Utah statute

Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-207.5 — Automobile homicide involving a handheld wireless communication device while driving.

Current through 2026 General Session

Part of Part 2: Criminal Homicide, Utah Code.

Criminal charges under this statute

Automobile homicide involving a handheld wireless communication device while driving

Full text of Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-207.5

Statutory text current through the 2026 General Session. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Utah.

Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-207.5Primary source, current through the 2026 General Session

(1)(a) As used in this section: (1)(a)(i) "Criminally negligent" means the same as that term is described in Subsection 76-2-103(4). (1)(a)(ii) "Motor vehicle" means any self-propelled vehicle, including an automobile, truck, van, motorcycle, train, engine, watercraft, or aircraft. (1)(a)(iii) "Negligent" means the failure to exercise the degree of care that a reasonable and prudent person exercises under similar circumstances. (1)(a)(iv) "Wireless communication device" means the same as that term is defined in Section 41-6a-1716. (1)(b) Terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 apply to this section. (2) An actor commits automobile homicide if the actor: (2)(a) operates a moving motor vehicle in a negligent manner; (2)(b) while using a wireless communication device in violation of Section 41-6a-1716; and (2)(c) causes the death of another individual. (3)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony. (3)(b) A violation of Subsection (2) is a second degree felony if the actor operated the moving motor vehicle in a criminally negligent manner.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is automobile homicide involving a handheld wireless communication device while driving a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?

It depends on the circumstances: automobile homicide involving a handheld wireless communication device while driving ranges from a Third Degree Felony to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-207.5.

Automobile homicide with handheld wireless device — negligent operation: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-207.5(3)(a)) · Automobile homicide with handheld wireless device — criminally negligent operation: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-207.5(3)(b))

Which Utah statute covers automobile homicide involving a handheld wireless communication device while driving?

Automobile homicide involving a handheld wireless communication device while driving is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-207.5 (Automobile homicide involving a handheld wireless communication device while driving).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.