(1) (a) The use and operation by a nonresident or his agent, or of a resident who has departed Utah, of a motor vehicle on Utah highways is an appointment of the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code as the true and lawful attorney for service of legal process in any action or proceeding against the person arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle over Utah highways which use or operation results in damages or loss to person or property. (b) The use or operation referenced in Subsection (1) is an agreement that process shall, in any action against the person in which there is such service, be of the same legal force and validity as if served upon him personally in Utah. (2) (a) Service of process under Subsection (1) is made by serving a copy upon the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code or by filing a copy in that office with payment of a reasonable fee. (b) The plaintiff shall, within 10 days after service of process, send notice of the process together with plaintiff's affidavit of compliance with this section to the defendant by registered mail at the defendant's last-known address. (3) (a) The court in which the action is pending may order any continuance necessary to afford the defendant reasonable opportunity to defend the action, but not exceeding 90 days from the date of filing the action in court. (b) The reasonable fee paid by the plaintiff to the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code is taxed as costs if the plaintiff prevails. (c) The division shall keep a record of all process served showing the day and hour of service.
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