Idaho ignition interlock & DUI requirements
Idaho requires an ignition interlock after a first DUI for 1 year following the end of the suspension period. A repeat offense carries 1 year.
Ignition interlock device rules, approved vendors, SR-22 insurance filing, and license reinstatement in Idaho, cited to the statute and Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Division of Motor Vehicles – Driver Services.
- IID on first offense
- Required
- SR-22 filing
- Required · 3 years
The short answers
Do I need an interlock?
- First offense
- Required
- Minimum period
- 1 year
What the source says (2)
- First offense
“(e) Unless an exception is granted pursuant to section 18-8002(12), Idaho Code, shall within ten (10) days following the end of the period of absolute suspension have a state-approved ignition interlock system meeting the requirements of section 18-8008, Idaho Code, installed, at his expense, on”
- Minimum period
“installed, at his expense, on all motor vehicles operated by him for a period to end one (1) year following the end of the suspension period.”
What it costs here
- State reinstatement fee
- $285
- Restricted-license fee
- $60
- Reduced-cost rule
- Court interlock device and electronic monitoring device fund
- Interlock lease, national range
- $50–$150 per month
What the source says (3)
- State reinstatement fee
“Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Reinstatement Fee | | $285.00”
- Restricted-license fee
“Restricted driving permits (RDP) are issued only to applicants who meet all eligibility requirements. Applicants must have completed mandatory suspension periods. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.”
- Reduced-cost rule
“an offender is eligible to utilize available funds from the court interlock device and electronic monitoring device fund, as outlined in section 18-8010, Idaho Code, for the installation and operation of an ignition interlock device, based on evidence of financial hardship.”
How to drive legally now
- Restricted license
- Available in some first-offense cases · Restricted Driving Permit
- Waiting period
- 30 days
- Hearing-request deadline
- 7 days from the notice
- Driving after a DUI in Idaho: the restricted license
- How to get a license back in Idaho
- Date the hearing deadline with the timeline calculator
What the source says (3)
- Restricted license
“The first offence is 90 days, the first 30 days are a mandatory suspension. The next 60 days are available for a restricted driving permit. The second offence within 5 years is a one-year suspension with no restricted permit allowed.”
- Waiting period
“The first thirty (30) days of the suspension shall be absolute and the person shall have absolutely no driving privileges of any kind. Restricted noncommercial vehicle driving privileges applicable during the remaining sixty (60) days of the suspension may be requested”
- Hearing-request deadline
“The request for hearing shall be in writing and must be received by the department within seven (7) calendar days of the date of service upon the person of the notice of suspension and notice of the requirement to install the ignition interlock system”
Approved interlock providers
Vendors listed here appear on the Idaho licensing agency's approved-device list. Listing order is alphabetical and is not a ranking or endorsement. Installation locations are on each vendor's own locator.
Where to get it installed — the official approved-installer list: Agency approved-vendor list
| Vendor | Website | Location finder |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Detection Systems | Alcohol Detection Systems website | Find a location |
| B.E.S.T. Labs, Inc | B.E.S.T. Labs, Inc website | Find a location |
| Guardian Interlock | Guardian Interlock website | Find a location |
| Intoxalock | Intoxalock website | Find a location |
| LifeSafer | LifeSafer website | Find a location |
| Low Cost Interlocklisted by the agency as “Low Cost Interlock, Inc.” | Low Cost Interlock website | Find a location |
| RoadGuard Interlock | RoadGuard Interlock website | Find a location |
| Smart Start | Smart Start website | Find a location |
What Idaho law requires
Idaho's ignition interlock, SR-22, and reinstatement rules are set by the statute and agency rules cited below. The values in the tables on this page are taken from those sources and are not interpretations of how they apply to any particular case.
Primary source: Idaho Code § 18-8008
Ignition interlock requirement
| Item | Idaho rule |
|---|---|
| IID on first offense | Required |
| Minimum IID period, first offense | 1 year following the end of the suspension period |
| Minimum IID period, repeat offense | 1 year (interlock restriction period ends 1 year from proof of installation, following the mandatory 1-year suspension) |
Idaho Code § 18-8005(1)(e) requires a first-offense DUI offender, unless an exception is granted under § 18-8002(12), to install a state-approved ignition interlock system within 10 days after the 30-day absolute suspension ends, for a period ending one year after the suspension period ends. § 18-8008(2) sets the lockout calibration at .025. A separate one-year interlock requirement also attaches to an administrative license suspension (ALS) under § 18-8002A.
What the source says (5)
- IID on first offense
“(e) Unless an exception is granted pursuant to section 18-8002(12), Idaho Code, shall within ten (10) days following the end of the period of absolute suspension have a state-approved ignition interlock system meeting the requirements of section 18-8008, Idaho Code, installed, at his expense, on”
- Minimum IID period, first offense
“installed, at his expense, on all motor vehicles operated by him for a period to end one (1) year following the end of the suspension period.”
- Minimum IID period, repeat offense
“The ignition interlock restriction period shall end one (1) year from the date the ignition interlock vendor provides proof of installation of the ignition interlock system.”
- Ignition interlock statute
“18-8008. Ignition interlock systems. (1)(a) If a person is convicted, is found guilty, pleads guilty or receives a withheld judgment for violating any of the provisions of this chapter relating to driving under the influence”
- IID on first offense
“(2) The calibration setting at which the ignition interlock system will prevent the motor vehicle from being started shall be.025. The ignition interlock vendor shall notify the prosecuting authority any time a person is prevented from starting a motor vehicle”
Removal: Idaho's interlock period is fixed rather than compliance-based in the sources. Full rule and source
SR-22 requirement
An SR-22 is a certificate an insurer files with the state to confirm that a driver carries the liability coverage the state requires. Some states use an FR-44 or a different form for alcohol-related offenses; where Idaho does, the sources below say so.
| SR-22 filing required after a DUI | Yes |
|---|---|
| Filing period | 3 years |
SR-22. ITD states an SR-22 must be maintained for three years beginning at the conclusion of the DUI suspension period; ITD's SR-22 list cites DUI (IC 18-8004) as a conviction requiring an SR-22.
What the source says (3)
- SR-22 filing required after a DUI
“Convictions requiring an SR-22: • Driving under the Influence(DUI) – IC 18-8004”
- Filing period
“You are required to maintain an SR-22 insurance policy for three years, beginning at the conclusion of your suspension period.”
- SR-22 requirement
“As of January 1, 2025, SR22/26 information must be submitted to the State of Idaho Insurance Verification System.”
Program costs
Fees set by the state are cited to the fee schedule. Vendor charges vary by vendor and are shown as published ranges with the month they were checked.
| Item | Amount | As of |
|---|---|---|
| License reinstatement fee | $285 | 2026-08-29 |
| DUI (Idaho conviction) reinstatement fee | $285 | 2026-08 |
| Administrative License Suspension (ALS) / refusal / out-of-state DUI reinstatement fee | $245 | 2026-08 |
| Restricted Driving Permit (ALS) application fee | $60 | 2026-08 |
| Financial hardship | Court may find an offender eligible to use the court interlock device and electronic monitoring device fund (Idaho Code § 18-8010) for installation and operation of the device, based on evidence of financial hardship (Idaho Code § 18-8008(1)(b)). | 2026-08 |
What the source says (1)
- License reinstatement fee
“Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Reinstatement Fee | | $285.00”
Exemptions and special cases
Four questions readers ask once an interlock is ordered — motorcycles, employer vehicles, medical inability to give a breath sample, and reduced-cost programs — answered as Idaho's interlock program page or statute states them.
| Question | Idaho rule |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | Not addressed on the official pages read Idaho Code § 18-8008(1)(b) requires the device on "all motor vehicles operated by him"; neither § 18-8008, § 18-8005, § 18-8002, IDAPA 39.03.49 (Rules Governing Ignition Interlock Devices) nor the ITD Driver Records and Suspensions page mentions motorcycles. |
| Employer-owned vehicle | Not addressed on the official pages read No employer-vehicle exemption appears in Idaho Code § 18-8008, § 18-8005, § 18-8002, § 18-8002A, IDAPA 39.03.49 or the ITD Driver Records and Suspensions page. The statute requires the device on all motor vehicles operated by the person. What the source says“The court shall order the person to have a state-approved ignition interlock system installed, at his expense, on all motor vehicles operated by him.” |
| Unable to provide a breath sample | Not addressed on the official pages read No medical waiver, physician certification or alternative device is described in Idaho Code § 18-8008, IDAPA 39.03.49 or the ITD page. The only relief mechanism stated is the general court petition under § 18-8002(12), which is not medical-specific (see other). What the source says“a court in its discretion may relieve the person from the installation of the device where the court finds it clear and convincing that the person will not present a danger to the public or that there are exceptional or mitigating circumstances” |
| Reduced-cost / indigent program | Available — Court interlock device and electronic monitoring device fund (Idaho Code § 18-8010) A court may determine that an offender is eligible to use available funds from the county's court interlock device and electronic monitoring device fund for installation and operation of the device, based on evidence of financial hardship (Idaho Code § 18-8008(1)(b); same language in § 18-8005(4)(e) and § 18-8002(13)). The fund is created in each county and financed by a $15 surcharge on every DUI conviction plus court interlock/monitoring charges (§ 18-8010). No income threshold is stated; eligibility is a court determination. What the source says“an offender is eligible to utilize available funds from the court interlock device and electronic monitoring device fund, as outlined in section 18-8010, Idaho Code, for the installation and operation of an ignition interlock device, based on evidence of financial hardship.” |
| Court relief from the interlock requirement (Idaho Code § 18-8002(12)) | On petition, a court may relieve the person from installing the device on clear and convincing findings that the person will not present a danger to the public or that exceptional or mitigating circumstances make the device unnecessary; financial hardship alone does not qualify. Petition within 30 days of the order; an order for relief applies to all statutory interlock requirements. What the source says“Financial hardship, standing alone, is not an exceptional or mitigating circumstance.” |
| Court waiver covers both criminal and ALS interlock requirements (IDAPA 39.03.49.010.15) | ITD's rule states that a court-granted waiver under § 18-8002A, § 18-8002 or § 18-8008 covers the interlock requirements from both the criminal charge and the civil administrative license suspension. What the source says“the waiver will cover both ignition interlock requirements from the criminal charges and from the civil administrative license suspension.” |
| ALS interlock waiver by the court (ITD FAQ) | ITD states the interlock is required by law after an administrative license suspension unless the court waives it and notifies ITD. What the source says“The interlock device is required by law if you get an ALS. The court can waive an ALS interlock if the court will specify and notify ITD.” |
| Fund financing (Idaho Code § 18-8010) | Every DUI conviction carries an additional $15 surcharge remitted to the county treasurer for the court interlock device and electronic monitoring device fund, which may be used to purchase ignition interlock devices required under §§ 18-8002, 18-8002A, 18-8005, 18-8008 and 18-8008A. What the source says“Moneys in this fund may be utilized for the purchase of ignition interlock devices and electronic monitoring devices required pursuant to sections 18-8002, 18-8002A, 18-8005, 18-8008 and 18-8008A, Idaho Code.” |
Compare: motorcycles by state · employer, medical and reduced-cost exemptions by state
Frequently asked questions
- Is an ignition interlock required after a first DUI conviction in Idaho?
- Yes, with limited exceptions. Under Idaho Code § 18-8005(1)(e), a first-time DUI offender must, unless an exception is granted under § 18-8002(12), have a state-approved ignition interlock system installed within 10 days after the 30-day absolute suspension ends, for a period ending one year after the suspension period ends.
- At what breath alcohol level does an Idaho interlock prevent the vehicle from starting?
- Idaho Code § 18-8008(2) states the calibration setting at which the ignition interlock system will prevent the motor vehicle from being started is .025, and the vendor must notify the prosecuting authority any time a person is prevented from starting a vehicle.
- How much is the Idaho license reinstatement fee after a DUI?
- The Idaho Transportation Department lists a $285 reinstatement fee for an Idaho DUI conviction and a $245 reinstatement fee for an Administrative License Suspension (ALS), a refusal, or an out-of-state DUI conviction.
- Does Idaho require an SR-22 after a DUI?
- Yes. The Idaho Transportation Department states that a person found guilty of DUI is required to maintain an SR-22 insurance policy for three years, beginning at the conclusion of the suspension period. Since January 1, 2025, SR-22/26 information is submitted through the State of Idaho Insurance Verification System.
- Who certifies ignition interlock devices in Idaho?
- Under Idaho Code § 18-8008(3)–(4), an ignition interlock system is a breath alcohol ignition interlock device, including a camera, certified by the transportation department, which sets standards by rule for certification, installation, repair and removal. ITD publishes the list of certified providers on its Driver Records and Suspensions page.
Sources
- Idaho Code § 18-8008 – Ignition interlock systems (Idaho Legislature)
- Idaho Code § 18-8005 – Penalties (Idaho Legislature)
- Idaho Code § 18-8002A – Tests of driver for alcohol concentration; suspension and ignition interlock (Idaho Legislature)
- ITD – Driver Records and Suspensions (DUI, ALS, reinstatement fees, SR-22, ignition interlock providers)
- ITD – Ignition Interlock Providers in Idaho (PDF, effective 4/2024)
- ITD – SR-22 and Reinstatement Information (PDF)
Record history
- — Record verified against primary sources.