Several new laws went into effect in Utah on Jan. 1. Of the 25 new laws, some involve traffic, taxes, alcohol sales and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program limitations.
Restaurants, bars and liquor stores are now required to ID every customer, even if they look over 35. Those with an extreme DUI charges are prohibited from buying alcohol, and their licenses have a unique “no alcohol sale” banner on them.
Major Chamberlin Neff of the Utah Highway Patrol said that this new law is to help enforce sober driving and make it easier for law enforcement to prevent repeat offenders.
“My message is simple: state troopers will have zero tolerance for impaired drivers. Our citizens expect us to remove impaired drivers,” he told Fox 13 news.
SNAP benefits will no longer allow soda or sugary drinks to be purchased with the benefits or with food stamps.
“The SNAP program helps those who are facing food insecurity and in need of nutrition,” said the sponsor of the bill, Rep. Kristen Chevrier. “We don’t want to undermine health and fuel chronic disease by subsidizing the purchase of sugary drinks. This innovative change will improve our nutrition program and overall health outlook in the state of Utah.”
Motorcyclists are no longer allowed to split lanes, meaning they cannot pass in between lanes while traffic is moving. However, lane filtering is still allowed, which is passing while traffic is stopped. Motorcyclists are also required to have license plates attached to the vehicle.
Vehicle registration allows certain vehicles a two-year registration. These include trailers, electric vehicles, off-highway vehicles and street-legal all-terrain vehicles.
Counties are now allowed to add a 1% tax to certain prepared foods in grocery stores and gas stations, just like in restaurants.
Cosmetology hour requirements have been vastly lowered, making it easier to become licensed. Previously, 1600 hours were required, but now it is only 1250.
Public accounting licenses no longer require a certain number of hours to be certified, and out-of-state licenses can be used if the accountant is in good standing and can prove they have completed the equivalent training.
Author: Lainey Porter
Photo: Paul Bardazzi
Editor: Hannah Clove
news@suunews.net
