08/17/2026
🚸Traffic Safety on Main Street in Bountiful 🚸
We've seen a number of comments and questions regarding citations recently issued on Main Street, and we appreciate the community taking the time to share their concerns.
Many of the comments center around a common driving practice: stopping at a stop line and then slowly moving forward to gain a better view of approaching traffic before entering the roadway. We understand why drivers do this, particularly at intersections where visibility may be more limited. Several people have asked questions about how two Utah traffic statutes apply in these situations: 41-6a-902 (Right-of-Way, Stop and Yield Signs) and 41-6a-1707 (Entering Intersections and Crosswalks).
Utah law requires drivers approaching a stop sign to stop at the marked stop line when one exists. After stopping, drivers must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians before proceeding.
https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter6a/41-6a-S902.html
The discussion arises because some drivers believe that once they have made the required stop, they may cautiously move forward to improve their view of traffic before entering the roadway. The question is how that movement relates to Utah's law regarding intersections and crosswalks. That law states, in part, The operator of a vehicle may not enter an intersection or a marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle without obstructing the passage of other vehicles, pedestrians. https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter6A/41-6a-S1707.html
This issue is not about whether drivers should stop at stop signs. Everyone agrees they should. The concern is whether a vehicle's movement beyond the stop line places it into a crosswalk or intersection in a manner that affects the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, or other traffic. That is the conduct our officers are focused on addressing.
Our officers are tasked with enforcing traffic laws and addressing behaviors that may affect public safety. The citations that have generated discussion were issued under circumstances where an officer believed a vehicle had entered or obstructed an area intended to remain clear for the safe movement of pedestrians, bicyclists, or other traffic. There is also a distinction between "I can't see clearly" and "It's hard to see clearly." Many intersections require drivers to exercise additional caution and judgment because visibility is less than ideal. However, if a driver truly believes that roadway conditions, sight obstructions, or the design of an intersection made it impossible to safely comply with the law, they can politely mention those circumstances to the officer at the time of the stop or present that information to the city prosecutor or traffic court judge. Each situation is unique, and the specific facts and circumstances matter.
The timing of this enforcement is not accidental. Main Street has recently experienced a tragic pedestrian fatality and multiple bicycle crashes. These incidents have reinforced the importance of ensuring that drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists can all use our roadways safely.
While reasonable people may disagree about the interpretation or application of a particular traffic law, there should be no disagreement about our shared goal: preventing serious injuries and saving lives. Our officers are acting in good faith to address identified safety concerns.
We also value feedback from the community. Respectful discussion helps us better understand public concerns while continuing our commitment to education, enforcement, and traffic safety.
Thank you for helping us make Bountiful's streets safer for everyone.
Bountiful Police Department
