According to Idaho statutes, it is unlawful for individuals to operate or be in physical control a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance. “Physical control” is defined as being in the driver’s position of a vehicle while the vehicle’s motor is running or being in the driver’s position while the vehicle is in motion. An individual who is over the age of 21 may be considered under the influence if that person has a blood alcohol content, or BAC, of .08 percent or above. Commercial drivers are considered impaired if their BAC is .04 or above. Individuals under the age of 21 are considered to be under the influence of alcohol if their BAC is .02 or above.
Implied Consent
If person is driving a motor vehicle or in physical control of a vehicle in the state of Idaho has, according to state statues, given consent to testing for the presence of drugs, alcohol or other intoxicating substances. When a test for such substances is requested by authorities, a person is not afforded to right to consult with an attorney and must be informed of the penalties related to failure to submit or complete the test. Such penalties may include a fine and the suspension of driving privileges for a prescribed about of time, and the severity of the penalties may be aggravated by multiple refusals in a 10-year period.
Felony Idaho DUI Laws
A person who is convicted of their first DUI in 10 years is guilty of a misdemeanor. If a person is convicted of a third DUI in the past 10 year, that person is guilty of a felony. Felony charges may also be levied against an individual who has caused injury to another person while driving under the influence. Conviction of felony charges results in enhanced penalties, including extended periods of incarceration and larger fines.
Recent Changes to Idaho DUI Laws
House Bill 61, which was passed on Feb. 23, 2011, amended state statutes under Title 18, Chapter 80, which outlines crimes and punishments regarding the operation of a motor vehicle. Previously, state statute required that the a person who refuses to submit or complete an evidentiary blood alcohol content test would have his or her driver’s license seized by authorities who would then give them a temporary permit allowing the person to operate a vehicle until a requested hearing regarding the suspension of the driver’s license. The bill removed language that required an officer to seize the license and removed the provisions for issuing a temporary driving permit. The legislation was enacted on May 1, 2011.
On Apr. 8, 2011, House Bill 227 also made changes to same statutes. The legislation allows individuals who have had driving privileges suspended due to refusal of an evidentiary blood alcohol content test to pursue a restricted driving permit if they have served at least 45 days in a problem-solving court program. The restricted permit allows the holder to operate a vehicle for the purpose of traveling to work, school or an alcohol treatment program. The provisions of the bill came into effect on Jan. 1, 2012.