Most Idaho traffic tickets include the assessment of fines and fees. However, the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also assesses points to a driver's record based on the severity of the moving violation. These points are used to identify problematic and dangerous drivers. Too many points will result in license suspension.
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 |
|
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 |
|
3 |
|
|
Failure to yield |
3 |
|
4 |
|
|
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.
Warning letter. 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:
Suspension. 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.
Expiration. All license points are removed after three years.
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.
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.
Points can be reduced via a defensive driving class or traffic safety education program only once every three years.
Suspended drivers might be eligible for a restricted license to drive to work and school. The DMV will decide issuance based on the need of the driver, safety of the public, and possible rehabilitation for the driver's habits.