Utah Phones & Distraction practice test

Key Utah facts: Phones & Distraction

• While a motor vehicle is moving on a highway, a driver may not manually write, send or read a text, instant message or email, dial a number, use the internet, take photos or videos, or enter data on a wireless device. Utah Code 41-6a-1716(2); Section 11, F. Handheld Wireless Communication Device, PDF pp. 68-69
• The texting law does not bar voice calls, viewing a GPS or navigation app, hands-free or voice-operated technology, or reporting a medical emergency, safety hazard or crime. Utah Code 41-6a-1716(3); Section 11, F, PDF p. 69
• A driver younger than 18 may not use a wireless phone to talk while driving, except during a medical emergency, to report a safety hazard or criminal activity, or to talk with a parent or legal guardian. Utah Code 41-8-4; Section 11, F, PDF p. 69
• A texting violation is a class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $100, or a class B misdemeanor if it causes serious bodily injury or follows a prior conviction within three years. Utah Code 41-6a-1716(4); Section 11, F, PDF p. 69
• The handbook counts as a distraction anything that pulls your mind or body off the driving task; it advises setting navigation, eating and grooming before a trip and keeping pets in a carrier. Section 11, Distractions and Driving Challenges, PDF p. 66

Sample Phones & Distraction questions

A driver runs a stop sign while fixing their hair. What extra offense can this be in Utah?

• Reckless endangerment of property
• Impeding traffic
• No extra offense
• Careless driving

Show the answer

Careless driving

A moving violation other than speeding, made while distracted by an activity inside the car such as grooming, is careless driving.

Source: Utah Code 41-6a-1715, Utah Code 41-6a-1715(1)(b); Section 1, Definitions, PDF p. 11

You drop something on the floor while driving. What should you do?

• Ask the car behind to wait
• Pull over, then pick it up
• Reach for it while driving
• Steer with your knee

Show the answer

Pull over, then pick it up

Many drivers who focus on such problems run off the road or into the car ahead.

Source: Utah Driver Handbook, Section 11, Distractions and Driving Challenges, PDF p. 66

What is the maximum fine for a first texting-while-driving conviction in Utah?

• $1,000
• $100
• $10
• $5,000

Show the answer

$100

It becomes a class B misdemeanor if it causes serious bodily injury or follows a prior conviction within three years.

Source: Utah Code 41-6a-1716, Utah Code 41-6a-1716(4); Section 11, F, PDF p. 69

Where should a pet ride in your car?

• Loose on the back seat
• In a pet carrier
• On the dashboard
• On your lap

Show the answer

In a pet carrier

A loose pet can distract you while driving.

Source: Utah Driver Handbook, Section 11, Distractions and Driving Challenges, PDF p. 66

Which phone use is banned for a Utah driver while the car is moving?

• Dialing a number by hand
• Viewing a navigation app
• Reporting a crime
• A voice call through hands-free

Show the answer

Dialing a number by hand

Taking photos, recording video and using the internet are also banned.

Source: Utah Code 41-6a-1716, Utah Code 41-6a-1716(2); Section 11, F. Handheld Wireless Communication Device, PDF pp. 68-69

An adult driver uses voice commands to call a friend. Does Utah's texting law ban this?

• Yes, but only at night
• Yes, all calls are banned
• Yes, but only on interstates
• No, hands-free voice calls are allowed

Show the answer

No, hands-free voice calls are allowed

Voice calls, navigation apps and hands-free technology are allowed; manual texting, dialing and browsing are not.

Source: Utah Code 41-6a-1716, Utah Code 41-6a-1716(3); Section 11, F, PDF p. 69

A 17-year-old driver wants to call a friend. Is that allowed while driving?

• Yes, at stop signs
• No, under 18 it is not allowed
• Yes, with a hands-free device
• Yes, if the call is brief

Show the answer

No, under 18 it is not allowed

Drivers under 18 may call only for emergencies, to report hazards or crimes, or to talk with a parent or guardian.

Source: Utah Code 41-8-4, Utah Code 41-8-4; Section 11, F, PDF p. 69

You are very angry after an argument. What should you do before driving?

• Drive at once to get away
• Drive fast to calm down
• Play loud music and go
• Give yourself time to cool off

Show the answer

Give yourself time to cool off

Strong emotions hurt your attention. Another option is to let someone else drive.

Source: Utah Driver Handbook, Section 10, Emotions, PDF p. 61; Section 5, Mental Health, PDF p. 31

According to the Utah handbook, what is a distraction?

• Only things outside the vehicle
• Only using a cell phone
• Anything that takes your mind or body off driving
• Only loud music in the car

Show the answer

Anything that takes your mind or body off driving

Set your navigation, eat and groom before you leave.

Source: Utah Driver Handbook, Section 11, Distractions and Driving Challenges, PDF p. 66

A 16-year-old driver may use a phone while driving in which case?

• To check social media apps
• To chat with a friend briefly
• To talk with a parent or guardian
• To order food

Show the answer

To talk with a parent or guardian

Medical emergencies and reporting a hazard or crime are also allowed.

Source: Utah Code 41-8-4, Utah Code 41-8-4; Section 11, F, PDF p. 69

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About these questions

We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Utah Driver Handbook (2026 edition (Driver-Handbook-2026.pdf on dld.utah.gov, last modified 2026-08-27, 115 PDF pages; lists new laws effective May 6, 2026), read 2026-11-09. Page numbers cited are PDF pages (PDF page = printed page + 10). Where the handbook is silent or out of date, the Driver License Division pages on dld.utah.gov and the Utah Code on le.utah.gov (Titles 41 and 53, read 2026-11-09) are the source. Handbook statements that differ from the current Utah Code and were left out of the questions: child restraint 'eight and under' (Utah Code 41-6a-1803: younger than eight) and 'a citation for each unrestrained passenger' (41-6a-1803(3): one offense); driving without insurance 'class B misdemeanor' (41-12a-302(3), amended 2026: class C); failing to stop at an injury crash 'third-degree felony' (41-6a-401.3(4): class A misdemeanor unless aggravated); a DUI plea held in abeyance (41-6a-502(7): a plea may not be held in abeyance); ignition interlock periods of three years under 21 and 10 years for automobile homicide (41-6a-518.2(2): two and four years); and the age-16 night restriction in the handbook table (41-8-2: younger than 17; the questions use a 16-year-old). edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.

DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Utah Driver License Division, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.