House advances automated dismissal option for certain low-level traffic infractions

The Utah House on Jan. 27 approved a second substitute to House Bill 139, a measure that creates an online, automated pathway for resolving certain moving infractions for drivers without a moving-violation history in the previous 24 months.

Sponsor Representative Tusher described the bill as allowing eligible drivers to resolve qualifying moving infractions by paying a fine online and agreeing to a 12-month probationary period; if the driver remains violation-free during that period, the ticket would be dismissed. The sponsor emphasized eligibility limits: it applies only to moving infractions under Title 41, Chapter 6A, excludes commercial drivers and drivers under 21, does not cover multiple moving violations on one citation, and excludes high-speed offenses (e.g., speeding over 100 mph or 30 mph over the limit).

Representative Lisonbee asked for clarification about the interaction of the 24-month lookback and the 12-month plea-in-abeyance period; Tusher explained that the 24-month provision determines eligibility and the 12-month probation leads to dismissal if no further violations occur.

Representative Tusher called the bill a way to reduce burdens on individuals and courts; the House adopted the second substitute on a vote of 71 yeas and 1 nay. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.

Next steps: HB139 proceeds to the Senate, where further committee review and any fiscal notes would be considered.