Is Disorderly Conduct a Misdemeanor in Utah? Penalties, Trespass

In Utah, a first disorderly conduct offense under Utah Code 76-9-102 is an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $750 and no jail. It becomes a class C misdemeanor if the conduct continues after the person has been asked to stop, a class B misdemeanor if the person also has a prior disorderly conduct conviction within five years, and a class A misdemeanor with two or more such priors.

Criminal trespass under 76-6-206 is a class B misdemeanor (up to six months and $1,000), or a class A misdemeanor when committed in a dwelling. Trespass itself has no felony form, but trespass in a dwelling against a cohabitant becomes a third-degree felony when committed within 10 years after a prior domestic violence conviction (five years after a prior property damage offense) under 77-36-1.1, and Utah added a second-degree felony in 2025 for a trespasser who causes $1,500 or more in damage. Utah's criminal code, Title 76, was recodified effective May 7, 2025, so older section numbers you may see elsewhere have changed. For other states, see our guide to disorderly conduct and trespass laws by state.

Information last verified on 2026-10-18. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This article covers Utah's state criminal statutes on disorderly conduct and related public-order offenses (Utah Code Title 76, chapter 9, as recodified in 2025 and amended in 2026, with threats against schools and false reports to police), criminal trespass (Title 76, chapter 6, part 2) and the trespass offenses in the education, wildlife and state-lands titles. It does not cover local noise ordinances and quiet hours (see Utah noise ordinance laws), the civil procedure for removing squatters (see Utah squatters' rights), use of force against an intruder (see Utah self-defense laws), city or county ordinances, civil trespass suits beyond the statutory damages noted below, or federal property rules.

What is disorderly conduct in Utah?

Utah Code 76-9-102 sets out two ways to commit disorderly conduct:

"(2) An actor commits disorderly conduct if: (a) the actor refuses to comply with the lawful order of a law enforcement officer to move from a public place or an official meeting, or knowingly creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act that serves no legitimate purpose; or (b) intending to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk of public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, the actor: (i) engages in fighting or in violent, tumultuous, or threatening behavior; (ii) makes unreasonable noises in a public place or an official meeting; (iii) makes unreasonable noises in a private place that can be heard in a public place or an official meeting; or (iv) obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic in a public place or an official meeting." (Utah Code 76-9-102(2))

In plain terms:

• Refusing a police order to move, from a public place or an official meeting, or knowingly creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition by an act with no legitimate purpose.
• Fighting or violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior, with the intent or reckless risk described below. Where a fight also involves an assault, see Utah assault laws.
• Unreasonable noise in a public place or official meeting, or in a private place where it can be heard in a public place or official meeting. Quiet hours and decibel limits are local matters; see our Utah noise ordinance laws page.
• Blocking vehicle or pedestrian traffic in a public place or official meeting.

The forms in subsection (2)(b) require that the person intend to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly create a risk of it. The forms in (2)(a) do not carry that requirement. Section 76-9-102(4) provides that "the mere carrying or possession of a holstered or encased firearm, whether visible or concealed, without additional behavior or circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to believe the holstered or encased firearm was carried or possessed with criminal intent, does not constitute a violation of this section." For this section, "public place" means "a place to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access, including: (A) streets or highways; and (B) the common areas of schools, hospitals, apartment houses, office buildings, public buildings, public facilities, transport facilities, and shops." That definition applies only to 76-9-102.

Is disorderly conduct a misdemeanor in Utah?

Not on a first offense. Utah Code 76-9-102(3) sets a four-step ladder:

Under Utah Code 76-3-205(1), "A person convicted of an infraction may not be imprisoned." Jail terms for misdemeanors come from 76-3-204, and fines from 76-3-301(1). Both repeat-offender steps require the request to stop as well as the prior conviction.

Aggravated disorderly conduct on a street or highway (76-9-102.1)

Added in 2025, this offense covers a person who "intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic on a street or highway with: (i) a speed limit of 40 miles per hour or more; or (ii) at least two lanes in the same direction of travel; and (b) refuses to comply with the lawful order of a law enforcement officer to move from the street or highway." It is a class B misdemeanor, and a class A misdemeanor if the person was convicted of the same offense within the previous year.

Related public-order offenses in Utah

Riot and failure to disperse (76-9-101, 76-9-104)

Riot under 76-9-101 covers engaging in violent conduct with two or more others that knowingly or recklessly creates a substantial risk of public alarm, assembling with two or more others to engage in violent conduct or offenses against persons or property, and refusing a lawful order to withdraw. It is a class B misdemeanor, but a third-degree felony if, in the course of the violation, "(i) the actor causes substantial or serious bodily injury; (ii) the actor causes substantial property damage or commits arson; or (iii) the actor was in possession of a dangerous weapon." A person arrested for riot "may not be released from custody before the actor appears before a magistrate or a judge."

Failure to disperse (76-9-104) is being at the scene of a riot, disorderly conduct or unlawful assembly and remaining "after having been ordered to disperse by a peace officer." It is a class C misdemeanor, and the section "does not apply to an actor who attempts to leave the scene ... but is unsuccessful in leaving the scene."

A separate gang-loitering offense (76-9-805) is also called failure to disperse: being in an area designated under Section 11-48-104 as one where gang loitering is prohibited, being ordered by an officer under Section 53-25-602 to disperse, and failing to do so or returning within eight hours. It is a class B misdemeanor. Part 1 of chapter 9 contains no general loitering or prowling offense. Utah's traffic code, as amended in 2018, separately bars impeding or blocking traffic on interstates, freeways, state highways and certain paved highways, including handing money or property to or from a vehicle occupant there, and bars soliciting money or goods "in an aggressive manner" within 10 feet of a bank entrance during business hours or of an ATM (41-6a-1009(4), (8)). A violation is an infraction; a third roadway violation within a year is a class C misdemeanor.

Public intoxication (76-9-110)

Utah makes public intoxication a crime. A person commits it if they are "(a) (i) ... in a public place; or (ii) in a private place where the actor could unreasonably disturb other individuals; (b) ... under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or any substance having the property of releasing toxic vapors; and (c) ... under the influence to a degree that it may endanger the actor or another individual." It is a class C misdemeanor: up to 90 days and a fine of up to $750.

Public urination or defecation in a public place other than a public rest room, "under circumstances which the actor should know will likely cause affront or alarm to another individual," is an infraction (76-9-111).

False alarms, false 911 reports and threats

• Making a false alarm (76-9-105). Initiating or circulating a report or warning of a fire, impending bombing or other crime or catastrophe, knowing it is false or baseless and likely to cause an evacuation and public inconvenience or alarm. Class B misdemeanor; a third-degree felony if it alleges an ongoing act or imminent threat and causes or threatens bodily harm, serious bodily injury or death; a second-degree felony if it concerns a weapon of mass destruction.
• Emergency reporting abuse (76-9-105.5, amended by 2026 ch. 453). Reporting an emergency to a fire, police or medical response entity knowing it does not exist is a class B misdemeanor (second degree if it concerns a weapon of mass destruction). A false report to an emergency response service claiming an imminent or future threat of serious injury or death at a specified location is a second-degree felony. The section also covers repeat 911 calls about matters a dispatcher, officer or prosecutor has told the caller are not 911 matters (class B). A report becomes a class A misdemeanor on a third conviction, or when the caller was reckless and the response causes serious bodily injury or $5,000 or more in loss, and a third-degree felony when the caller was reckless and the response results in a death. A court must order reimbursement and at least four days in jail or 40 hours of community service.
• Party line or pay phone in an emergency (76-9-105.6). Refusing to yield a party line or public pay telephone needed to report an emergency, or asking for one on a false claim of emergency: class C misdemeanor.
• Threats against schools (76-5-107.1). Threatening, with real intent or as an intentional hoax, an offense involving bodily injury, death or substantial property damage while threatening use of a firearm, weapon or hoax weapon of mass destruction, or intending to disrupt the school or intimidate students or employees: third-degree felony. Intending to prevent or interrupt occupancy of the school is a class A misdemeanor, and a threat that causes an emergency agency to act is a class B misdemeanor.
• False information to police (76-8-506). Knowingly giving a peace officer or government agency false information to make them believe another person committed an offense, or reporting an offense knowing it did not occur: class B misdemeanor.

Funerals, residential picketing and meetings

• Disrupting a funeral or memorial service (76-9-108). The person must intend to disrupt a memorial service and, from 60 minutes before its scheduled start until 60 minutes after it ends, obstruct entry to or exit from the memorial site, block a funeral procession, make unreasonable noise, or "engage in a disruptive activity within 200 feet of the memorial service." Class B misdemeanor.
• Targeted residential picketing (76-9-109). Picketing "specifically directed or focused toward a residence, or one or more occupants of the residence," on the sidewalk or street in front of it, in front of an adjoining residence, on either side of it, or "within 100 feet of the property line of the targeted residence." The section also covers publishing or disclosing someone's home address or location with intent to cause others to picket that residence. Class B misdemeanor. The section does not apply to picketing at one's own residence, picketing a meeting place or assembly area commonly used to discuss subjects of general public interest, or "general picketing that proceeds through residential neighborhoods or that proceeds past residences."
• Disrupting a meeting or procession (76-9-103). Obstructing or interfering with a lawful meeting, procession or gathering "by physical action, verbal utterance, or any other means," intending to prevent or disrupt it. Class B misdemeanor.
• Disrupting a school (76-9-106). Being on public or private school property with the purpose of creating "an unreasonable and substantial disruption or risk of disruption" of a school function, and remaining "after being requested to leave by a school official." Class B misdemeanor. Unauthorized entry onto a school bus (76-9-107) is also a class B misdemeanor.

Masks and houses of worship (2026)

Two offenses enacted in the 2026 General Session took effect May 6, 2026:

• Intentional concealment of identity while committing an offense in public (76-9-115). Intentionally or knowingly wearing "a mask or other facial obscurant or disguise with the intent to conceal the actor's identity from law enforcement or other government officials," in a public place, while committing or attempting a local, state or federal criminal offense, or while congregating with others the person knows are doing so. Class A misdemeanor.
• Unlawful deprivation of religious rights (76-9-116). "In concert with two or more individuals, intentionally or knowingly" depriving another person of the right to enter or exit a house of worship, for the purpose of preventing that person from exercising religious liberty rights under the First Amendment or the Utah Constitution. Third-degree felony, with a civil action for damages. The section does not apply to the exercise of rights under the First Amendment or Utah Constitution, Article I, Section 15.

Commercial obstruction (76-9-113, 76-9-114)

Entering or remaining unlawfully on the premises or in a building of a retail business that deals in tangible personal property, intending "to interfere with the employees, customers, personnel, or operations of the business," is commercial obstruction, a class A misdemeanor. The section does not apply to action protected by the National Labor Relations Act or the Federal Railway Labor Act, or to the exercise of rights under the First Amendment or Utah Constitution, Article I, Section 15. Aggravated commercial obstruction, which adds intent to take control of merchandise or data, alter or remove records, damage property, assault someone, or commit another felony, is a second-degree felony.

Criminal trespass in Utah

Utah's general trespass statute, 76-6-206, has no numbered degrees. It is a class B misdemeanor, and a class A misdemeanor "if a violation of Subsection (2)(a) or (b) is committed in a dwelling." A dwelling is a building usually occupied by a person lodging there at night (76-6-201). Criminal trespass committed by one cohabitant against another is a domestic violence offense (77-36-1). The term cohabitant is broader than a live-in partner: under 78B-7-102 it includes a person 16 or older who is or was the other party's spouse or lived with them as a spouse, is their parent, grandparent or another relative within the second degree, has a child in common with them, lives or has lived in the same residence, or is or was in a consensual sexual relationship with them. Under 77-36-1.1 a domestic violence offense committed or convicted within 10 years after a prior domestic violence conviction (within five years after a prior property damage offense) moves up one level: a class B trespass becomes a class A misdemeanor, and a class A trespass in a dwelling becomes a third-degree felony.

What the statute prohibits

Both main forms apply "under circumstances not amounting to burglary" and require that the person "enter or remain unlawfully." Under 76-6-201(3), that means entering or remaining when "(a) at the time of the entry or remaining, the premises or any portion of the premises are not open to the public; and (b) the actor is not otherwise licensed or privileged to enter or remain on the premises."

• Trespass with a purpose (76-6-206(2)(a)). Entering or remaining unlawfully, or flying an unmanned aircraft unlawfully over property, while intending to cause annoyance or injury to a person or damage to property (including graffiti), intending to commit a crime other than theft or a felony, or being reckless as to whether one's presence will cause fear for another's safety.
• Trespass after notice (76-6-206(2)(b)). "Knowing the actor's or unmanned aircraft's entry or presence is unlawful, the actor enters or remains on or causes an unmanned aircraft to enter or remain unlawfully over property to which notice against entering is given by: (i) personal communication to the actor by the owner or someone with apparent authority to act for the owner; (ii) fencing or other enclosure obviously designed to exclude intruders; or (iii) posting of signs reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders."

The statute also covers entering a sex-designated changing room in violation of Section 63G-31-302(3), a class B misdemeanor that rises to class A in circumstances the statute lists. Entering a condominium unit in violation of Section 57-8-7(8) is also criminal trespass, an infraction (76-6-206(2)(c), (3)(c)). For drone rules more broadly, see Utah drone laws.

When a store or owner tells you to leave

Notice by "personal communication to the actor by the owner or someone with apparent authority to act for the owner" is one of the three kinds of notice in 76-6-206(2)(b). Remaining after that communication, knowing one's presence is unlawful, falls under the notice form of trespass. Section 76-6-206(4) provides that it is a defense "that: (a) the property was at the time open to the public; and (b) the defendant complied with all lawful conditions imposed on access to or remaining on the property."

The statute also gives the property owner statutory damages of "three times the value of damages resulting from the violation of Subsection (2) or $500, whichever is greater," plus "reasonable attorney fees not to exceed $250, and court costs" (76-6-206(5)).

Is there a purple paint law in Utah?

No. The criminal trespass part (76-6-206 to 76-6-206.6), the school trespass statute (53G-8-603), the state-lands statute (65A-3-1) and the wildlife posting statute (23A-5-317) contain no purple paint provision. The only paint rule is in the hunting and fishing trespass statute:

"'Properly posted' means that signs prohibiting trespass or bright yellow, bright orange, or fluorescent paint are clearly displayed: (i) at the corners, fishing streams crossing property lines, roads, gates, and rights-of-way entering the land; or (ii) in a manner that would reasonably be expected to be seen by a person in the area." (Utah Code 23A-5-317(1)(c))

While taking wildlife or engaging in wildlife-related activities, a person may not enter cultivated or properly posted private land without permission (documented authorization signed by the owner or person in charge, naming the person, the dates and the property), enter or remain after being told not to by the owner, an employee or an apparent agent or on land fenced to exclude intruders, or obstruct an entrance or exit to private property; posting land one does not own or legally control is also prohibited. A violation is punished under 23A-5-301, which provides that "a violation of this title is a class B misdemeanor," along with civil damages. A hearing officer may also revoke the related license, tag or permit, and may treat a second conviction within five years as a flagrant violation and bar a new license or permit for up to five years (23A-5-317(4)).

Special trespass offenses

• Agricultural or range land (76-6-206.3). Entering or remaining without authorization on agricultural or range land where notice is given by personal communication from the owner, an employee or an apparent agent; by "fencing or other form of enclosure a reasonable person would recognize as intended to exclude intruders"; or by "posted signs or markers that would reasonably be expected to be seen by persons in the area of the borders of the land." Class B misdemeanor, plus civil damages. Cutting or disabling that fencing (76-6-206.5) is also a class B misdemeanor.
• School property (53G-8-603). Entering or remaining on school property with an unlawful intent, or without authorization after notice by a school official's personal communication, signs, fencing, or "a current order of suspension or expulsion." Class B misdemeanor.
• State park lands (76-6-206.2). Unauthorized building, extended occupancy, commercial use or grazing, or remaining "after being ordered to leave by a person with actual authority to act for the division, or by a law enforcement officer." Class B misdemeanor.
• State trust and sovereign lands (65A-3-1). Using, occupying or building on state lands without written authorization from the division, or occupying them more than 30 days after authorization ends. Class B misdemeanor.
• Abandoned or inactive mines (76-6-206.1). Entering and remaining unlawfully in underground workings is a class B misdemeanor; removing or tampering with warning signs, covers or fencing is a class A misdemeanor.
• Private stream beds and banks (76-6-206.6). Touching or remaining on restricted private property along public waters in violation of Section 73-29-201, with the listed intents or after notice. Class B misdemeanor, with defenses for property open to the public, an express easement, or access allowed by 73-29-202.
• Camping on state property (76-6-208). Added in 2025: "An actor commits unsanctioned camping if the actor is camping on state property unless the state expressly authorizes camping on the state property." Class C misdemeanor. State property for this purpose does not include property of political subdivisions.

Critical infrastructure

Part 2 of chapter 6 contains no critical-infrastructure trespass offense. Utah's critical infrastructure statute, 76-6-106.3, punishes causing widespread injury or damage by destroying or substantially damaging a facility, or substantially tampering with or impeding its operation. It is "a first degree felony if done intentionally or knowingly" and "a second degree felony if done recklessly."

Squatting and long-term guests

Three statutes reach squatting-type conduct:

• Criminal trespass of a residence by a long-term guest (76-6-206.4). A non-tenant guest allowed to stay longer than 48 hours without paying, who "in circumstances not amounting to burglary, remains in a residence after receiving notice to leave the residence from: (i) an owner; (ii) a tenant; or (iii) someone with apparent authority to act for an owner or a tenant." Class B misdemeanor.
• Property damage or destruction by a trespasser (76-6-106.2, 2025). Entering or remaining unlawfully on real property and causing "damage or pecuniary loss equal to or in excess of $1,500," under circumstances not amounting to burglary. Second-degree felony.
• Fraudulent advertisement, sale, lease or mortgaging of real property (76-6-526, 2025). Knowingly listing or advertising residential property for sale, or selling, leasing or mortgaging real property, without legal title or authority. Second-degree felony.

For the owner's civil removal procedure, see Utah squatters' rights. For the rules on force against an intruder, see Utah self-defense laws.

Trespass versus burglary

Entering or remaining unlawfully in a building or part of one with intent to commit a felony, theft, an assault or certain listed offenses is burglary under 76-6-202: a third-degree felony, or a second-degree felony if committed in a dwelling.

Penalties at a glance

Misdemeanor jail terms come from Utah Code 76-3-204: up to 6 months for class B and 90 days for class C, and up to 364 days for class A. Fines come from 76-3-301(1): up to $2,500 for a class A misdemeanor, $1,000 for class B, and $750 for class C or an infraction. Felony prison terms come from 76-3-203: 1 to 15 years for a second-degree felony and up to 5 years for a third-degree felony, "unless the statute provides otherwise." For the full table, including felony fines, see Utah felony degrees and misdemeanor classes.

Recent changes to these statutes

• Laws of Utah 2025, ch. 173 (H.B. 21, Criminal Code Recodification and Cross References), effective May 7, 2025, reorganized chapter 9 of Title 76 into a new format, split some embedded offenses (such as commercial obstruction) into stand-alone sections, and created aggravated commercial obstruction as its own section (76-9-114).
• Laws of Utah 2025, ch. 195 enacted aggravated disorderly conduct on a street or highway (76-9-102.1), effective May 7, 2025.
• Laws of Utah 2025, ch. 295 enacted property damage or destruction by a trespasser (76-6-106.2) and fraudulent advertisement, sale, lease or mortgaging of real property (76-6-526), and amended criminal trespass (76-6-206).
• Laws of Utah 2025, ch. 504 enacted unsanctioned camping on state property (76-6-208), effective May 7, 2025.
• Laws of Utah 2026, ch. 368 enacted intentional concealment of identity while committing an offense in public (76-9-115) and unlawful deprivation of religious rights (76-9-116), both effective May 6, 2026.
• Laws of Utah 2026, ch. 453 amended emergency reporting abuse (76-9-105.5) and the party-line emergency section (76-9-105.6), and 2026 ch. 324 amended burglary (76-6-202); the current versions took effect May 6, 2026.
• Laws of Utah 2024, ch. 223 amended criminal trespass of a residence by a long-term guest (76-6-206.4), effective May 1, 2024.

Related Utah and state-by-state guides

• Disorderly conduct and trespass laws by state
• Utah noise ordinance laws
• Utah felony degrees and misdemeanor classes
• Utah squatters' rights
• Utah self-defense laws
• Utah expungement laws
• Nevada disorderly conduct and trespass laws
• How to charge someone with trespassing

Federal law separately governs conduct on federal property and at the U.S. Capitol; our state-by-state hub covers that layer.

This article provides general legal information about Utah's disorderly conduct, public-order and criminal trespass statutes as of 2026-10-18. It is not legal advice. For advice about a specific situation, contact a lawyer licensed in Utah.

Last updated: 2026-10-18.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is disorderly conduct in Utah?

Under Utah Code 76-9-102, it is refusing a lawful police order to move from a public place or official meeting, knowingly creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition, or, with intent to cause or reckless risk of public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, fighting, making unreasonable noise, or blocking traffic in a public place or official meeting.

Is disorderly conduct a misdemeanor in Utah?

A first offense is an infraction, with a fine of up to $750 and no jail. It is a class C misdemeanor if committed after being asked to stop, class B if also after one prior conviction within five years, and class A with two or more priors within five years (76-9-102(3)).

Can you get disorderly conduct for yelling in Utah?

Making unreasonable noises in a public place or official meeting, or in a private place where they can be heard in public, is disorderly conduct under 76-9-102(2)(b) when done with intent to cause, or reckless risk of, public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm. A first offense is an infraction.

Is public intoxication illegal in Utah?

Yes. Under 76-9-110, being under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or a toxic-vapor substance in a public place, or in a private place where one could unreasonably disturb others, to a degree that may endanger oneself or another person, is a class C misdemeanor: up to 90 days and a fine of up to $750.

Is trespassing a felony in Utah?

Criminal trespass under 76-6-206 is a class B misdemeanor, or class A in a dwelling. Related felonies include a trespasser causing $1,500 or more in damage or loss (76-6-106.2, second degree), aggravated commercial obstruction (second degree), and burglary (third degree, or second degree in a dwelling). Trespass in a dwelling against a cohabitant within 10 years after a prior domestic violence conviction (five years after a property damage offense) is a third-degree felony (77-36-1.1).

Does Utah have a purple paint law?

No. Utah's only paint rule is in the hunting trespass statute, 23A-5-317, which treats land as properly posted with signs or bright yellow, bright orange or fluorescent paint displayed at corners, streams, roads, gates and rights-of-way, or where a person in the area would reasonably be expected to see them.

What happens if a store tells you to leave in Utah?

Under 76-6-206(2)(b), notice by personal communication from the owner or someone with apparent authority, followed by entering or remaining while knowing it is unlawful, is criminal trespass, a class B misdemeanor. The statute provides a defense where the property was open to the public and the person complied with all lawful conditions of access.

Is squatting a crime in Utah?

A long-term guest who stays after notice to leave commits a class B misdemeanor (76-6-206.4). Since 2025, a trespasser who causes $1,500 or more in damage commits a second-degree felony (76-6-106.2), and so does a person who knowingly lists, sells, leases or mortgages property without title or authority (76-6-526).

What are Utah's funeral protest rules?

Under 76-9-108, intending to disrupt a memorial service and, from 60 minutes before it starts to 60 minutes after it ends, blocking entry, exit or the procession, making unreasonable noise, or engaging in disruptive activity within 200 feet is a class B misdemeanor.