Automobile homicide involving a handheld wireless communication device while driving.
Utah Code § 76-5-207.5
in effect76-5-207.5. Automobile homicide involving a handheld wireless communication device while driving.
(1)
(a) As used in this section:
(i) "Criminally negligent" means the same as that term is described in Subsection 76-2-103(4).
(ii) "Motor vehicle" means any self-propelled vehicle, including an automobile, truck, van, motorcycle, train, engine, watercraft, or aircraft.
(iii) "Negligent" means the failure to exercise the degree of care that a reasonable and prudent person exercises under similar circumstances.
(iv) "Wireless communication device" means the same as that term is defined in Section 41-6a-1716.
(b) Terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 apply to this section.
(2) An actor commits automobile homicide if the actor:
(a) operates a moving motor vehicle in a negligent manner;
(b) while using a wireless communication device in violation of Section 41-6a-1716; and
(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.
(b) A violation of Subsection (2) is a second degree felony if the actor operated the moving motor vehicle in a criminally negligent manner.
Amended by Chapter 111, 2023 General Session
Source: Utah Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (le.utah.gov)URL: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter5/76-5-S207.5.html?v=C76-5-S207.5_2023050320230503Fetched: 10/26/2026