Idaho’s Traffic Violation Point System

Most Idaho traffic tickets include the assessment of fines and fees. However, the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also keeps track of violations using a point system. This article explains how Idaho's traffic violation point system works and the consequences of getting too many points.

How Does Idaho's Traffic Violation Point System Work?

The Idaho DMV assigns a certain number of points for most traffic violation convictions. The number of points depends on the severity of the offense (see chart below).

Drivers who accumulate too many points will receive a warning letter. If the driver accumulates more points, license suspension will follow.

However, points eventually expire, and drivers can sometimes avoid points or get points off their record by taking classes (explained below).

Accumulating Too Many Points Leads to License Suspension in Idaho

Idaho drivers who rack up too many points will first receive a warning letter. If the driver doesn't heed the warning and gets additional points, he or she will face license suspension.

Warning Letters for Traffic Ticket Points in Idaho

While not required, the DMV will usually send out a warning letter when a driver is close to a point-related suspension. Drivers will usually receive a warning after accumulating:

• eight points in 12 months
• 14 points in 24 months, and
• 20 points in 36 months.

Warning letters basically inform drivers that license suspension is ahead if they continue to rack up points.

License Suspension for Traffic Violation Points in Idaho

The DMV is authorized to suspend the license of any driver who accumulates at least 12 points. The length of the suspension depends on the number of points accumulated.

• 12 to 17 points in 12 months. The driver's license will be suspended for 30 days.
• 18 to 23 points in 24 months. The driver's license will be suspended for 90 days.
• At least 24 points in 36 months. The driver's license will be suspended for six months.

As explained below, some drivers might be able to avoid a point suspension by taking classes.

How Long Do Traffic Ticket Points Stay on Your Idaho Driving Record?

In Idaho, all license points expire after three years.

Ways to Remove Points from Your Idaho's Driving Record

Defensive driving class. Voluntary completion of a certified defensive driving class will remove three points from the driver's record. However, these points cannot be credited for future use. Points can be reduced via a defensive driving class or traffic safety education program only once every three years.

Traffic safety education program. A driver can also avoid the point assessment for a single violation by completing a traffic safety education program within 45 days of the conviction. This option is not available for all violations or in all jurisdictions.

Getting a Restricted License After a Point Suspension in Idaho

Suspended drivers might be eligible for a restricted license to drive to and from work and school. The DMV will decide on issuance based on the driver's needs, public safety, and the possibility of driver habit rehabilitation.

Points Values for Traffic Violations in Idaho

Below are the point values for some of the more common moving violations. Points may be assessed for both in-state and out-of-state violations.

Violation	Points Assessed
Driving on sidewalk	3
Prohibited coasting	2
Obstruction of driver's view	3
Obstructing traffic	1
Failure to exercise due care	3
Driving through prohibited safety zone	2
Failure to give right-of-way to emergency vehicles	3
Crossing fire hose	1
Driving in wrong lane	3
Improper passing	3
Tailgating	3
On-ramp violation	3
Improper left turn	3
Railroad crossing violation	4
Speeding 1 to 15 miles per hour over limit	3
Speeding 16 or more miles per hour over limit	4
Speeding in work zone	4
Failure to give right-of-way to pedestrian	3
Traffic signal violation	3
Failure to yield	3
Failure to stop after accident	4
Inattentive driving	3
Improper passing of school bus	4
Racing	4

Seat belt violations and first-offense distracted driving tickets won't result in a point assessment.