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

Utah § 76-5-207.5

• Jurisdiction: Utah
• Title 76: Utah Criminal Code
• Ch. 76-5: Offenses Against the Individual
• Part 76-5-2: Criminal Homicide

Text

(1) (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) (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.

Legislative History

Amended by Chapter 111, 2023 General Session