A motor vehicle may be stopped and the occupants detained by an enforcement officer when the enforcement officer:

(1)  is acting pursuant to a duly authorized search warrant or arrest warrant;

Terms Used In Utah Code 77-23-103

  • Administrative traffic checkpoint: means a roadblock procedure where enforcement officers stop all, or a designated sequence of, motor vehicles traveling on highways and roads and subject those vehicles to inspection or testing and the drivers or occupants to questioning or the production of documents. See Utah Code 77-23-102
  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
  • Emergency circumstances: means circumstances where enforcement officers reasonably believe road conditions, weather conditions, or persons present a significant hazard to persons or the property of other persons. See Utah Code 77-23-102
  • Enforcement officer: includes :
(a) peace officers as defined in Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications;
(b) correctional officers as defined in Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications;
(c) special function officers as defined and under the restrictions of Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications; and
(d) federal officers as defined in Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications. See Utah Code 77-23-102
  • Magistrate: includes all judicial officers enumerated in Subsection 77-1-3(4). See Utah Code 77-23-102
  • Motor vehicle: includes all vehicles as defined in Title 41, Chapter 1a, Motor Vehicle Act. See Utah Code 77-23-102
  • Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.
  • (2)  has probable cause to arrest or search;

    (3)  has reasonable suspicion that criminal activity has occurred or is occurring;

    (4)  is acting under emergency circumstances; or

    (5)  is acting pursuant to duly authorized administrative traffic checkpoint authority granted by a magistrate in accordance with Section 77-23-104.

    Enacted by Chapter 72, 1992 General Session