There are two types of charges in Utah’s speed contest/exhibition on highways statute.
(1). The Race Driver. It is a Class A Misdemeanor to drive a car involved in a street race or exhibition of speed on public roads.
(2). Barricades Race Course. A person may not, in any manner, obstruct or place any barricade or obstruction or assist or participate in placing any barricade or obstruction upon any highway for any racing purpose.
60/90 Days. For a first offense conviction of speed contest you will lose your license for 60 days. For a second offense conviction of exhibition of speed you lose your license for 90 days. The second offense must be within three years of the first offense date. Only taking a plea in abeyance will save your license.
Non Resident Violator Compact. Just because you are out-of-state and don’t have a Utah license, you will still lose your license in your home state.
Example: You are convicted of Speed Contest in Orem, UT 84057 on State Street racing with your bullet bike buddies. Just because you are visiting from Nevada, Utah will communicate with Nevada and suspend your license likewise. See Utah Code 53-7-702. Non Resident Violator Compact Act.
Reckless Driving in Utah is 80 points.
Careless Driving is an Infraction at 50 points.
0-9 miles over is 35 points.
10-19 miles over is 55 points.
20+ miles over is 75 points.
This author couldn’t find the exact points online for speed contest, but is likely 80 points just like reckless driving. See Utah Department of Public Safety Administrative Rule R708-3. Driver License Point System Administration.
The waiting period for Class A Misdemeanors are 5 years after the case closes successfully.
The waiting period for Class B Misdemeanors are 4 years after the case closes successfully.
The Waiting period for Class C Misdemeanors and Infractions are 3 years after the case closes successfully.
Often you can run a Utah Code 76-3-402 sentencing reduction motion and reduce your charge down from a Class B to a Class C and save on year before you can start your expungement.
If you are lucky enough to get a plea in abeyance on a speed contest ticket—you should take it. Pleas in abeyances do not suspend your license. Plus you can expunge 30 days after the plea in abeyance probationary period is over.
License Suspension. 60 days first conviction. 90 days on second conviction within 3 years of first conviction. You will have to pay a reinstatement fee to the Utah Driver’s License Division in order to get your license back.Class B Misdemeanor. 4 year waiting period to expunge.
Fine. $690.
Jail. Highly unlikely, but up to 6 months in the county jail. Prison is not possible.
12 months of Court Probation. Court probation or informal non-reporting probation is the lowest form of probation. No probation officer is assigned and all you have to do is not commit any new violations of law and keep your address updated with the court.
Increased insurance premiums. Just like reckless driving or careless driving, your insurance rates will go up.
If you are racing a non-street legal race car and are charged with speed contest the policy can confiscate and sell your street racing car. It’s called forfeiture and the law is found at Utah Code 24-2-101 Title 24, Chapter 2, Seizure of Property.
