Seat belts and child seats in Idaho (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: In Idaho every occupant must wear a seat belt, but police can enforce this only after stopping the driver for another offence. Children aged 6 and under must be in a child safety restraint. A seat-belt violation costs $10, with no points.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Child restraint required untilPassenger cars | A child aged 6 or younger must be properly secured in a child safety restraint meeting federal standard no. 213; older children are covered by the general safety restraint rule. [2] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | No seat is prescribed. If all of the vehicle's seat belts are in use, an unrestrained child must be placed in the rear seat if the vehicle has one. [2] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Can police stop you for this alone?Passenger cars | Secondary enforcement: police may enforce the seat-belt law only when the driver has been detained for a suspected violation of another law. [1] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | $10 for an occupant aged 18 or over (or for an adult driver with an unbelted passenger under 18); no points and not a moving violation. A driver under 18 pays $10 plus court costs. [1] |
Notes
- The duty applies to vehicles of 8,000 lb gross vehicle weight or less manufactured with safety restraints under FMVSS 208, and not to seats whose restraints are all in use by others.
- The child restraint statute read does not state a rule on rear-facing child seats and an active front passenger airbag.
Sources
- Idaho Legislature: Idaho Statutes 49-673. Safety restraint use (Internet Archive snapshot of 20 September 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Idaho Legislature: Idaho Statutes 49-672. Passenger safety for children (Internet Archive snapshot of 18 June 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Idaho and neighbouring states
| State | Seat belt compulsory in front seats | Seat belt compulsory in rear seats | Child restraint required until | Children in the front seat | Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | Yes, all seats | Yes, all seats | Child restraint to age 6, then belt | No seat rule; unrestrained child goes in rear | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Montana | Yes, every designated seat | Yes, every designated seat | Rear-facing under 2; booster to age 8; belt from 9 | No front-seat restriction in the statute | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes | Under 6 or under 57 in: child restraint system | Under 2: back seat; older children may ride in front | No: infants never in front with an airbag |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | Booster until age 8 or over 4 ft 9 in | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Utah | Yes | Yes | Under 8, unless 57 in (1.45 m) tall | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Washington | Yes | Yes | Booster until 4 ft 9 in (1.45 m) tall | Back seat where practical (under 13) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Wyoming | Yes | Yes | Under 9 (belt allowed if it fits properly) | Back seat, unless one row or rear belts full | Not allowed |
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)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.