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Utah Law Taking Effect Jan. 1 Mandates ID Checks, Bars Alcohol Sales to Extreme DUI Offenders

The measure creates an interdicted ID marked “no alcohol sale” to flag high‑risk buyers, deterring repeat drunk driving.

Overview

  • Beginning January 1, 2026, every alcohol purchase statewide will require an ID check at groceries, liquor stores, bars, restaurants, and event venues.
  • People convicted of extreme DUI—defined as a 0.16 BAC or alcohol combined with illegal drugs—will be automatically classified as interdicted and blocked from buying alcohol.
  • Interdicted individuals must obtain state-issued IDs labeled “no alcohol sale,” and sellers are required to verify that designation before completing a transaction.
  • Judges can extend the restriction to other DUI offenders at their discretion, and individuals may opt in to the interdicted status voluntarily.
  • Utah Highway Patrol says road enforcement practices are unchanged as troopers increase holiday patrols, noting 2,899 extreme DUI arrests in 2024 and that interdicted IDs begin issuing in January.