Idaho DUI Fines & Penalties

First Idaho DUI

1st Drunk Driving Conviction

• Jail – Up to 6 Months
• Fine – Up to $1,000
• License Suspension – From 90 to 180 Days
• Restricted License – Possible After 30 Days
• Possibly Undergo Alcohol Evaluation and Treatment

Second Idaho DUI

2nd Drunk Driving Conviction

• Jail – Mandatory Minimum of 10 Days, up to 1 Year
• Work Detail – May be Subject to Work Detail with County Sheriff
• Fine – Up to $2,000
• License Suspension – Mandatory Minimum of 1 Year after Release
• Ignition Interlock Device – Required After 1 Year Suspension
• Possibly Undergo Alcohol Evaluation and Treatment

Third Idaho DUI

3rd (and future) DUI Conviction

• Felony Charge
• Jail – Mandatory Minimum of 30 Days up to 5 Years
• Fine – Up to $5,000
• License Suspension – Mandatory Minimum of 1 Year, up to 5 Years
• Ignition Interlock Device – If Allowed, After 1 Year Suspension
• Possibly Undergo Alcohol Evaluation and Treatment

Drinking and Driving Laws in Idaho

The State of Idaho has a drunk driving law that prohibits driving when the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above. The .08 percentage level is the standard BAC measurement used in all states. Idaho also has stricter laws in place for drivers of commercial vehicles and drivers under the age of 21.

How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in Idaho?

Calculating how many drinks it takes to reach the .08 BAC level is not an exact science. Each person has individual characteristics that play a role in how alcohol is metabolized. Variables such as body weight, body-fat percentage, age, genetics and the amount of time between drinks all play into the formula. There are Calculators and Tables that can serve as a reference, however these device cannot provide 100% accuracy when determining your BAC.

The best answer is not to drink and drive . The State of Idaho has strict laws for drunk driving, and when you drink and drive in Idaho, you risk your freedom, monetary penalties such as fines and SR-22 Insurance requirements, your life and the lives of others.

The first DUI conviction in Idaho is a misdemeanor and you may be sentenced to jail for no longer than 6 months. You may also be fined up to $1,000 on your first drunk driving offense. Your drivers license will be suspended for an absolute minimum of 30 days. The court may rule after the 30 day suspension to extend the suspension from 90-180 days. The driver may request restricted driving privileges for employment or family health needs.

The second time you are arrested for drunk driving in Idaho you will serve a minimum of 10 days or up to 1 year in jail and be fined up to $2,000. Your drivers license will be suspended for a minimum period of 1 year after release from jail. During the one year suspension, no restricted driving privileges will be allowed. You may also be ordered to install a ignition interlock system at your own expense following the one year suspension.

The third arrest for drunk driving in Idaho you may be sentenced to the custody of the state board of corrections for no more than 10 years. If the court decides not to send you to a state penitentiary, you will be sentenced to the county jail for a mandatory minimum of 30 days. The fine you will receive will be up to $5,000 and your drivers license will be suspended for a period of 1-5 years after the imprisonment. You will also be ordered to install a ignition interlock system at your own expense following the mandatory one year suspension.

Drunk Driving Laws in Idaho

State of Idaho BAC Laws:

• All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
• Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
• Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.

The Implied Consent Law in Idaho

Like many of the other states across the country Idaho has what is called an implied consent law. To put it simply, any person who drives in Idaho is deemed to have given their consent to be tested for alcohol or drug concentration in their blood, breath or urine if the requesting officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the driver may be impaired. If the driver refuses this testing he will be fined $250 and have his drivers license seized by the arresting officer. The driver will be issued a temporary license that is valid until the day of his hearing or 30 days. The hearing will be used to question why the driver did not submit to the test requested. The burden of defense will be on the driver to prove that he was not impaired at the time of the arrest. If the driver is proven guilty, he will have his license revoked for a period of one year for the first refusal and 2 years for a second refusal if it is within 10 years of the first. If the court finds that the officer did not have legal cause to stop the driver and request the test, the driver will not have his license revoked.

Idaho SR-22 Insurance Requirements

If your license is suspended in Idaho for a DUI, you must apply to the Idaho Transportation department for a reinstatement. Since your license was suspended for driving under the influence, you are obligated to provide proof that you are able to meet financial obligations that may arise from an accident. This proof is offered by SR-22 insurance and is necessary for 3 years following the reinstatement of your drivers license.

Additional Information on SR-22 Insurance in Idaho

State of Idaho Website - DUI Laws

Other State of Idaho Information on This Website

Idaho Teen Driving Laws and Insurance Requirements