In Idaho, drivers can have their licenses suspended or revoked for a number of violations, including major offenses like vehicular manslaughter or driving under the influence, as well as more minor infractions like repeated moving violations or failure to pay child support. If your license is suspended, you should not drive, as driving without privileges is a misdemeanor in Idaho and can even lead to jail time — not to mention, it'll be much harder to find

cheap car insurance in Idaho.

Driving laws are intended to keep people safe on the road, so it’s always important to follow them—or else risk having your license suspended or revoked. If you’re unfamiliar with the rules for license suspensions in your state or confused about the difference between a suspension and revocation, you can check the law to clarify your questions.

But before you make yourself dizzy with too much legalese, let car insurance super app

Jerry

acquaint you with the basics of license suspension rules in Idaho. To protect your driving privileges, read on to learn the most common reasons for a suspended license in the Gem State. And to protect yourself and your vehicle on the road, find the perfect

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plan.

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What’s the difference between a license suspension and revocation?

Sometimes, the words “suspension” and “revocation” are used interchangeably when describing a loss of driving privileges—but they’re actually not the same thing! Here’s the meaning of each term:

A license suspension describes a loss of driving privileges that is temporary, within a specified period of time

A license revocation describes a more long-term loss of driving privileges, which frequently requires the driver to reapply for licensing

There are a variety of reasons why the Idaho Transportation Department might suspend or revoke driver’s licenses. It can range from a simple failure to pay administrative fees to much more serious offenses like vehicular manslaughter.

What can your license be suspended for in Idaho?

There is a wide range of offenses that could prompt the Idaho Transportation Department to suspend your license. Be sure to avoid the following violations in order to protect your driving privileges and others on the road.

MORE:

Nine common reasons your license can be revoked

1. If you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs

In most cases, Idaho drivers are considered intoxicated if their alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher, and penalties for drunk driving are stiff in the Gem State. The first time you get a DUI in Idaho, you can expect a driver’s license suspension of at least 90 days, with absolutely no driving privileges for the first 30 days.

A second offense leads to a suspension of one to two years, while three or more convictions constitute a felony and can lead to a suspension of up to five years.

Idaho drivers also risk jail time and fines even for first offenses, so it’s imperative—not just for the sake of your driving privileges—to never drive drunk.

2. If you drive with a suspended license

You are considered to be “driving without privileges” if you operate a vehicle while your license is suspended or revoked. However, you will only be guilty of an infraction if the reason your license was suspended originally was due to a failure to pay (for example, a civil judgment or child support).

If you have a restricted license and violate those restrictions, you should expect a fine of $101 on top of a 30-day driver’s license suspension. Driving without privileges is considered a misdemeanor in Idaho, and in a worst-case scenario, this offense can be penalized with up to five years of imprisonment.

3. If you collect too many points for moving violations

In Idaho, drivers are subject to a “point system” in which they collect points on their license for every moving violation they commit. Drivers who accumulate 12 to 17 points within a year will be subject to a 30-day license suspension, while drivers with 18 to 23 points within two years can expect to have their license suspended for 90 days.

The longest suspension for moving violations is six months—if you accumulate 24 or more points in a period of three years.

MORE:

How points on your license affect your insurance rates

4. If you use a fake ID

Your Idaho driver’s license can be suspended if you are found to be using identification illegally, like using another driver’s license to purchase alcohol or giving someone else your own license for identification purposes.

5. If you drive without Idaho car insurance

Idaho's insurance laws

require drivers to carry liability insurance at a minimum. If you’re pulled over while driving and can’t show proof of insurance, you’ll first receive a warning and be required to demonstrate proof of insurance within 30 days, on top of being on the hook for a fine of up to $75.

Failure to demonstrate insurance coverage within the time frame can lead to your registration being revoked, and subsequent offenses carry much harsher penalties. Much worse than license or vehicle suspensions, repeat offenders could find themselves facing up to six months in jail.

Some of the violations that can result in license suspensions are reckless driving, being involved in an at-fault fatal accident, or abandoning your vehicle on a public highway. Other examples include using a vehicle to commit a felony, leaving the scene of an accident (hit-and-run), fleeing from an officer, or failing to pay damages when involved in an accident. The length of suspension will vary based on the individual’s circumstances and the details of the offense.

7. If you become physically or psychologically unable to drive safely

If there is reason to believe you have become unfit to drive, the DMV can order a reexamination of your driving abilities. If the results indicate that you are physically or psychologically handicapped in a way that interferes with your ability to drive safely, your license may be suspended.

8. If you fail to pay child support

Your child support payments may seem unrelated to your driving abilities, but Idaho is one of many states that penalizes drivers who do not pay on time. If you default on child support payments or fail to comply with visitation rights, your license will be suspended.

9. If you are a minor found in possession of drugs or alcohol

If you are underage and caught with drugs or alcohol in your possession—regardless of whether you are driving at the time—you can expect to have your license suspended. This infraction is separate from driving under the influence

10. If you are a minor expelled from school

Your school can ask the Department of Transportation to suspend your license and driving privileges if you are found to be missing school or not complying with school rules.

MORE:

Idaho car accident laws

How to save money on car insurance in Idaho

Now that you know how to protect your driving privileges in Idaho, you’ll want to find the best possible insurance plan to protect yourself and your vehicle. Luckily,

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On top of effortless comparison shopping, Jerry also offers next-level customer support. If you have questions, our expert team of insurance agents is available to field them, and as a

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