Idaho’s Motorcycle Laws At a Glance
In each of the 50 states, motor vehicle laws set out basic rules and regulations for vehicle operation. There are also separate laws for individuals who want to operate motorcycles. Idaho’s motorcycle laws focus on the basic safety, registration and licensing requirements that all riders must comply with to ensure the safety of everyone on the roadway. If you’re thinking about operating a motorcycle in the state of Idaho, it is crucial that you prior to taking to the roads. These laws are designed to keep all drivers safe. Riders who don’t comply with state laws regarding motor vehicles may risk the lives of others as well as their own.
Idaho motorcycle laws are based on similar principles as other states: Every motorist must exercise due care at all times to avoid colliding with any other vehicle or person. Riding a motorcycle does not exempt you, for example , from obeying laws regarding the use of designated lanes. All motorcyclists must be of a certain age (16 years or older) and possess a valid driver’s license after passing an operator skills examination. Motorcyclists must wear helmets that comply with specific standards under Idaho’s law, unless they meet certain exceptions. It is essential to also carry minimum coverage amounts for liability, uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage. To gain a driver’s license in Idaho and become eligible to ride, you must pass a written test, vision screening and have at least six months’ prior experience operating a motorcycle with an instruction permit. Understanding the laws and regulations surrounding motorcycles in the state of Idaho can save your life, as well as the lives of others. The safer you are while you’re out on the road, the less likely you are to be involved in a crash. As a motorcyclist, it’s your duty to be aware of the laws and follow them so you can avoid legal penalties and remain safe on the roadways.
Motorcycle Helmet Regulations in Idaho
Idaho currently requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets while they’re on the road. The law spells out specific features that must be included in the helmet, such as a hard outer shell and a chin strap (Idaho Code § 49-673). Only certain kinds of helmets are approved for use under Idaho code, so a motorcyclist cannot just find any helmet and toss it on his or her head and be in compliance with the law. Idaho only grants an exemption to individuals who are over 18 and are current operators or passengers who have received a motorcycle safety license, motorcycle safety endorsement, or are riding in a going-so-slow-that-an-exempt-vehicle-can-pass-near-you situation. This includes driving at 15 miles per hour or less in a 20 mph speed zone or less than 10 miles per hour in a non-posted zone.
Motorcycle Licensing in Idaho
Idaho motorcycle laws require that all riders be licensed in order to operate a motorcycle on Idaho roads. Much like the process for obtaining a standard motor vehicle license, this requires taking a written knowledge test and a driving test. However, not all motorcycle licenses are the same.
Idaho has three motorcycle license "endorsements" that determine what types of motorcycles a licensed rider can operate: For riders who pass the initial skills test but lack motorcycle riding experience, the DMV will issue an "instruction permit." The permit must be carried whenever driving a motorcycle in Idaho. Driving with a permit is subject to certain restrictions: Once the rider has gained experience and passes a full skills test, he or she can obtain a full motorcycle endorsement without having to retake the motorcycle knowledge test.
Because of the unique needs and requirements of new riders, the Idaho DMV offers a motorcycle training program known as the Idaho STAR program. Completing an approved program allows riders to forgo the riding skills test, with the program completion certificate given to the DMV as proof of competency.
Motorcycle Equipment Specifications and Legal Requirements
Idaho law mandates specific equipment requirements to ensure the safety of motorcyclists. According to Idaho Code Title 49 Chapter 9, motorcycles used on public roadways must be equipped with functioning front and rear lamps. This includes a white or yellow light for the front and a red light, visible from the rear, when in motion. When parked on public streets, a motorcycle must be equipped with a red lamp or reflector visible from 300 feet in the rear.
All motorcycles must also have at least one mirror. The mirror can be either part of the handlebars or located on the motorcycle itself. A passenger motorcycle, any motorcycle designed to carry passengers, must have two mirrors.
A headlamp switch, allowing the motorcycle operator to turn the headlamps on or off while in motion, is required for all motorcycles. Additionally, motorcycles registered in Idaho must have a muffler system in place. Mufflers reduce the noise emitted by motorcycle exhaust systems.
Motorcycle Lane Splitting and Other Traffic Regulations
In Idaho, lane splitting is illegal. Lane splitting refers to a motorcyclist riding between traffic lanes or other stopped vehicles. Also referred to as white-lining, worming, filtering, splitting, and "Allocating," this practice is permitted in California. Proponents of lane splitting claim that it helps ease congestion during traffic jams, and can cut down on the rear-end collisions so damaging to motorists and scofflaws alike. Opponents of lane splitting claim pairing up motorcycles with stationary lines of traffic causes a dangerous situation.
If you like to travel out of state, or if you move/relocate, it’s important to know what laws other states have in place regarding lane splitting. For example, riders find it legal in several western US states, including Utah, Arizona and Oregon.
It’s important to note that Idaho Code § 49-636 says that a person operating a motorcycle or motorbike may not take up more than a lane in the roadway. This means that drivers may not cross lane markings in order to ride between lanes of slow moving or stopped traffic.
Idaho’s Insurance and Financial Responsibility Laws
You must have the following insurance coverage (Idaho Statute 41-1724):
(a) In order to operate a motorcycle of any kind on public roadways in Idaho, operators must be covered by liability insurance. This insurance may be obtained through a comprehensive policy in combination with an automobile policy, or through the purchase of a motorcycle policy. In addition to carrying about the same liability coverage required of four wheeled vehicles, motorcycle policies tends to have a higher limit on uninsured motorist coverage, as motorcyclists are more likely than those who drive four wheeled vehicles to be involved in crashes with uninsured motorists.
(b) Liability insurance covers the claims of other drivers and their passengers when the policyholder is found to be at fault. If you are at fault in a crash and your liability insurance is not sufficient to fully compensate the other party, that party can bring a claim against the policyholder to recover from any amount not fully compensated by the insurance company.
(c) Comprehensive motorcycle policies commonly cover damage to your motorcycle when you’re at fault . Sometimes the deductible is waived when your motorcycle is damaged in a hit-and-run accident, leaving you with only the deductible.
(d) If you are found to be at fault in an accident with an uninsured motorist, your premium may increase when you file an uninsured motorist claim. This is because drivers are expected to be responsible for the dangers they cause others (by paying for damages). Even if you were not cited for the accident, the insurance company will likely consider it a "not favorable" claim on the record of the policyholder at fault. If you do not have the coverage you need, the insurance company may not cover your claim.
If you are found to be at fault in a crash, and you do not have insurance of any kind, the state of Idaho may suspend your driving privileges and registration and you may incur a fine of not less than $75. Neither the registering agency nor the sheriff’s office will renew the license plate for a motorcycle as long as you have not satisfied the above requirements.
Also, a motorcycle may not be titled without providing proof of compliance with the insurance requirements listed above. (Idaho Code 41-1723)
Motorcycle Group Riding Laws and Safety Guidelines
When it comes to group rides, adherence to some basic rules and safety tips can make all the difference between a safe, enjoyable ride and a trip that ends in an accident. Here are some best practices to follow and some advice on how to stick to them, plus a reminder about how these rules can lead to safer group rides for everyone.
It only takes a split second to get distracted on a motorcycle and end up on the side of the road, or worse. As such, a great idea is for every rider in the group to place their phones out of reach, either getting them well situated in a bag on your hip or putting them in a saddle bag.
If the surprise urge to check your email ever hits, although unlikely, you just won’t be able to get to that phone without stopping the bike first. As such, this is a great way to avoid any possible distractions.
Also make everyone aware of who in the group is carrying a phone and is willing to serve as the "designated texter" for the group. Admittedly, it sounds ridiculous to have a designated texter, but if you face adversity on any group rides—and you never know when that may be—having a specific person you can rely on to keep the group informed in the case of an unforeseen event can give you peace of mind to know you stay connected.
Yesterday’s rainy weather doesn’t mean you can’t go riding today on your motorcycle. However, if the roads are wet, be sure to go on a group ride that ensures you stay well behind the front group of motorcycles. You want to ensure at least 10 car lengths between each motorcycle in a group.
If you find yourself needing to pass another vehicle, ride in staggered formation, with two seconds between cars in the rear of your group and one half second helmet to helmet in the front of your group. That means staggering the left motorcycle and cars in the front of the line, with two seconds of stopping distance and staggered motorcyclists maintaining a straight line behind the driver.
The basic rules for safe group motorcycling is as follows:
Pace – Since most of your group likely includes at least one accomplished motorcyclist, be sure to set the pace at the slowest rider in your group so everyone in your group possesses the skills necessary to keep up.
Ride in formation and don’t park in formation – no matter how long you have been riding together as a group, there are many factors you must consider when riding in formation, so be sure to keep the group to no more than 5 motorcycles in a row.
Use hand signals – hand signals are the most efficient way to communicate and warn other riders who happen to be riding on the inside lane.
Control throttle – use a steady hand and be sure not to accelerate too quickly, as you may decrease your chances to stop if someone suddenly stops in front of you.
Keep your eyes moving – while it may seem unnecessary to constantly look in your rear-view mirror when you are within the on the inside lane, it never hurts to keep an eye out for traffic patterns and spontaneous surprises.
Be sure to control the pace and reduce speeds before any corner so you are able to react to surprises while being sure to avoid skidding on corners. Going a few miles an hour less than the posted speed limit is not illegal, and can help the entire group maintain a safe distance from each other.
As a group, understand the rules and work together to rehearse these elements so that you can always remain safe when riding in groups.
Idaho Motorcycle Law Violations and Penalties
Like all motor vehicles, motorcycles are subject to strict laws and penalties in Idaho. These laws are intended to keep our roads safe by requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets, carry insurance, and observe traffic regulations. But when it comes to punishment for breaking the rules, motorcycles are subject to different consequences for some offenses. Let’s look at the legal consequences of some of the most common motorcycle infractions:
Failure to wear a helmet According to Idaho Code 49-673, motorcycle riders over the age of 18 are not required to wear a helmet while riding unless carrying a passenger who is 17 years old or younger. But riding this way leaves riders vulnerable to injury. A motorcycle helmet protects the head from injury in the event of an accident. If a rider fails to wear a helmet and suffers a head injury, the insurer may deny a claim for damages like medical costs and rehabilitation. And of course, there are additional risks as driving without a helmet is against the law in Idaho. For failing to wear a helmet, riders are fined $10.00. That is a small penalty that can lead to consequences much larger than the fine if an accident occurs. For this reason alone, even experienced riders may want to wear a helmet at all times.
Driving with a suspended license If you drive with a suspended license, you will be charged with a misdemeanor, which comes with the potential for imprisonment in jail for no more than six months. You will receive two points on your license for this infraction and a fine of $75.00, which can be lower or waived completely for good behavior. In addition to the penalty of the offense, most employers will terminate an employee for this type of offense, which can lead to loss of income and financial security.
Leaving the scene of an accident Hit and run laws require the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident to stop and exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties. While this is a common-sense obligation on the part of the driver that should not require any additional penalty, the laws in Idaho carry stiff penalties for those who violate hit and run laws. Any driver who flees the scene after being involved in an accident, regardless of whether he or she was at fault, may have their license suspended for up to 5 years and face up to 25 days in jail. Drivers who fail to report an accident face 180 days in jail. Specific to motorcycle riders, Idaho law does not allow a person to continue driving after being involved in an accident in which someone is injured. This is one of the few places where motorcyclists are subject to stricter penalties under Idaho law. Driving on is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a fine and a minimum of 5 days in jail, however, a penalty of 60 days may be imposed for aggravated offenses. When you ride your motorcycle in Idaho, follow these rules, and obey the law. When you observe the law and take precautions, you will steer clear of problems with the law, insurance, and accidents.
Adjustments and Modifications to Idaho’s Motorcycle Legislation
In recent years, there have been a few notable updates and changes to the laws surrounding motorcycling here in the state of Idaho. Most recently, Senate Bill 1359 was signed into law by Governor Little on February 4, 2020. The new law, which we wrote about in "Harley Davidson & the Governor", repeals the current helmet law for individuals over the age of 18 riding as a passenger or operator on a motorcycle in Idaho, and institutes a decision-making process wherein a rider must choose to forego wearing a helmet in favor of another piece of safety equipment such as a seatbelt or eye protection. This decision is made prior to the ride, and if you elect not to wear a helmet but to wear a seatbelt and eye protection, you cannot change your mind midway through the ride. However, if you choose not to wear a helmet or seatbelt but use "safety eyewear", and then realized you forgot the safety eyewear, a fellow rider can provide appropriate eyewear and you can continue the ride. Motorcyclists who choose to wear a helmet can still obtain a sticker to reduce their insurance rates, but without the previous brain injury reduction benefit, which only existed for hard helmets. Even with the changes in law, riders will still want to review the chapter regarding motorcycles in the Idaho Code.
In 2019, the Idaho Legislature also amended Idaho Code § 49-659 to allow motorcycle license and endorsement applicants to choose either a riding skills test or a motorcyclist training course to demonstrate their skills . Previously, if you were over 21 and obtaining a motorcycle endorsement, riding instructors would often have difficulty getting a high number of motorcyclists through their classes due to class size and inconsistency of time, location, and instructor availability. With the changes, individuals can take a motorcyclist training course and receive a waiver from the skills exam for the road skills test portion and be ready to hit the highway.
As a result of the changes in the law, increased interest in learning how to ride has gone up, and many locals find themselves in courses almost every weekend during the regularly scheduled fall and spring sessions, before things heat up in the summer. Classes are offered at Washington State University Spokane, Spokane Community College, North Idaho College, and several other private organizations. Nationally certified instructors teach all classes and there is a lot of camaraderie and fun. Riding is one of the hardest things that an individual can learn. Many people think that riding a motorcycle is easy to learn, when in fact riders that are well trained regard it as somewhere between surfing and skiing. Riders read and practice in controlled environments until they can master the basics and then proceed to the open road under the guidance of a local trainer.