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Utah House tightens DUI penalties but rejects proposal for a mandatory 'D' decal
Summary
First substitute House Bill 353 passed the House 73–0 to increase DUI penalties and license revocation options; a proposed amendment requiring a visible 'D' decal for offenders was debated and defeated 17–51.
The Utah House on Feb. 19, 2001, passed the first substitute to House Bill 353, which makes several amendments to driving-under-the-influence statutes, including stiffer classification where minors are passengers and expanded license revocation authority for judges. The bill passed overwhelmingly, 73–0.
Representative Ray explained the substitute bill’s adjustments to class penalties and authorizations for license revocation. Representative Throckmorton offered a high-profile floor amendment that would require some DUI offenders to display a visible 'D' decal on their vehicle — an idea he likened to "public shame" and said had been used in Oregon, where proponents credited it with reducing drunk driving rates in some measures.
The proposed decal amendment prompted vigorous debate. Supporters described it as a low-cost deterrent that reduced recidivism in other jurisdictions; opponents said it would unfairly stigmatize families who share a vehicle, burden innocent co-drivers, and deserved a separate, standalone debate. Representative Buffmeier called it akin to a "scarlet letter," and Representative Tyler said such a policy should be considered as its own bill, not tacked onto DUI legislation.
A roll-call on the amendment resulted in 17 yes and 51 no; the amendment failed. The first substitute to House Bill 353 then passed the House 73–0 and will go to the Senate for further consideration.
