Idaho · DUI · Checked October 2026

Refusing a Breath or Blood Test in Idaho

Refusing a Breath or Blood Test in Idaho: What Are the Rules?

What happens if you refuse a breath or blood test in Idaho.

Refusal penalty
$250 civil penalty; absolute license suspension of 1 year (first refusal) or 2 years (second refusal within 10 years) with no restricted permit; ignition interlock on all vehicles operated until 1 year after the suspension ends. You may request a court hearing in writing within 7 calendar days; there is no right to consult an attorney before testing
License suspension for refusing
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
Deadline to challenge
7 days

Refusal Penalties in Idaho

$250 civil penalty; absolute license suspension of 1 year (first refusal) or 2 years (second refusal within 10 years) with no restricted permit; ignition interlock on all vehicles operated until 1 year after the suspension ends. You may request a court hearing in writing within 7 calendar days; there is no right to consult an attorney before testing.Idaho Code § 18-8002(1)-(4)

Official source: refusal penalties (Idaho)

License Suspension for Refusing 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)

Official source: license suspension for refusing (Idaho)

More on DUI Law in Idaho

See the full overview of DUI laws in Idaho and read about implied consent laws 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

What Happens if You Refuse a Breath Test in Idaho?

$250 civil penalty; absolute license suspension of 1 year (first refusal) or 2 years (second refusal within 10 years) with no restricted permit; ignition interlock on all vehicles operated until 1 year after the suspension ends. You may request a court hearing in writing within 7 calendar days; there is no right to consult an attorney before testing.

How Long Is the Suspension for Refusing?

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

Sources

  1. Implied consent: Idaho Code § 18-8002(1)-(4)
  2. License suspension and hearing: Idaho Code § 18-8002A(4), (7); § 18-8002(4)

dui.help is an independent guide, not a law firm or a government agency, and doesn't give legal advice. For advice on your case, talk to a lawyer licensed in your state; your state bar can refer you, and if you can't afford a lawyer, ask the court about a public defender.