Under 21 alcohol — Utah Permit Test

Under Utah’s Not-a-Drop Act a person under 21 driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in their body loses all driving privileges for six months on a first offense.

Any measurable amount means any at all. For a driver under 21 there is no small amount that is still legal.

Not-a-Drop Act provides that a person under 21 years of age driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in their body will have all driving privileges denied for six months for a first offense.

A second Not-a-Drop offense within 10 years of a prior denial costs a Utah driver their privileges for two years or until they reach 21, whichever is longer.

The second time the clock runs to 21 if that is further away, so a young driver can lose the license for most of their teens.

A second or subsequent offense within 10 years of a prior denial will result in losing driving privileges for two years or until they reach 21, whichever is longer.

All states have zero tolerance laws, meaning no alcohol in the circulatory system, or similar laws for drivers under the age of 21.

There is nowhere in the country to drive around this. The rule follows a young driver across every state line.

All states have “zero tolerance” laws (no alcohol in the circulatory system) or similar laws for drivers under the age of 21.

A person between 13 and 20 convicted of possessing or consuming alcohol loses their Utah driver license for one year on a first offense and two years on a second.

This suspension has nothing to do with driving. Being convicted of holding a drink is enough to take the license.

An individual between the ages of 13 and 20 who are convicted in court for possession or consumption of alcohol or for being in a bar and being underage will have their driver license suspended for one year for the first offense and two years for the second or subsequent offense as ordered by the court.

Where a Utah court orders a suspension for a driver under 16, the time begins on the date of conviction and extends one to two years from their 16th birthday.

A conviction before you can drive still costs you driving time. The clock starts again when the license becomes possible.

If the court orders suspension for a driver under the age of 16, the suspension time will begin on the date of conviction and extend for one to two years from the 16th birthday.

A Utah driver suspended for a Not-a-Drop arrest must obtain an assessment and recommendation from a substance abuse program to reinstate their license.

The suspension does not simply expire. Something has to be done before the license comes back.

If suspended for a Not-a-Drop arrest, the individual must obtain an assessment and recommendation for appropriate action from a substance abuse program to reinstate their driver license.

A person under 21 in Utah may not lawfully purchase, possess, or drink alcoholic beverages.

Three separate acts, all of them illegal under 21, and each of them can reach a driver license.

If you are under the age of 21, it is illegal to purchase, possess, and drink alcoholic beverages.

How long is a first Not-a-Drop denial in Utah?

Six months. Any measurable amount means any at all. For a driver under 21 there is no small amount that is still legal. Utah Driver Handbook 2026-2027, p.52: “Not-a-Drop Act provides that a person under 21 years of age driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in their body will have all driving privileges denied for six months for a first offense.”