February 6, 2026

House Bill 437 (H.B. 437) – Interdicted Person Amendments

As of January 1, 2026, House Bill 437 (H.B. 437)–officially titled Interdicted Person Amendments–is now in effect in Utah. This new legislation targets individuals who have been labeled as “interdicted” due to DUI-related offenses and expands on restrictions, penalties, and enforcement measures for those affected.

If you’d like to learn more about H.B. 437, this article covers:

• What is H.B. 437
• Who qualifies as an “interdicted” person
• Key provisions of H.B. 437
• What rights and legal options are available to those affected

Understanding The New Utah DUI Law

H.B. 437 monitors and restricts alcohol access for individuals with repeated or dangerous alcohol-related DUI histories. Under this law, people who meet certain criteria are officially designated as “interdicted.” Once flagged, they are entered into the state’s tracking system and legally barred from buying, possessing, or consuming alcohol.

Who Qualifies As An “Interdicted” Person

H.B. 437 targets individuals the state considers to be at high risk for reoffending or a danger to public safety. The most common reason someone becomes interdicted is receiving an “extreme DUI,” which means having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.16 or higher or having multiple impairing substances in their system.

If an individual has one or two minor DUI convictions, they likely won’t be flagged as interdicted based on those offenses alone. However, cases involving extreme impairment, injuries, felony-level charges, or repeated violations of court orders may increase the likelihood of receiving the designation.

Below are some common examples that can result in an interdicted status:

1. Multiple DUI Convictions

• A third DUI conviction within a 10-year period
• A pattern of repeated DUI offenses that suggests an ongoing risk to public safety

2. Felony DUI Cases

• DUI resulting in serious bodily injury
• DUI-related vehicular homicide
• Prior DUI convictions that elevate a new offense to felony status

3. Court-Ordered Interdiction

• Individuals formally interdicted by the court due to chronic alcohol dependency
• Repeated probation violations or alcohol-related offenses despite prior intervention

Interdiction does not happen automatically after someone is charged with or accused of a DUI offense. It must be specifically ordered by a judge in court at the time of sentencing.

Key Provisions of H.B. 437

Universal ID Checks Now Required

All establishments licensed to sell alcohol—including liquor stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, restaurants, and bars—are now required by law to check a valid, physical ID for every customer, regardless of age, appearance, or verbal confirmation from the customer.

This is a zero-exception policy.

If an establishment fails to check ID or sells alcohol to someone flagged as interdicted, they may face:

• Fines
• Temporary suspension of their alcohol license
• Permanent license revocation for repeated or serious violations
• Criminal liability in cases where alcohol is knowingly served to an interdicted person who causes harm

New IDs Issued for Interdicted Individuals

The Utah Driver's License Division has released a redesigned ID specifically for individuals who have been legally classified as “interdicted”. These updated IDs feature a visible restriction label that reads “NO ALCOHOL SALE” printed clearly above the individual’s photo.

This visible marker allows alcohol-selling establishments to quickly identify individuals who are legally prohibited from purchasing alcohol, even without scanning the ID.

Electronic ID Scanning

Previously, Utah law allowed many alcohol-selling establishments to visually estimate a customer’s age and use discretion when checking ID—particularly if the customer appeared to be over 35. Electronic ID scanning was optional in most cases, and enforcement was limited.

Under H.B. 437, the age discretion is gone, and the scanning requirements vary based on license type: ¹

• Bars and Taverns must perform both a 100% ID check and an electronic scan of every ID before allowing entry. Interdicted individuals can be on the premises but cannot legally purchase or consume alcohol.
• Restaurants (full-service, limited-service, and beer-only) must check ID for all customers ordering alcohol. Electronic ID scanning is only required for customers seated in a dispensing area, which is a physically separated section where drinks are prepared and visible to customers.
• Grocery stores and convenience stores (off-premise licensees) and other on-premise license holders are required to check ID for every alcohol sale, but electronic scanning is not mandatory.

¹ https://abs.utah.gov/new-id-law-2026/

What To Do If This Law Affects You

If you’ve been added to the interdicted list or you’re facing a DUI charge that could lead to interdiction under H.B. 437, here’s what you should do:

1. Don’t Panic–But Take it Seriously

   Interdiction involves more than just restrictions on alcohol purchases. It can have long-term legal, financial, and personal consequences, including:

   • A flagged or restricted driver's license
   • Complications with probation, employment, or housing
   • Criminal charges for attempting to purchase or possess alcohol
2. Seek Legal Action Immediately

   Contacting an attorney is the best course of action if you’re facing DUI charges or are at risk of being designated as interdicted. The earlier you get legal guidance, the more opportunities you may have to influence the outcome of your case.

   Even if you’ve already been added to the interdicted list, you may still have legal avenues available, depending on your case history and the specifics of your conviction.

   With the help of an experienced defense attorney, you may be able to:

   • Request a hearing to contest the interdiction
   • Challenge the underlying DUI conviction(s) if there were legal errors
   • Petition for removal from the interdicted list after a period of compliance

Branson Is Here to Help

Utah takes DUI offenses seriously, and House Bill 437 is the latest reminder that the consequences of impaired driving can follow you long after arrest. For those who’ve been charged or are facing an interdicted status, the legal and personal impact can be life-altering.

Branson West has handled hundreds of DUI cases across Utah, including felony DUIs, repeat offender charges, and complex hearings tied to interdicted statuses. He understands the court system, the prosecutors, and the high stakes involved in these cases.

If you’re facing a DUI charge or worried about being flagged under H.B. 437, you don’t have to face it alone. Branson offers a free consultation to review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next steps, whether you choose to hire him or not.