Idaho Traffic Violation Records

Traffic records in Idaho are primarily maintained by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates under the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). Examples of traffic records maintained by the DMV include the documentation of speeding violations. More than 11.5% of motorists in the state have a prior speeding violation on their driving record. This places Idaho above the national average of 10.54%.

While the DMV handles administrative records related to driver history and citations, Idaho courts also keep records of traffic violations that result in criminal charges, such as reckless driving, driving under the influence (DUI), or driving without a valid license.

In order to deter motorists in Idaho from breaking traffic regulations, Idaho uses a point system to punish violators. The Idaho DMV assesses points to drivers based on the severity of their offenses, with points ranging from 1-4 per violation. If a driver accumulates too many points within a certain period, they may receive a warning letter or face license suspension.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Idaho?

With traffic violation records falling under the provisions of the Idaho Public Records Act, such records are generally considered public and accessible to requesters. However, to ensure personal privacy, certain information is not provided to the public, such as social security numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, and personal identification numbers.

Note that traffic violation records handled by Idaho courts are also considered public. The magistrate division of the district court typically handles traffic infractions or misdemeanors. Per the Public Records Act and the Idaho Supreme Court rules, these records may be accessed in most cases.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Idaho?

You may look up a traffic ticket using the Idaho iCourt Portal. To begin:

• Visit the iCourt portal
• Select the county where the ticket was issued and "Records Search" under the service option
• Click on the "smart search" option
• Click on the "search" option
• Click on the "advanced filtering option."
• Select "citation number" as search criteria under the "filter by search type"
• Enter the citation number under the "citation number" field

Additionally, since Idaho designates traffic violations as public records, some third-party sources, such as PublicRecords.us, offer online access to information about Idaho traffic tickets.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

The iCourt Portal is a statewide system that also allows violators to pay traffic fines online. To make a payment:

• Visit the iCourt Portal
• Select your county of violation
• Choose the service type as "Payments"
• Click on "Make Payments"
• Enter your Citation Number, Case Number, or Driver's License Number
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your payment

Note that there is a 3.5% credit card transaction fee on all online payments.

Alternatively, you may be able to make a traffic fine payment in court in person or via mail if the court accepts payments by mail. Therefore, contact the clerk of the court to determine the available payment options.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

You may obtain your driving record online via the Idaho DMV portal. Printing a copy of your record online via the portal costs $10.50. To complete the online application, you need a valid credit or debit card, your Idaho driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online records include three years of driver's license history. However, if CDL Employer Information is selected as the access purpose on the portal, the record will contain the full license history, which may extend beyond three years. To obtain a record with the original issue date or more than three years of history, you must complete a paper form and submit it to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).

If you prefer a mail request, you must submit a completed ITD 3120 form (Idaho Driver's License Record Request) and a check or money order of the appropriate fee made payable to the Idaho Transportation Department to the address on the form. A non-certified record costs $7 while a certified record costs $21.

An Idaho driving record typically contains personal information (if obtained by the individual named on the record), license status, convictions for traffic violations, points on record, suspensions or revocations, accidents (if reported to the ITD), commercial driver's licenses disqualifications (if applicable), and restrictions and endorsements.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Idaho?

Moving violations are violations of Idaho traffic regulations occurring when a driver commits an offense while the vehicle is actively being driven. Common examples of moving violations include:

• Driving Under the Influence
• Speeding
• Reckless or inattentive driving
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Improper lane changes
• Failure to yield

Moving violations in Idaho typically carry more severe consequences, such as:

• Fines
• Points added to the driving record
• Possible license suspension or revocation
• Higher auto insurance rates

Non-moving violations are violations of Idaho traffic laws that happen when the vehicle is not in motion or the issue is unrelated to driver behavior while driving. They are generally considered less serious than moving violations but may still result in penalties.

Examples of non-moving violations include:

• Parking in a prohibited zone
• Expired vehicle registration or license plates
• Equipment violations, such as broken headlights and missing mirrors
• Failure to display a license plate properly

The penalties for non-moving violations typically include:

• Fixed fines
• A requirement to correct the issue, such as registering the vehicle or fixing faulty equipment

Note that non-moving violations do not result in the addition of demerit points on a driving record.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Idaho?

A DUI conviction in Idaho remains on your driving record for three years but is indefinitely on your criminal record. Although Idaho is not in the top ten for drunk driving-related deaths, it still records a fairly high rate of DUI arrests and road fatalities. Idaho records over 500 DUI arrests and about 5 DUI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers in recent years.

The state's penalties for DUI convictions include the following:

• First DUI Offense
• Jail Time: Up to 6 months; however, courts often suspend most of this time, requiring only a few days served, which may be converted to community service or sheriff's labor detail.
• Fines: Up to $1,000, plus court costs.
• License Suspension: 90 to 180 days; the first 30 days are absolute (no driving), after which a restricted license may be available.
• Ignition Interlock Device: Mandatory installation for one year following license reinstatement.
• Probation: Typically 1-2 years, which may be supervised or unsupervised.
• Alcohol Evaluation: Required, with mandatory completion of any recommended treatment or education programs.
• Second DUI Offense (Within 10 Years)
• Jail Time: Minimum of 10 days (with at least 48 consecutive hours), up to 1 year.
• Fines: Up to $2,000, plus court costs.
• License Suspension: Mandatory 1-year suspension with no driving privileges; after this period, restricted driving may be allowed with an ignition interlock device.
• Ignition Interlock Device: Required for at least one year after license reinstatement.
• Probation: Typically 2 years of supervised probation, including mandatory alcohol education, testing, and treatment programs.
• SR-22 Insurance: Proof of SR-22 insurance required for three years post-conviction
• Third DUI Offense (Within 10 Years, Felony)
• Jail/Prison Time: Minimum of 30 days in jail; up to 10 years in prison.
• Fines: Up to $5,000.
• License Suspension: Mandatory suspension of driving privileges for a minimum of one year, up to five years; no driving privileges during the first year.
• Ignition Interlock Device: Required for at least one year after license reinstatement.
• Probation: Supervised probation or parole upon release, with conditions such as mandatory alcohol treatment and testing.
• SR-22 Insurance: Proof of SR-22 insurance is required for three years after license reinstatement.
• Additional Consequences: A felony conviction may result in the loss of certain civil rights, including the right to vote and possess firearms.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Idaho?

Idaho speed limit laws are codified in Idaho Code § 49-654. According to these laws, except where otherwise posted, the following absolute limits apply:

• Interstate Highways: 75 mph or 80 mph if a traffic study determines that it is in the public interest to increase the limit.
• State Highways: 65 mph or 70 mph if a traffic study determines that it is in the public interest to increase the limit.
• Other Locations: 55 mph, unless otherwise posted, up to a maximum of 70 mph
• Residential, Business, and Urban Areas: 35 mph
• School zones: Typically 20 mph

The penalties for speeding in Idaho vary based on how much over the speed limit the violator travels. The stipulated fines are:

• $90: 1-15 mph over the limit
• $155: 16 mph or more over the limit
• $106.50: Speeding in a construction zone
• $156.50: Speeding in a school zone

In addition to these fines, Idaho employs a point system where speeding violations may add points to your driving record, potentially leading to license suspension if too many points are accumulated. Also, per Idaho Administrative Code IDAPA 39.02.71, the number of points assigned for speeding depends on how much the speed limit was exceeded:

• 1-15 mph over the speed limit: 3 points
• 16 mph or more over the speed limit: 4 points
• Speeding in a work zone: 4 points

The following actions are taken depending on the number of points accumulated:

• 8 points in 12 months: Drivers receive a warning letter.
• 12 to 17 points in 12 months: 30-day license suspension.
• 18 to 23 points in 24 months: 90-day license suspension.
• 24 or more points in 36 months: 6-month license suspension

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Idaho?

A speeding ticket remains on your Idaho driving record for three years from the date of conviction.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

You may represent yourself in court or hire an attorney when fighting a traffic case in Idaho. When self-representing, you may use the following defenses:

• Challenge the Evidence: If the law enforcement officer's observations were unclear or if radar equipment was not properly calibrated, you may argue that the evidence is unreliable.
• Argue Necessity: If you had to break a traffic law to avoid harm or an emergency, you may present this as a legal defense.
• Question Officer's Subjective Judgment: Certain violations, such as reckless driving, rely on officer's judgment. If there is room for interpretation, you may argue the assessment was inaccurate.
• Present Witness Testimony: If a passenger or witness can confirm that you did not commit the violation, their testimony may strengthen your defense.
• Absence of Proper Signage: You may claim that speed limit or traffic control signs were either missing, obstructed, or not sufficiently visible at the location of the alleged violation.

However, hiring an experienced traffic attorney to represent you in court may be advisable if the traffic violation carries severe penalties, such as license suspension, high fines, or criminal charges like DUI. Additionally, if you believe a legal technicality may help dismiss the case or you want to negotiate for reduced charges, having a lawyer represent you may improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

If you receive a traffic ticket when you travel out of state, your home state may be notified following the stipulations of the DLC (Driver's License Compact). The DLC is a pact between participating states, allowing them to share data relating to traffic infractions committed by drivers outside their home state. As a result, the violation may be added to your driving record in your home state.

However, you are still required to handle the ticket with the state where the violation occurred. Otherwise, you may face further actions under the Nonresident Violator Compact (NVC). The NVC enables participating states to inform your home state if you ignore or fail to pay the ticket. In such cases, your home state may suspend your driver's license until you resolve the ticket.

You may resolve the ticket by:

• Traveling to the State: You may appear in person at the appropriate court in the state where the violation occurred. This allows you to contest the ticket directly before a judge and present your case and evidence.
• Submitting a Written Defense: Some states permit drivers to challenge a traffic ticket by submitting a written statement instead of appearing in court. If this option is available, you may mail or upload a formal letter explaining the circumstances of the violation and any supporting evidence you want the court to consider.
• Hiring a Local Attorney: If you are unable to travel to the state where the offense occurred, certain states allow you to authorize a licensed attorney to appear on your behalf. The attorney may represent you in court, argue your case, and handle all legal proceedings related to resolving the ticket.

How Do Idaho Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

Idaho employs a mix of standard and unique traffic laws designed to ensure road safety and regulate vehicle operations. While many laws align with national standards, some are specific to the state, such as:

• Passing Speed Increase: Drivers may legally exceed the posted speed limit by up to 15 mph when overtaking another vehicle on a two-lane highway, provided the maneuver is completed safely.
• Yellow Light Duration Regulations: Idaho mandates specific durations for yellow traffic lights: 3.2 seconds in areas with speed limits between 25 and 35 mph and 4.5 seconds in areas with higher speed limits.
• School Bus Stopping Rules: Drivers must stop when approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, unless they travel in the opposite direction on a roadway with four or more lanes.
• Right Turn on Red: After coming to a complete stop, drivers may turn right at a red light unless a sign prohibits it, provided the way is clear.
• Flashing Red and Yellow Lights: A flashing red light requires a complete stop, while a flashing yellow light means proceed with caution.
• Headlight Usage: Headlights must be turned on from sunset to sunrise and during any conditions that limit visibility to 500 feet or less.