Can a DUI Affect Your Utah Professional License?

 Posted on September 07, 2025 in DUI

If you are a Utah professional, a DUI may be much more serious than a traffic offense – it can be an event that threatens your career and your ability to make a living. For many professionals, a DUI conviction (Utah Code Part 41-6a-5) can trigger disciplinary action from the licensing board. Since Utah has the strictest BAC threshold in the nation, a single mistake can end up derailing your career and your future.

It is important to understand how licensing boards view DUI convictions and what steps you should take following a Utah DUI arrest to protect your rights and your future employment. A knowledgeable Salt Lake City, UT DUI attorney understands the risks you face and will work hard to mitigate those risks.

The Utah BAC Threshold

Every state in the United States, except Utah, has a BAC threshold of 0.08 percent. Utah’s BAC threshold is 0.05 percent. This lower BAC law took effect in 2018. For those under the age of 21, Utah has a "Not a Drop" zero-tolerance policy that prohibits any level of alcohol in a young driver.

The BAC threshold for a driver with a CDL license is 0.04 percent. Individual BAC levels vary significantly, based on factors such as body weight, gender, body fat, age, whether he or she has eaten, and the person’s tolerance for alcohol. That said, the "average" person could reach a 0.05 percent BAC with only two beers, two glasses of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.

Which Professions Have the Highest Risk of Adverse Consequences Following a DUI?

Healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, are licensed through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, and are at a high risk of adverse employment consequences following a DUI conviction. Teachers and school employees are licensed through the Utah State Board of Education and have strict reporting requirements.

Real estate agents and brokers are licensed through the Division of Real Estate and have discipline policies in place for criminal convictions and "moral turpitude." Commercial drivers must have a CDL license and can have their licenses suspended under federal and Utah law. Pilots, accountants, lawyers, and others who require a professional license often require "good moral character" to maintain the license, and a DUI can be counter to that requirement.

How Would a Utah Licensing Board Learn About a DUI Conviction?

Many professional licensing boards have mandatory self-reporting requirements, while others require criminal background checks at the time of license renewal. In today’s age of information, the public has access to court and arrest records across the state, so even when an individual avoids disclosing the DUI information to their employer, another person may report it.  

What Are the Potential Consequences to a Professional License for a DUI Conviction?

Depending on the license, an individual may get off "lightly" with only a written warning or a reprimand. Others may be hit with fines or probationary periods, or could be ordered to attend mandatory drug or alcohol treatment or counseling. In more serious cases, a professional license might be temporarily suspended or even permanently revoked.  Collateral effects could include reputational damage and loss of malpractice insurance.  

Defense Strategies for Those with Professional Licenses

The best course of action is to fight the DUI charges with a highly skilled DUI lawyer to potentially have the charges reduced or dismissed. In some cases, voluntarily entering treatment or drug and alcohol education programs and showing proof of compliance with court orders can lessen the impact of a DUI on a professional license.

Contact a Davis County, UT DUI Lawyer

A DUI arrest in Utah can put your entire career on the line. A skilled Salt Lake City, UT impaired driving attorney from Collins Rupp, P.C. understands the stakes and will fight to protect your criminal record and your career. Attorney Collins began his career in the auto industry before attending law school, and Attorney Rupp is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer.

These varied backgrounds benefit every client, as both attorneys have a solid understanding of the legal intersection with employment consequences. Call 385-777-2753 to schedule your free consultation.