The following information is updated periodically. However, laws and regulations can change between updates. State statutes and local ordinances are the ultimate authorities for these issues.
Points of Interest
Speed Limits
Rural Interstates: Cars 75, Trucks 65
Urban Interstates: Cars 75, Trucks 75
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars 65, Trucks 65
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/speedlimit_laws.html)
These speed limits apply unless a different limit is posted.
Speed limits are absolute--exceeding the speed limit is illegal per se (regardless of whether it was safe under the specific conditions).
Speed Limits Enforcement Techniques
Enforced through use of:
Pacing: Yes
Radar: Yes
Vascar: Yes
Automated Speed Enforcement: No
Aircraft: No
Laser: Yes
Ticket Payment Methods
Consult your ticket or clerk of courts
Trial By Declaration Allowed
No
Jury Trial Allowed
Speeding: No
Parking: No
Equipment: No
DWI: Yes
Member of Nonresident Compact
Yes
Member of Driver License Compact
Yes
When and Where to File Accident Reports
(1) The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person, or damage to the property of any one (1) person in excess of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) shall immediately, by the quickest means of communication, give notice of the accident to the local police department if the accident occurs within a city, otherwise to the office of the county sheriff or the nearest office of the state police. (2) Whenever the driver of a vehicle is physically incapable of giving immediate notice of an accident as required herein, and there was another occupant in the vehicle at the time of the accident capable of doing so, the occupant shall give or cause to be given the notice not given by the driver.
(Idaho Statute 49-1305, http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title49/T49CH13SECT49-1305.htm)
Resident Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance is required (although some states allow posting a cash bond or such as an alternative)
Minimum Coverage Required:
Injury to one person: $25,000
All injuries: $50,000
Property Damage: $15,000
Phone Restrictions
Novice Drivers: No special restrictions
School Bus Drivers: No special restrictions
All Drivers: No restrictions*
* But Idaho has a "Distraction in/on Vehicle (List)" attribute as part of its Contributing Circumstances element, and officers are supposed to list the distractions in the narrative.
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html)
Other Regulations
General Information
Telephone: 208/334-8000 (Idaho Transportation Department) or http://itd.idaho.gov/dmv/driverservices/ds.htm (Idaho Transportation Department Driver Services page)
Emergency Cellular Phone Number: ISP (477) or 911
Go Back To NMA State Chapter Home Page
These pages are created and managed by the volunteer efforts of NMA Activists, State Chapter Coordinators and members.
If your state doesn't currently have anyone serving in these roles, perhaps you'd like to consider it.
Across the United States, even the most careful, safe drivers on the road would probably admit to being nervous when they spot a police officer enforcing traffic laws. Instead of inspiring feelings of safety, our traffic laws are used to create fear. Can this ever change?
This page was last updated: August 2010