Over one-fourth of all traffic deaths in Idaho are due to drunk driving. Apart from not drinking before or while driving, you must also pay attention to driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) laws in Idaho. Call 888.341.3607 to speak with someone from Ashwood Recovery about how our alcohol addiction treatment program can help you avoid breaking those laws.
DWI and DUI Laws in Idaho
In Idaho, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, which is the legal limit for adults. You may also be arrested if:
- You are under 21 years of age, and your BAC is 0.02% or more.
- You are operating a commercial vehicle, and your BAC is 0.04% or more.
- You are influenced by other intoxicating substances.
Consequences for DWI and DUI violations vary, depending on the severity of the offense and the offender’s prior criminal record.
DUI Penalties in Idaho
Criminally, the Court can impose fines and put you in jail. Civilly, the Department of Transportation can suspend your license and impose other penalties.
First-Offense DUI Penalties
For a first-offense DUI, an offender can be given the following:
- Up to a $1000 fine
- Up to six months in jail
- Mandatory driver’s license suspension for 90 to 180 days
- No “restricted license” for the first 30 days
- Driver’s license reinstatement fee ranging from $25 to $285
The offender must also provide a Statement of Financial Responsibility (SR-22) for three years.
Second-Offense DUI Penalties
For a second-offense DUI, the following penalties can be given:
- Up to a $2000 fine
- Mandatory jail sentence of 10 days to one year
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
- Mandatory one-year driver’s license suspension
- Driver’s license reinstatement fee ranging from $25 to $285
If this is the second offense within five years, no “restricted license” will be granted. The offender must still provide an SR-22 for three years.
Third-Offense (or More) DUI Penalties
For further offenses, the offender may receive the following:
- Up to a $5000 fine
- Mandatory jail time of 30 days to five years
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
- Mandatory driver’s license suspension of one to five years
- Driver’s license reinstatement fee ranging from $25 to $285
This would be a felony if the previous two convictions were within the last 10 years. The offender must still provide an SR-22 for three years.
What If You Refuse a BAC Test?
If you refuse to submit to a test, you can receive the following penalties:
- Mandatory order of suspension of driving privileges for one year
- To dispute the suspension, you must submit a request in writing a hearing within seven days
- If the ruling is not in your favor, you pay a $250 fine, and the suspension is upheld
A second refusal results in another $250 fine and a two-year driver’s license suspension.
What If You’re Under 21 Years of Age?
The penalties for underage drinking vary but may include the following:
- $1000 fine
- Driver’s license suspension of one year
- For the first 90 days, no “restricted license”
Minors under 18 will lose their license until they turn 21.
Are There Any Other Costs of Getting a DUI in Idaho?
Violating DUI laws in Idaho will cost you much more than fines. By the time the process is complete, you will have paid the following:
- Court costs and bail – $175
- Attorney’s fees – First-time offenders pleading guilty can pay $500 to $2500, repeat offenders pleading guilty can pay $1000 to $5000, while those with DUI cases that go to trial can pay $2500 to $25,000
- Alcohol evaluation – $100
- Alcohol education program – up to $2000
- Ignition interlock device – up to $1300
- Insurance rates – These can rise to 81% or about $53 per month
That means a first-time offender who avoids trial and pleads guilty could still pay over $7500 for a DUI conviction.
Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Idaho at Ashwood Recovery
If you or someone you care about has a drinking problem, contact Ashwood Recovery today at 888.341.3607 to learn more about our outpatient alcohol treatment programs in Boise, Idaho.