Idaho suspends your license when you reach 18 points within a 12-month period
Idaho's Department of Vehicles tracks violations on your driving record using a point system. Each traffic violation carries a specific point value. When your total reaches 18 points in any 12-month rolling period, the state automatically suspends your license for 30 days.
The 12-month window is not a calendar year — it is measured backward from today. If you received a ticket 14 months ago, that violation no longer counts toward your current total. This matters because you might be close to suspension without realizing it, or you might drop below the threshold sooner than you expect.
Idaho also has a separate rule for drivers under 18: they face suspension at 12 points instead of 18. This lower threshold applies until you turn 18 years old.
Key Takeaways
- You receive an automatic 30-day suspension when you accumulate 18 points within 12 months; drivers under 18 face suspension at 12 points.
- Each violation has a specific point value — speeding 1–10 mph over the limit is 1 point, while reckless driving is 8 points.
- The 12-month period is a rolling window, so violations older than 12 months no longer count toward your total.
- You can check your current point balance through the Idaho Department of Vehicles website or by requesting a copy of your driving record.
- Some violations, such as DUI or driving with a suspended license, trigger an when ready suspension separate from the point system.
Point values for common Idaho traffic violations
Idaho assigns points based on the severity of the violation. Minor infractions like speeding carry fewer points, while serious violations like reckless driving or at-fault accidents carry more. The state publishes a complete list, but here are the violations you are most likely to encounter:
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 1–10 mph over limit | 1 |
| Speeding 11–20 mph over limit | 2 |
| Speeding 21+ mph over limit | 4 |
| Improper passing | 3 |
| Failure to yield | 3 |
| Following too closely | 2 |
| Reckless driving | 8 |
| At-fault accident | 4 |
| Driving without a license | 6 |
If you receive a ticket, the officer or the court paperwork will show the point value. You can also call the Idaho Department of Vehicles at 208-334-8736 to ask about a specific violation.
How to check your current point total
You do not have to wait for a suspension notice to find out where you stand. The Idaho Department of Vehicles allows you to request a copy of your driving record, which lists every violation on file and its point value. You can order this record online through the department's website or by mail.
The online method is faster. Visit the Idaho Department of Vehicles website, navigate to the driving records section, and follow the steps to order an abstract of your record. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The record typically arrives within a few business days and costs a small fee.
If you prefer to handle it by mail or phone, contact the department directly. Having your record in hand lets you see exactly which violations are still counting and when each one will age off your record.
Violations that suspend your license when ready, outside the point system
Some violations trigger an when ready suspension that does not depend on reaching 18 points. These suspensions happen right away, often before you even receive a ticket.
DUI (driving under the influence) is the most common when ready suspension. If you are arrested for DUI, your license is suspended administratively — separate from any criminal court case. The suspension begins 30 days after your arrest unless you request a hearing. Other violations that cause when ready suspension include driving with a suspended or revoked license, refusing a breath or blood test, and certain commercial vehicle violations.
These when ready suspensions are separate from the point system. Even if you have zero points, you can still lose your license for these reasons. Conversely, accumulating 18 points does not automatically trigger these specific suspensions — it only triggers the standard 30-day suspension.
What happens during a suspension and how to restore your license
When you reach 18 points, the Idaho Department of Vehicles mails you a suspension notice. The suspension typically begins 10 days after you receive the notice, giving you time to arrange alternative transportation. During the 30-day suspension period, you cannot legally drive.
After 30 days, your license is automatically restored — you do not have to file paperwork or pay a fee. However, if you accumulate 18 points again within the next 12 months, you face another suspension. A second suspension within 12 months lasts 60 days. A third suspension within 12 months lasts 180 days.
If you are suspended for DUI or other when ready-suspension violations, the process is different. You may need to complete a hearing, pay a reinstatement fee, or meet other requirements before your license is restored. The suspension notice will explain what you need to do.
How to reduce points on your record
Idaho allows you to remove up to 3 points from your driving record by completing a defensive driving course. The course must be approved by the Idaho Department of Vehicles. You can take it online or in person, and it typically takes 4 to 8 hours to complete.
You can use this reduction once every 12 months, so the maximum you can remove is 3 points per year. This is useful if you are approaching 18 points and want to stay below the suspension threshold, but it is not a permanent fix — you still need to avoid future violations.
Some traffic violations cannot be reduced through a defensive driving course. These include DUI, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and hit-and-run. If your record includes any of these, the points from those violations will stay on your record regardless of the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive during my suspension?
No. Driving during a suspension is illegal and carries serious penalties, including criminal charges, additional points on your record, and a longer suspension. If you are caught driving while suspended, you face up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, plus a mandatory license suspension extension.
Do points from out-of-state tickets count toward my Idaho suspension?
Yes. Idaho's point system includes violations from other states if you were driving a vehicle registered in Idaho or if you hold an Idaho license. The points are added to your record based on the violation's severity in the other state.
What if I was not the one driving when the ticket was issued?
If someone else was driving your vehicle, you can contest the ticket by providing evidence that you were not behind the wheel. You will need to file a written statement with the court that issued the ticket, usually within a specific timeframe. Contact the court listed on the ticket for instructions.
How long do violations stay on my driving record?
Most violations stay on your record for 3 years from the date of conviction. However, serious violations like DUI or reckless driving may remain for 5 to 10 years. Only violations older than 12 months stop counting toward your current point total, but they remain visible on your record for insurance and employment purposes.
Can I get a hardship license during my suspension?
Idaho does not issue hardship licenses for point-based suspensions. However, if you are suspended for DUI or other specific violations, you may be able to request a hearing to ask for limited driving privileges. Contact the Idaho Department of Vehicles to learn whether your suspension qualifies.