Utah § 72-7-301 - Liability for damage to highway, highway equipment, or highway sign -- Liability for damage to highway from illegal operation of oversize or overweight vehicles -- Recovery.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 72-7-301 — Liability for damage to highway, highway equipment, or highway sign -- Liability for damage to highway from illegal operation of oversize or overweight vehicles -- Recovery., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 72-7-301. Liability for damage to highway, highway equipment, or highway sign -- Liability for damage to highway from illegal operation of oversize or overweight vehicles -- Recovery.

Effective 5/5/2021
72-7-301.  Liability for damage to highway, highway equipment, or highway sign -- Liability for damage to highway from illegal operation of oversize or overweight vehicles -- Recovery.
(1) A person who by any means willfully or negligently injures or damages any highway, highway equipment, or highway sign is liable for the damage.
(2) A person who operates or moves any vehicle or object on any highway is liable for all damage that the highway sustains from:
(a) any illegal operation or movement of a vehicle or object; and
(b) any vehicle or object that exceeds the maximum size, weight, or load limitations specified by law, with or without authority of an oversize or overweight permit.
(3)
(a) Except under Subsection (3)(b), if the operator is not the owner of the vehicle or object but is operating or moving the vehicle or object with the express or implied permission of the owner, the owner and operator are jointly and severally liable under Subsection (2) for any damage caused to a highway by the operation or movement of the vehicle or object.
(b) An operator who is not the owner of the vehicle or object and who under an express or implied condition of his employment or any privilege related to his employment is required to operate or move a vehicle or object in violation of Part 4, Vehicle Size, Weight, and Load Limitations, is not liable for any damage caused to a highway by the illegal operation or movement of the vehicle or object.
(4) The value of the property damaged may be recovered in a civil action brought by the highway authority having jurisdiction over the property damaged.
(5)
(a) For purposes of this section, the value of the damaged property includes the full cost to:
(i) repair the damaged property; or
(ii) replace the damaged property with a replacement that is functionally equivalent to the property that was damaged.
(b) Except for the replacement of a damaged motor vehicle, the costs described in Subsection (5)(a) may not be reduced based on the depreciated value of the damaged property at the time the damage occurs.


Amended by Chapter 239, 2021 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 72-7-301

What does Utah Code § 72-7-301 cover?

Section 72-7-301 ("Liability for damage to highway, highway equipment, or highway sign -- Liability for damage to highway from illegal operation of oversize or overweight vehicles -- Recovery.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 72-7-301?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 72-7-301" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 72-7-301 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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