Idaho Driving Laws: Complete Guide (2025)

Minimum Driving Age & Licensing Process

Idaho implements a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for drivers under 17:

• Driver Education: Teens must be at least 14½ years old to enroll in a driver education program, which includes 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, and 6 hours of in-car observation. (Idaho Transportation Department)
  
  
• Supervised Instruction Permit: After completing driver education, teens can obtain a supervised instruction permit. They must hold this permit for at least 6 months, during which they must complete 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night) and have no traffic violations. (I Drive Safely)
  
  
• Driver’s License: At 15 years old, teens can apply for a driver’s license after meeting the above requirements. (DriversEd.com)
  
  

Learner’s Permit Rules

Holders of a supervised instruction permit must:(I Drive Safely)

• Be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat.
  
  
• Complete the required supervised driving hours and maintain a clean driving record during the permit period.(Blaine County)
  
  

License Types

• Class D License: Standard driver’s license for operating non-commercial vehicles.
  
  
• Class M License: Required to operate a motorcycle.
  
  
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Required for commercial vehicle operation.
  
  

Required Documents for Driving

To obtain a driver’s license or permit in Idaho, applicants must provide:

• Proof of identity (e.g., certified birth certificate or valid U.S. passport).
  
  
• Proof of Social Security Number.
  
  
• Proof of Idaho residency (e.g., utility bills, lease agreements).
  
  
• For minors, a signed parental consent form and completion certificates for driver education.
  
  

Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws

• Seatbelts: All occupants are required to wear seatbelts. (Safe Ride 4 Kids)
  
  
• Child Car Seats: Idaho law mandates:
  
  
  • Children under 2 years old or weighing less than 30 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing car seat. (Auto Insurance Quotes)
    
    
  • Children under 7 years old must be in an appropriate child safety seat. (Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers)
    
    
  • Children under 18 years old must be properly restrained in a car seat or seatbelt, regardless of their position in the vehicle. (East Idaho News)
    
    

Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules

• Texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers.
  
  
• Use of handheld mobile devices while driving is prohibited.
  
  
• Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any mobile electronic devices, even hands-free.
  
  

DUI/DWI Thresholds and Penalties

• Legal BAC Limits:
  
  
  • Drivers 21 and over: 0.08%
    
    
  • Commercial drivers: 0.04%
    
    
  • Drivers under 21: 0.02%
    
    
• Penalties:
  
  
  • First Offense: Up to 6 months in jail, fines up to $1,000, and a 90-day license suspension (first 30 days absolute). (NCDD)
    
    
  • Second Offense: Mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail (up to 1 year), fines up to $2,000, and license suspension. (Amendola Doty & Brumley, PLLC)
    
    
  • Third Offense: Felony charge, up to 5 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and license suspension.
    
    
  • Excessive DUI (BAC ≥ 0.20%): Mandatory 10 days in jail (up to 1 year), fines up to $2,000, and a mandatory minimum of one year license suspension. (Amendola Doty & Brumley, PLLC)
    
    

Speed Limits

• Rural Interstates: Up to 80 mph for passenger vehicles; 70 mph for trucks on specified segments. (Motor1.com)
  
  
• Urban Interstates: Typically 65 mph. (107.9 LITE FM)
  
  
• Other Highways: Generally 70 mph, but can vary based on local ordinances. (Hertz)
  
  
• Default Speed Limit: If no speed limit is posted on a state highway, the default maximum speed limit is 65 mph. (107.9 LITE FM)
  
  

Road Rage and Reckless Driving Laws

• Reckless Driving: Defined as operating a vehicle in a manner that shows a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property. Conviction can result in fines, imprisonment, and license suspension.
  
  
• Aggressive Driving: Includes behaviors such as tailgating, erratic lane changes, and excessive speeding. Penalties are similar to those for reckless driving.
  
  

Points System

Idaho operates a points-based system for traffic violations:

• Points range from 1 to 4 per violation.
  
  
• Accumulating 12 to 17 points within 12 months results in a 30-day license suspension.
  
  
• Accumulating 18 to 23 points within 24 months results in a 90-day suspension.
  
  
• Accumulating 24 or more points within 36 months results in a 6-month suspension.
  
  

Insurance Requirements

Idaho mandates minimum liability insurance coverage:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
  
  
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
  
  
• $15,000 for property damage per accident. (The Zebra)
  
  

Proof of insurance must be carried at all times while driving.

Renewal Frequency and Testing

• License Validity: Driver’s licenses are valid for 4 years for drivers under 21 and 8 years for drivers aged 21 to 62.
  
  
• Vision Tests: Required at each renewal for drivers aged 62 and older.
  
  
• Renewal Methods: Renewals can be completed online, in person, or by mail, depending on eligibility.

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