Utah Individuals convicted of an extreme DUI (blood alcohol content of 0.16 or higher)…may be designated as “interdicted” and prohibited from buying alcohol for a period of time… Their driver license or state ID will display a “No Alcohol Sale” label across the photo

Utah Individuals convicted of an extreme DUI (blood alcohol content of 0.16 or higher)…may be designated as “interdicted” and prohibited from buying alcohol for a period of time… Their driver license or state ID will display a “No Alcohol Sale” label across the photo

Utah’s Extreme DUI Interdiction Law: How a BAC of 0.16+ Can Lead to Alcohol Purchase Bans & ID Labels
Utah enforces some of the strictest DUI penalties in the U.S., especially for high-BAC offenders. If convicted of an extreme DUI (blood alcohol content of 0.16 or higher) in Utah, you face more than fines, jail time, or license suspension. You may also be declared an “interdicted” person—a legal designation that imposes long-term bans on buying or possessing alcohol and adds a visible “No Alcohol Sale” label to your driver’s license or state ID. Here’s what you need to know about this severe penalty.

What Does “Interdicted” Mean in Utah?

When a court declares someone interdicted, it legally prohibits them from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol for a set period. Unlike a standard DUI, this measure specifically targets extreme offenders (BAC ≥ 0.16) or repeat offenders to prevent recidivism. Consequences include:

• No Alcohol Purchases: Retailers and bars in Utah may not legally sell alcohol to interdicted individuals.
• No Possession: Merely holding alcohol in public (e.g., at a restaurant) can trigger charges.
• ID Restriction: A visible “No Alcohol Sale” warning is printed across the photo on your license or state ID, alerting cashiers, bouncers, and law enforcement.

What’s the “No Alcohol Sale” Label?

A key component of Utah’s interdiction law is the mandatory ID marker:

• Appearance: A bold, red-ink stamp or label stating “NO ALCOHOL SALE” appearing diagonally across your license photo.
• Duration: Typically lasts 10 years, though courts may shorten or extend this timeline.
• Enforcement: Grocery stores, liquor stores, bars, and event venues are trained to check IDs for this label. Selling alcohol to an interdicted person can lead to retailer fines or license suspensions.

How Does Interdiction Work?

1. Extreme DUI Conviction: If convicted with a BAC of 0.16+ (double Utah’s 0.08 legal limit), the judge may impose interdiction.
2. Court Order: The designation isn’t automatic—prosecutors request it, and judges decide based on case severity.
3. DPS Action: Utah’s Driver License Division (DLD) updates your license/ID to display the restriction. You’ll receive a reissued ID by mail.
4. Verification: Law enforcement and retailers use state databases or visual ID checks to enforce the ban.

Penalties for Violating Interdiction

Ignoring an interdiction order leads to additional charges:

• Criminal Charges: A first violation is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,500.
• Extended Alcohol Ban: Your interdiction period could be prolonged.
• License Revocation: Further driving privileges may be suspended.

Regaining Alcohol Purchase Rights

To remove the “No Alcohol Sale” label and exit interdiction status:

1. Complete All Court Orders: Finish probation, jail time, fines, DUI education courses, and treatment programs.
2. Petition the Court: File a motion demonstrating compliance and rehabilitation (often with legal counsel).
3. DMV Update: If approved, the Driver License Division will issue a new ID without the label.

Why Utah Takes Extreme DUI Seriously

Utah prioritizes road safety, and extreme DUI offenders pose disproportionate risks. A BAC of 0.16+ makes drivers 25x likelier to crash than sober drivers (NHTSA data). Interdiction laws aim to:

• Reduce repeat DUIs.
• Signal high-risk behavior to sellers.
• Promote accountability through long-term consequences.

Need Help? Consult a Utah DUI Attorney

If charged with an extreme DUI in Utah, act immediately. An attorney can challenge BAC evidence, negotiate plea deals to avoid interdiction, or help you restore privileges post-conviction. Ignoring these severe penalties could disrupt your career, finances, and daily life for a decade.

The Bottom Line: Utah’s interdiction law creates enduring barriers for extreme DUI offenders. A “No Alcohol Sale” ID label ensures even minor purchases like beer carry legal risks. Prioritize legal guidance to navigate this complex process and avoid long-term repercussions.