Idaho Compliance Point Schedule

Idaho uses a structured point system known as the Compliance Point Schedule, administered by ITD. Each moving-violation conviction carries an assigned point value that posts to the driver's record. When a driver crosses one of three accumulation thresholds, ITD imposes a graduated suspension. The schedule applies on top of any criminal penalties or court-ordered consequences from the underlying citation.

How points are assessed

Points post when a court reports a conviction to ITD, not at the time of citation. A dismissed ticket, a deferred-judgment outcome with successful completion, or a reduction to a non-moving violation typically results in no point assessment. Common Idaho point values:

• 1 point — minor speeding (1-15 mph over), basic equipment violations.
• 3 points — speeding 16+ mph over, failure to yield, improper passing, following too closely.
• 4 points — speeding 21+ mph over, careless driving, leaving the scene of a property-damage accident.
• 6 points — reckless driving, racing, leaving the scene of an injury accident.
• 4-6 points — DUI-related convictions (with longer separate suspension) and most school-bus violations.

The three accumulation thresholds

Idaho's compliance schedule triggers suspensions at three different time-windows:

• 12 or more points in 12 months — 30-day suspension.
• 18 or more points in 24 months — 90-day suspension.
• 24 or more points in 36 months — 6-month suspension.

The clock for each threshold runs back from the most recent conviction, not from a fixed calendar year. A driver can technically be over both the 12-month and 24-month thresholds at the same time; ITD applies the longest applicable suspension first.

Younger drivers

Drivers under 18 face stricter triggers. Two moving-violation convictions during the GDL track typically restart the 12-month violation-free clock on the Restricted Supervised License or extend the GDL period. Any conviction during a Supervised Instruction Permit period generally resets the 6-month permit-holding requirement before the teen can step up to the next stage.

Warning letters and hearings

Idaho ITD typically sends a warning letter when a driver approaches but has not yet crossed a threshold. The letter does not carry a suspension, but it does notify the driver that an upcoming conviction will likely trigger one. Once the threshold is crossed, ITD mails a Notice of Suspension; the driver has a limited window to request an administrative hearing or to enroll in a defensive-driving course that may reduce the suspension length.

Defensive driving and point reduction

Idaho allows drivers to reduce their compliance points by completing a state-approved defensive-driving course. The reduction is typically 3 points per course completion, and a driver may use the reduction once every 3 years. Several Idaho providers offer the course online, in person, or through hybrid formats. Some courts also allow a "traffic safety school" option as a disposition for the underlying citation, which prevents the conviction from posting in the first place — functionally a 100% point reduction for that ticket.

How long points stay on the record

Most moving-violation points stay on the visible Idaho driving record for 3 years from the conviction date. DUI convictions remain on the lifetime record permanently and are visible for insurance look-back periods well beyond 3 years. Habitual-offender status flowing from compliance points can extend visibility further. To see exactly what's posted, pull a copy of your Idaho driving record at any time.

Why this matters

Compliance points feed directly into auto insurance pricing. Most carriers pull a 3-year record at quoting and renewal, and any driver with points typically pays a meaningful premium increase. A clean record is one of the strongest insurance discounts a driver can earn in Idaho. Combined with the 25/50/15 minimums and the SR-22 requirement after major offenses, the cost of carrying compliance points adds up over the years.