got the ticket if it has a list of approved programs. Each government and court jurisdiction sets up or approves defensive driving courses and traffic safety schools.

  3. Step 3. Attend an approved course. It can remove 50 points from your driving record, once in a three year period.

Before you pay

Ask the court that handled your ticket whether it has a list of approved programs.

Check the date of your last course. The 50-point removal is once in a three year period.

If you want Deferred Traffic Prosecution, check that you can register within 21 days of your citation.

Ask your insurer whether a course changes your rate.

Questions

How does Deferred Traffic Prosecution work?

It lets you keep points off your driving record if you follow the rules and keep your record clean for one year. You pay a $5 registration fee plus your fine.

Can a commercial license holder use Deferred Traffic Prosecution?

No. You need a valid Utah driver's license, and commercial licenses are not eligible.

Does Deferred Traffic Prosecution ever require traffic school?

It can happen. The court page says that if required, you might also have to pay a $40 fee for online traffic school.

Do points come off on their own?

Yes. Drive one year without a moving violation conviction and half of your points are removed. After two years without one, all of them are removed.

What is a plea in abeyance?

It is an agreement where you plead guilty or no contest. The court holds the plea for up to a year, and the charge is dismissed if you meet certain conditions.

Can a ticket change my insurance rate?

Utah's courts say traffic tickets can impact your driver's license and your insurance rates.

What to do next

Ask your court whether it has a list. Then read the Utah Courts page on traffic offenses.

www.utcourts.gov

Sources we read