Idaho Drunk Driving Laws
 |
|---|
In Idaho, it is against the law for any person to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. There are, however, two exceptions to this rule: drivers under 21 and those who have been issued a commercial license must comply with even lower BAC requirements.
Due to the nationally enforced drinking age of 21, a number of states have passed legislation to limit the amount of alcohol underage motorists can have in their system. Under Idaho’s “Zero Tolerance Law,” this means that drivers who are under 21 can be charged with drunk driving if their BAC is 0.02% or more. Commercial vehicle operators, on the other hand, are permitted a blood alcohol content of only 0.04%—making it illegal for these individuals to drive with a blood alcohol content above 0.03%.
In addition to the state’s BAC limits, Idaho has an “Implied Consent Law” to prevent drivers from refusing to perform a breathalyzer or other chemical test. As one of the most common tools law enforcement officers use to identify drunk drivers, chemical tests measure the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream by analyzing the content of his or her breath, blood, or urine.
As a licensed driver, you are expected to allow any officer to administer a chemical test if he or she deems it necessary, and failing to comply will lead to your arrest. In fact, refusing a chemical test can result in a $250 fine and up to a one-year license suspension (and you can add another year to that suspension if it’s your second refusal).
Regardless of the reasons for your arrest, an Idaho DUI conviction can lead to a number of penalties. For a first offense, your sentence may include up to six months in jail, a maximum $1,000 fine, and a 90- to 180-day license suspension. Although you may be eligible for a restricted licensed—allowing you to travel to and from work, school, and other court-approved activities—you may first be required to undergo counseling and/or obtain treatment for substance abuse.
The penalties for your offense will only increase with each subsequent DUI conviction. If you are charged with a second DUI, you could spend up to a year behind bars, lose your license for a year, and fined $2,000—and you could even face felony charges for a third conviction.
If you were recently arrested for DUI in Idaho, it is important to have a strong defense if you plan to challenge your arrest and avoid the penalties of a drunk driving conviction. To set up a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced DUI defense attorney in your area, submit your information online today and find out what the ideal strategy is for your case.
