Points, tickets and licence suspension in Idaho

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how Idaho's point system works.
• You can list the point levels that lead to warnings and suspensions.
• You can describe the extra penalties for drivers under 17.
• You can explain how points can be removed and how a license is reinstated.

What you need to know and understand

• Each moving violation adds 1 to 4 points to your record.
• Out-of-state tickets are reported to Idaho through the Driver License Compact and treated as if they happened in Idaho.
• An approved defensive driving course can remove up to 3 points, once every three years. Points come off but the conviction stays.
• Where police offer a Traffic Safety Education Course at the time of a ticket, finishing it within 45 days can remove up to 4 points.
• Reinstatement fees range from $25 to $285 depending on the suspension, and multiple suspensions can mean multiple fees.
• Driving without insurance, violating a license restriction and failing to meet school requirements can all lead to suspension.

Point thresholds

• 8 to 11 points in any 12 months: warning letter
• 12 to 17 points in any 12 months: 30-day suspension
• 18 to 23 points in any 24 months: 90-day suspension
• 24 or more points in any 36 months: 6-month suspension

Extra penalties for drivers under 17

On top of points, every driver under 17 faces GDL penalties: a warning letter for a first moving violation conviction, a 30-day suspension for a second and a 60-day suspension for a third or later one. These GDL suspensions are absolute, with no driving privileges of any kind. During the supervised instruction period, any traffic conviction also cancels the permit and restarts the 6-month period.

If you are under 18, your liability signer can withdraw consent, which cancels your license.

Getting back on the road

When a suspension ends, your license is not valid again until you apply to ITD and pay the reinstatement fee. For serious offenses such as DUI or reckless driving, you must also file proof of insurance (an SR-22 certificate) for three years. A first no-insurance offense requires one year of proof, and a second within five years requires three years. Some suspended drivers can apply for a restricted permit to drive to work or medical appointments: from ITD if ITD suspended you, or from the court if the court did.

Common mistakes

• Assuming a suspension ends automatically. You must reinstate and pay the fee first.
• Thinking an out-of-state ticket will not count in Idaho.
• Waiting to take a defensive driving course before the points are on your record. Points must already be recorded.
• Ignoring a daylight-only or lens restriction. Violating a restriction can lead to suspension.

Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in Idaho

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Idaho GDL Rules and the Supervised Instruction Permit
• Idaho Permit Test
• Idaho Parent-Led Driver Training