SALT LAKE CITY — Starting January 1, 2026, Utah residents will experience changes in various everyday activities due to new state laws. These laws will significantly alter how alcohol is purchased, how driving is regulated, and even how time is managed in the state. One of the most notable changes mandates that all individuals purchasing alcohol in Utah must present valid identification, regardless of their age. Currently, clerks and servers are only required to check IDs if a customer appears to be under a certain age. The new law will apply universally across all platforms, including grocery stores, state liquor stores, bars, restaurants, and event venues. Lawmakers have indicated that this change aims to enhance the enforcement of court-ordered alcohol restrictions. Utah courts can prohibit certain individuals, typically those with repeated DUI offenses, from buying alcohol and can issue IDs that reflect these restrictions. By requiring universal ID checks, the state seeks to standardize enforcement and eliminate discretion among clerks and servers. Additionally, several new laws will tighten road safety measures. Motorcycle riders will face harsher penalties for specific violations such as reckless riding, improper license plate display, and other high-risk activities. Depending on the offense, riders may risk losing their motorcycle endorsement or even their full driver’s license. Proponents of these changes believe they address a rise in dangerous riding incidents and aim to reduce reckless behavior on public roads. Furthermore, the state is expanding judicial authority concerning impaired driving. Judges will gain broader discretion to impose license restrictions on individuals convicted of extreme DUI offenses, which may include limitations on alcohol purchases. State officials emphasize that these changes reflect Utah’s ongoing commitment to DUI prevention, although there are questions about their effect on long-term rehabilitation. As these new laws take effect, state officials advise residents to prepare by ensuring they carry identification when buying alcohol and reviewing their driving privileges. Businesses may also need to adjust employee training and internal policies to accommodate these new legal requirements.