HB0164, titled the Vehicle Accident Liability Amendments, clarifies Utah’s right-of-way rules for left turns at intersections. Under the bill, a driver turning left is not required to yield to an oncoming vehicle if that oncoming driver fails to stop at a stop sign or steady red signal at the intersection. The bill also states that a law enforcement officer may issue a citation to either or both drivers involved in that situation.
The measure amends Utah Code Section 41-6a-903, which governs yielding right-of-way when turning left, entering or crossing a highway, and merging lanes. It preserves the existing rule that a left-turning driver must yield when an oncoming vehicle poses an immediate hazard, but creates a specific exception for cases where the oncoming driver runs a stop sign or red light. The bill contains no appropriation and takes effect May 7, 2025.
Impact
HB0164 changes Utah traffic law by narrowing the circumstances in which a left-turning driver must yield at an intersection. It adds a new statutory exception to the general right-of-way rule and authorizes officer discretion in citing one or both drivers when a collision or near-collision involves a driver who failed to stop at a stop sign or steady red signal. The bill directly affects motorists, law enforcement, and potentially civil liability or fault determinations in intersection accidents.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been generally favorable in the House, where it received a unanimous committee recommendation and passed third reading by a wide margin. However, the Senate committee vote was less supportive, with a failed motion to recommend the bill advancing. Overall, the discussion history suggests the proposal was viewed positively in the House but encountered resistance or insufficient support in the Senate committee stage.
Contention
The main point of contention is the allocation of responsibility in left-turn collisions when the oncoming driver runs a stop sign or red light. Supporters likely view the bill as clarifying that a left-turning driver should not be automatically blamed when the other driver violates a clear traffic control device. Potential critics may be concerned that the language could complicate fault determinations, affect enforcement discretion, or create ambiguity in accident liability cases. The Senate committee’s failed recommendation vote indicates that this issue was not universally accepted.