Drink-driving limits in Idaho (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: The state sets a limit of 0.08% blood alcohol for ordinary drivers. Drivers under 21 face a limit of 0.02%, and commercial drivers 0.04%. A first offence is a misdemeanour with up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Under 21: it is unlawful to drive or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of at least 0.02 but less than 0.08. [1] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Commercial motor vehicle: it is unlawful to drive or be in actual physical control with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher but less than 0.08 (and at 0.08 or higher). [1] |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | First offence (18-8004(1)(a)): a misdemeanour with jail of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, licence suspension of 30 days with no driving privileges plus a further 60 to 150 days, and an ignition interlock system for one year after the absolute suspension. [2] |
Notes
- The state's official statute pages could not be read in this round, so nothing is stated for this field.
Sources
- Idaho State Legislature: Section 18-8004 - Persons under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicating substances (Internet Archive snapshot of 2026-01-14) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Idaho State Legislature: Section 18-8005 - Penalties (Internet Archive snapshot of 2025-12-14) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
Idaho and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 6 months; fine up to $1,000 |
| Montana | 0.08% | 0.02% under 21 | 0.04% in a commercial vehicle | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 6 months jail, $600-1,000 fine |
| Nevada | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% commercial | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 6 months; $400-$1,000 fine |
| Oregon | 0.08% | Any amount (under 21) | 0.04% / any amount = out of service | ⚠ Not yet verified | Class A misdemeanour; fine min. $1,000 |
| Utah | 0.05% | Any alcohol (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial) | Yes (magistrate-approved checkpoints) | Class B misd.; min. 2 days jail, $700 fine |
| Washington | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% disqualifies (commercial) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 364 days, $5,000; felony if repeat |
| Wyoming | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | First: up to 6 months / $750 |
More rules in Idaho
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Illegal; penalties under the Controlled Substances Act · Growing at home: No (illegal to manufacture)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 35 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 65 mph state hwys; 55 mph other
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 15 (daylight only); full privileges at 16 · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14½ (driver training permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (non-aerial only, set dates)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Blade 6 in or less is not a 'deadly weapon' · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; 6 in blade limit
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (hands-free allowed)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.