A new Utah law creates an alcohol ban for extreme DUI convictions and requires ID checks for all sales
Utah does things a little differently when it comes to alcohol and DUIs. Years ago, it was one of the first states to lower its legal BAC level to 0.08. Then, it dropped it further to 0.05. Now, the state is pushing the boundaries again with a new law that would prevent certain DUI offenders from purchasing alcohol at all.
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The law, passed under the designation H.B. 437, introduces a new enforcement classification in Utah known as “interdicted” individuals.
A New Class of Offender
Beginning January 1, 2026, anyone convicted of an “extreme DUI”, defined in Utah as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 or higher, or alcohol combined with other illegal substances, will automatically fall into that category. Judges can also apply the same restriction to other DUI offenders at their discretion.
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Those who fall into this new category will be required to obtain a new state-issued license or ID clearly marked with the words “no alcohol sale” above the photo. Clerks and servers will be required to check for that designation during every alcohol transaction, whether the sale happens at a grocery store, state liquor store, bar, restaurant, or event venue.
ID Checks for Everyone
Checking ID at every alcohol sale is a new lawful requirement as well, and it’s the key to this whole plan working. Previously, Utah law allowed alcohol sellers to use discretion when checking identification if a customer appeared over 35. That discretion disappears in 2026.
Under the new law, every alcohol purchase must include an ID check, no exceptions. Legislators believe this will create a statewide enforcement standard that eliminates ambiguity and closes existing loopholes.
“This is completely new for Utah,” said Michelle Schmitt of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services, noting that both the interdicted category and 100 percent ID checks represent a major shift in how alcohol laws are enforced.
Supporters argue the law is about preventing repeat offenses before they happen. Families impacted by drunk driving have praised the move, saying restrictions like these could disrupt dangerous patterns long before another tragedy occurs.
Lawmakers also point to recent wrong-way driving arrests and fatal crashes, many linked to impairment, as reminders of how severe the consequences can be. It’ll be interesting to see how Utah’s DUI stats throughout 2026 compare to previous years.
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