Idaho · DUI · Checked October 2026
DUI License Suspension in Idaho: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
DUI License Suspension in Idaho: What Are the Rules?
You have 7 days to challenge a license suspension after a DUI arrest in Idaho.
- Deadline to challenge
- 7 days
- How it is counted
- The date of service of the notice of suspension (the written request must be received by the Idaho Transportation Department within 7 calendar days); after a test refusal, the 7-day written hearing request goes to the court instead
- Failed test
- 90 days for a first failed test (first 30 days absolute, restricted noncommercial driving may be requested for the remaining 60); 1 year with no driving privileges for a second failure within 5 years; plus ignition interlock until 1 year after the suspension ends. The suspension starts 30 days after service of the notice
- Refused test
- Court-ordered absolute suspension of 1 year for a first refusal and 2 years for a second refusal within 10 years, plus a $250 civil penalty and ignition interlock until 1 year after the suspension ends
- Hardship license
- Restricted driving permit (restricted noncommercial vehicle driving privileges)
How to Request a Hearing in Idaho
Send a written request to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) that includes your name, license number, daytime phone number and the issues you will raise: email the ITD Administrative License Suspension unit (the address is on its page) or mail Idaho Transportation Department, Attn: Driver Services, PO Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707-1129
Suspension if You Fail a Test in Idaho
90 days for a first failed test (first 30 days absolute, restricted noncommercial driving may be requested for the remaining 60); 1 year with no driving privileges for a second failure within 5 years; plus ignition interlock until 1 year after the suspension ends. The suspension starts 30 days after service of the notice.Idaho Code § 18-8002A(4), (7); § 18-8002(4)
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in Idaho
court-ordered absolute suspension of 1 year for a first refusal and 2 years for a second refusal within 10 years, plus a $250 civil penalty and ignition interlock until 1 year after the suspension endsIdaho Code § 18-8002A(4), (7); § 18-8002(4)
Getting a Restricted Driving Permit (Restricted Noncommercial Vehicle Driving Privileges) in Idaho
For a 90-day administrative suspension, you may apply to ITD (form ITD 3227, $60 fee, plus the $245 ALS reinstatement fee) for restricted driving that starts after the 30-day absolute period, for work, school, GED, postsecondary education or medical needs. For a first-offense criminal suspension, the court may allow restricted driving after the 30-day absolute period if it is necessary for employment or family health needs; apply to the court clerk. Drug court or mental health court participants may qualify after at least 45 days of absolute suspension with an interlock and proof of financial responsibility. No restricted privileges for a refusal suspension, a second failed test within 5 years, or for commercial vehicles.
More on DUI Law in Idaho
See the full overview of DUI laws in Idaho and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes Idaho law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Idaho can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Request a Hearing in Idaho?
7 days. How it is counted: the date of service of the notice of suspension (the written request must be received by the Idaho Transportation Department within 7 calendar days); after a test refusal, the 7-day written hearing request goes to the court instead.
How Long Is the License Suspension for Failing a Test?
90 days for a first failed test (first 30 days absolute, restricted noncommercial driving may be requested for the remaining 60); 1 year with no driving privileges for a second failure within 5 years; plus ignition interlock until 1 year after the suspension ends. The suspension starts 30 days after service of the notice.
Can You Get a Hardship License in Idaho?
For a 90-day administrative suspension, you may apply to ITD (form ITD 3227, $60 fee, plus the $245 ALS reinstatement fee) for restricted driving that starts after the 30-day absolute period, for work, school, GED, postsecondary education or medical needs. For a first-offense criminal suspension, the court may allow restricted driving after the 30-day absolute period if it is necessary for employment or family health needs; apply to the court clerk. Drug court or mental health court participants may qualify after at least 45 days of absolute suspension with an interlock and proof of financial responsibility. No restricted privileges for a refusal suspension, a second failed test within 5 years, or for commercial vehicles.