Common Questions for Patrol

Where can I get a copy of my driving record?

Idaho Transportation Department, Driver Services Interactive Driver License Record (DLR) Search.

 

I have a concealed weapons permit from another state, will Idaho honor my permit and allow me to carry a concealed weapon in my car or on my person?

Idaho Code 18-3302 is very specific about this issue.

It does allow for reciprocity if a citizen from another state or jurisdiction has a valid concealed weapons permit. The only requirements are that the person have the permit on their person at all times and display it upon request of an enforcement officer.

Here is a link to a page on the State of Idaho website which discusses Firearm Laws.

Here is a link to a webpage where you can see details on weapons laws in all states.

Here is a link to the Office of the Attorney General Concealed Weapons Permit FAQs

 

What are Idaho’s DUI (Driving under the Influence) Laws? Can an officer take my license if I’m caught drinking and driving? What if I’m under 21?

Read up on Idaho’s DUI laws with these resources:

 

Will I be required to carry chains in Idaho during winter weather?

Idaho does not have a chain law for passenger vehicles and light trucks. It is up to the driver as to whether chains are carried.

In Idaho, however, it is always good to be prepared with chains if traveling in the higher elevations. Sudden snowstorms are the norm during the winter and many times roads can be snowed shut very quickly. Chains will give an extra margin of safety.

 

We will be traveling to Idaho from another state and my child has a Learner’s Permit to drive from my home state. Will Idaho honor that permit?

Idaho will honor learner’s permits from other states as long as there is a licensed driver in the front seat with the learner and the learner does not drive after dark.

 

Does Idaho have a motorcycle helmet law?

Idaho does have a helmet law, but it only applies to persons under the age of 18 who are driving or riding as a passenger.

 

When may I use studded snow tires in Idaho?

Studded snow tires are legal in Idaho from October 1st through April 30th. Studded tires must be removed from vehicles from April 30th through October 1st every year.

 

I am traveling through Idaho with my camp trailer and boat. May I pull my boat behind my camp trailer in Idaho?

Yes. You may pull your boat behind your camp trailer as long as your overall length does not exceed 75 feet.

 

I will be traveling through Idaho pulling a camp trailer or 5th wheel trailer with my pickup truck. Is it legal to allow members of my family to ride in the camp trailer or 5th wheel while we are on the road?

Although there is no law prohibiting persons from riding in a camp trailer or 5th wheel, it is extremely unsafe, and not recommended by Idaho State Police.

 

Does Idaho have a seat belt law and/or a child restraint requirement?

Yes, Idaho does require that all passengers in a vehicle manufactured with seat belts wear them at all times when traveling in the vehicle.

 

I transport children as part of my business (such as a day care or similar operation). Am I required to comply with seat belt and child restraint laws?

It depends on how many children you transport and if your vehicle meets the definition of a “commercial vehicle.”

Not Required to Comply

1 – All vehicles used in the furtherance of a business, which carry 9 or more occupants, are exempt from complying with Idaho Code 49-672.  These vehicles are considered to be commercial vehicles solely by their use regardless of the type of motor vehicle registration they display.  The exemption only applies when the vehicle is being used in the context of the business.  The vehicle must display a valid US DOT #.  Personal use of these vehicles does not relieve the need to comply with this code.

Required to Comply

2 – Vehicles used in the furtherance of a business, which carry 8 or less occupants, must comply with Idaho Code 49-672.  These vehicles are not considered commercial vehicles by their use and are not exempt from the intent of the code.

3 – All other vehicles including those vehicles described in number #1 above which are operating in a non-business related activity, and all vehicles owned by exempt agencies, must comply with Idaho Code 49-672.

 

Where do I go to deal with this ticket I received?

The Trooper that issues the citation will explain to you where you need to go and by when you need to be there. The information will also be printed or written on the back of the copy of the citation that you receive.

On infraction citations, you may mail the fine to the address on the back of the citation if you choose to do so. Otherwise you may personally appear and make a plea to the court, but it will have to be in the area where the citation was issued.

This is a list of the current fines for common traffic infractions.

 

Why won’t ISP Troopers let me see the speed readout on the RADAR when I am stopped for speeding?

State Police procedure requires that the Troopers not lock in the speed of the violator on the RADAR. By not locking in the speed, the Trooper is able to observe the speed of the approaching vehicle to determine if the speed is increasing or decreasing.

By visual observation and the audible sound the RADAR emits, the Trooper is also able to determine which vehicle the RADAR is identifying.

If the RADAR is locked the moment the speed is indicated, the possibility of identifying the wrong vehicle increases.

Safety is a major concern, we do not want to expose a citizen unnecessarily to the likelihood of walking along the highway shoulder to enter into the Trooper’s vehicle and being struck by a passing vehicle.

 

My driving privileges have been suspended in my home state, may I drive in Idaho?

No. If your driving privileges are suspended in any state, it is a violation of Idaho law for you to operate a motor vehicle in Idaho.

 

Can my kids ride in the back of my pickup on our next trip?

Yes, there is no restriction in Idaho Code that prohibits anyone from riding in the back of a pickup truck.

 

Is hitchhiking legal in Idaho?

Idaho code prohibits a pedestrian from standing on a highway to solicit a ride.

 

May I ride my bicycle on the Interstate Highway in Idaho?

You may ride your bicycle on the interstate highway in Idaho. It is preferred, that if there is another route that you can travel, that you do so. Interstate speeds are dangerous to bicycle riders.

 

Am I required to have brakes on my utility or travel trailer?

Idaho code is very specific about brakes on trailers.

Every trailer or semi-trailer of an unladen weight of 1500 pounds or more when operated upon a highway shall be equipped with brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the vehicle and be designed to be applied by the driver of the towing motor vehicle from its cab.

The brakes shall be designed and so connected that in case of an accidental breakaway of the towed vehicle, the brakes shall automatically be applied. If your trailer is 1500 pounds or less unladen weight, then brakes are not required by law, although highly recommended.

Note: Farm trailers while being used to haul agricultural products or livestock from farm to storage, marketing or processing plant, or returning therefrom, and used within 50 miles, shall be exempt from these braking requirements.

 

I was recently involved in an accident and want to get a copy of my accident report. How can I getthis report?

You can request a copy of your report from the ISP District office located in the area of your accident. This request can be made in writing or in person and the report will be sent when it is complete.

However, if there are charges attached to the incident (speeding, DUI, etc.), all requests for this report must be made through the County Prosecutor.

 

How can I get statistics regarding highway accidents in Idaho?

Idaho Transportation Department Highway Safety Records

 

I have been told that a warrant has been issued for my arrest. How can I verify that?

You may call the Court Administrator in the County that you believe the warrant was issued.

 

Is it really necessary that police officers handcuff everyone?

Yes, Idaho State Police Procedure requires that all persons arrested be handcuffed for officers’ safety and the personal safety of the persons arrested.

The only exception to this rule is when persons are old or infirm or their physical condition prohibits the safe use of handcuff restraints.

Troopers have no idea who you are or what your intentions are upon arrest and it is difficult to predict behavior under these circumstances. Therefore, if everyone is handcuffed, there is less likelihood of physical assault or injury being inflicted upon either party.