In Idaho
, texting and driving is banned and is punishable by a fine of $85 per offense. However, texting and driving is not considered a moving violation, so a citation for it will not affect your insurance premium. However, inattentive driving is considered a misdemeanor in Idaho and can be classified as anything that diverts a driver’s attention from the road, including electronic devices or interactions with another person in the vehicle. Inattentive driving can result in both fines and prison time.
Keeping your eyes on the road and paying attention at all times when behind the wheel protects yourself and other drivers on the road. To help you navigate Idaho's driving laws, Jerry
has put together everything you need to know about the rules governing cell phone usage while driving in Idaho. 
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Start earning nowWhat are the texting and driving laws in Idaho?
In Idaho, texting and driving
is banned and considered a primary offense—this means that if a police officer sees you texting and driving, they are legally allowed to pull you over and cite you for doing so. Still, texting and driving in Idaho is not considered a moving violation. A texting and driving citation in Idaho carries a fine of $85.
While texting and driving is banned in Idaho, handheld use of a device is still permitted, at least according to state laws. However, certain counties in Idaho have laws banning the handheld use of a cell phone while driving, including:
Fines for violating hands-free laws vary in these counties, but they average around $100 per incident.
Inattentive driving law
In Idaho, the state’s inattentive driving law penalizes driving that is “inattentive or careless as opposed to being heedless or wanton, or in cases where danger to persons or property stemming from a driver’s conduct is slight.”
A citation for inattentive driving can include cell phone use and can carry significant penalties:
Up to $300 in fines and up to 90 days in prison
For causing an injury to another person while using a cell phone, a reckless driving
charge can be added, as well as fines up to $10,000 and up to 10 years in prison
What are the penalties for texting and driving in Idaho?
Texting and driving carries an $85 fine in Idaho, but it is not considered a moving violation.
However, if you are caught texting and driving and the circumstances are more egregious, you can be charged under Idaho’s inattentive driving laws—similar to distracted driving
laws—which carry harsher penalties. If you cause an injury to another person while using a handheld device, you can face up to 10 years in prison. | | | |
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Handheld device use under Idaho’s inattentive driver laws | | | |
Handheld device use causing injury | | | |
Are there exceptions to Idaho’s texting and driving law?
In Idaho, GPS use is permitted while driving
The use of hands-free cell phone technology is permitted for all Idaho drivers. If used, the driver can only touch the phone in order to activate or deactivate the phone for this purpose, and to initiate the hands-free function.
By law, you are allowed to send and receive text messages at a red light in Idaho.
Are there special rules about texting and driving for young drivers?
There are no special age-related restrictions for drivers under 18 in Idaho. Drivers under 18 are not allowed to text and drive, but they can use a cell phone in hands-free mode or use GPS, like any other driver.
Can texting and driving raise my insurance premium?
If you are cited for texting and driving and nothing else in Idaho, it won’t appear on your record, so your insurance rate won’t be bumped up as a result.
However, if you are cited for inattentive driving, this will affect your premiums. As a misdemeanor, it will add points to your driving record, and insurers will see that once your renewal period rolls around. Your premiums will rise as a result.
As a general rule—always leave your phone alone when driving, and check it only once you are safely parked. Checking your phone for even a few seconds can put you or other drivers in danger. Your wallet will thank you!
How to save money on car insurance in Idaho
Normally, an inattentive driving charge in Idaho can negatively affect your driving record, potentially saddle you with a criminal record and, of course, raise your car insurance
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