Senate approves tougher 'road rage' law, funds education campaign

The Utah Senate passed third substitute House Bill 30 on a roll-call vote after sponsors described it as a targeted response to rising aggressive driving and fatal incidents.

Senator Wyler, presenting the bill, said the measure establishes a statutory definition of "road rage" limited to commission of a criminal offense that occurs or escalates on a roadway against another vehicle. He said the bill increases penalties and mandatory fines for the most serious conduct, creates a potential criminal enhancement for road-rage events and authorizes the Driver License Division to revoke a license after two convictions in a single year.

"This bill primarily does three things," Wyler said during floor remarks: define road rage; improve data collection so DPS and courts can track arrests and convictions rather than keyword hits; and increase penalties for serious criminal behavior.

Senator Harper, who supported the bill, said the transportation interim committee heard law enforcement testimony documenting the trend and called the bill an important balance of education, outreach and enforcement.

Senator Weiler invoked public-safety concerns and recent deaths in 2023 tied to road-rage incidents, saying families deserve action. "We owe it to their families, at least, to address this growing issue in our state," Weiler said.

The bill also includes mandatory minimum fines for serious events and allows license revocation for repeat offenders. Sponsors described a funded public-education campaign to raise awareness and deter dangerous conduct.

On the roll call the third substitute House Bill 30 passed 23–5 with one senator recorded as absent. The Senate will return the bill to the House for further consideration.

Next steps: the House will receive the Senate's passage and may take up the bill for concurrence or further amendment.