Utah does not automatically suspend a teen’s license just because they were involved in a first accident. Instead, the Driver License Division looks at what actually happened:

• Was your teen at fault, partially at fault, or clearly not at fault?
• Did an officer issue traffic citations (speeding, following too closely, reckless driving, or cellphone violations)?
• Were there injuries, major property damage, or evidence of impaired or extremely risky driving?

In a minor, no-injury crash with no citations, the licensing consequences are often limited but insurance impacts can still be significant because teen drivers start from higher base rates. In more serious crashes, consequences can include points on the record, required driver improvement courses, and in some situations, a suspension or other action by the Driver License Division.

To understand where your teen’s case falls, it helps to review the police report, the citation (if any), and Utah’s general traffic law guides so you can see how similar situations are treated.

Here is a quick, at-a-glance view of what most Utah families should know after a teen’s first accident. This chart is not a substitute for legal advice, but it can help you frame the right questions for insurers, adjusters, and, when needed, a Utah traffic attorney.

Reporting the accident. Even if the damage seems minor, most policies require you to tell your insurer about any collision involving your vehicle. Failing to report can give the insurer grounds to deny later claims or non-renew the policy.

How fault affects premiums.

• At-fault accident: Expect a noticeable increase, especially for teen drivers.
• Shared fault: Some carriers still rate the accident as at least partially chargeable.
• No-fault accident: A few companies may leave rates unchanged, but many still treat any accident with a teen driver as risk data.

Families can ask about “accident forgiveness” and good-driver discounts, but these benefits are often limited for young drivers. Reviewing your coverage after a first crash liability limits, collision, medical payments can also be a good time to make sure protection matches your teen’s driving reality.

For more background on how traffic incidents affect long-term driving privileges, see our guide on Utah license suspension after traffic citations.

After an accident that results in a citation, the teen may receive points on their Utah driving record. Too many points in a short period can lead to warnings, probation, or even suspension.

An approved driver improvement or defensive driving course can help by:

• Removing a portion of the points from the teen’s record (up to a set amount).
• Giving the teen structured feedback on what went wrong and how to avoid repeat mistakes.
• Showing insurers and, in some cases, a court or hearing officer that the teen is taking the incident seriously.

Parents often find it useful to pair the course with a family conversation about underage DUI risks, texting while driving, and night driving. Our overview of underage DUI laws in Utah can help frame those discussions.

A crash alone does not automatically trigger a suspension. Instead, the Utah Driver License Division looks at the violations associated with the accident and the teen’s history.

Situations that raise suspension risk include:

• Reckless driving or racing on public roads.
• Excessive speeding, especially 20+ mph over the limit.
• Driving under the influence or having any measurable alcohol for an underage driver.
• Leaving the scene of an accident or failing to remain at the scene.
• Rapid point accumulation from multiple tickets in a short time.

If a hearing is scheduled, families should review the notice carefully, gather the crash report and any photos or witness information, and consider speaking to a Utah traffic attorney about options to protect the teen’s ability to drive to school and work.

For teens rebuilding after a serious ticket or court case, our Utah traffic rehab and recovery guide walks through practical next steps for getting back on track.

Accident reporting involves two separate pieces: the police crash report and any required reports to the state when damage or injuries cross certain thresholds.

When police respond: The officer prepares the official report. Families should request a copy for their records, both for insurance and to understand how the facts were documented.

When police do not respond: Utah law still requires a crash report when property damage is significant or when someone is hurt. Parents usually help teens complete the required forms and ensure they are submitted on time.

Even if the crash feels “minor,” repair costs can quickly exceed reporting thresholds. When in doubt, it’s safer to document the incident, exchange information, and check Utah’s reporting rules rather than assuming no paperwork is necessary.

Many families also find it helpful to review our broader Utah road law Q&A for answers to common questions about teen driving, insurance, and roadside responsibilities.