If a trooper just handed you a pink slip of paper on the side of I-84, read this before you do anything else. That paper is your notice that the Idaho Transportation Department will suspend your license — and you have only 7 days from your arrest to fight it. The criminal case in court is a separate track that moves slower. Most people only worry about court and let the license window close. Don't. Call 1-844-690-0555 now. It's free, 24/7, and gives you real Idaho-specific information so you know what to do in the next few hours.
Free legal information. Not legal advice. Available 24/7 across Idaho.
Do three things right now. First, count the days: you have 7 calendar days from the date of arrest to send the Idaho Transportation Department a written request for an administrative hearing, or your license suspension becomes automatic. Second, stop talking about the stop — to the arresting officer, to friends, on social media. Third, gather what you were given: the Notice of Suspension, any test result, and your citation with the court date. Then call 1-844-690-0555. We'll walk you through the ITD hearing deadline and the court process for free, and connect you with a licensed Idaho attorney if you want one. This is legal information, not legal advice, and the call creates no attorney-client relationship.
Almost everyone arrested for DUI in Idaho fixates on the court date printed on their citation — often weeks away — and assumes their license is safe until then. It isn't. The Idaho Transportation Department runs a completely separate administrative suspension that has nothing to do with the courtroom, and the only way to stop it is a written hearing request that must reach the ITD within 7 days of your arrest. There's no reminder, no second notice, and no grace period. By the time your court date arrives, the window has long since slammed shut and the suspension is locked in — even if you're never convicted of anything. That single deadline is the difference between keeping your job and losing your license for months. If you were arrested in the last few days, the clock is running right now. Call 1-844-690-0555 before it closes.
These are real, verified Idaho organizations. Most handle civil and self-help matters rather than criminal DUI defense, so use them alongside the free call — and for the criminal case, the Idaho State Bar referral line below is your direct route to a DUI attorney.
How long do I really have to save my license after an Idaho DUI?
Seven calendar days from the date of your arrest to send a written hearing request to the Idaho Transportation Department. That's the administrative track, separate from your court date, and it's a hard deadline. If you're inside that window right now, call 1-844-690-0555 for free guidance before it closes.
What's the difference between the ITD suspension and the court case?
The court case is the criminal DUI charge under Idaho Code 18-8004, heard in the Magistrate Division. The ITD administrative license suspension is a separate civil action that suspends your license regardless of the court outcome. You can win in court and still lose your license if you ignored the 7-day ITD deadline. Call 1-844-690-0555 and we'll explain both tracks for free.
What is the legal BAC limit in Idaho?
0.08 for most drivers under Idaho Code 18-8004, 0.04 if you're operating a commercial vehicle, and as low as 0.02 for drivers under 21 under 18-8004A. A reading of 0.20 or higher is charged as an 'excessive DUI' with much harsher penalties. For how your specific number affects you, call 1-844-690-0555.
What happens if I refused the breath test?
Under Idaho's implied-consent law (Idaho Code 18-8002), a first refusal carries a $250 civil penalty and a one-year license suspension — often a worse outcome than a failed test. You have the same 7-day window to request a hearing, but the burden is on you to explain the refusal. Call 1-844-690-0555 for free information on your options.
Is a first DUI a felony in Idaho?
No. A first DUI is a misdemeanor, with up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $1,000. It becomes a felony under Idaho Code 18-8005 if it's a third offense within ten years, or a second 'excessive' DUI (0.20+) within five years. Call 1-844-690-0555 to understand where your case sits.
What is an 'excessive DUI' in Idaho?
Under Idaho Code 18-8004C, a BAC of 0.20 or higher. Even on a first offense it carries a mandatory minimum 10 days in jail (the first 48 hours consecutive), a fine up to $2,000, and a one-year suspension with no restricted license unless you enter a treatment court. If this is your situation, call 1-844-690-0555 right away.
Will I need an ignition interlock device?
Likely yes. Idaho Code 18-8008 governs interlock, and following a 2025 law change the device is ordered on DUI convictions, including first offenses, with a low calibration setting. Refusal cases also require one year of interlock after the suspension. Call 1-844-690-0555 for current details on how this applies to you.
I was just passing through Idaho on I-84 or I-90 — does the 7-day deadline still apply?
Yes. The ITD suspension and the 7-day hearing window apply no matter where you live, and traveling home does not pause the clock. Out-of-state drivers are the ones most often blindsided. Call 1-844-690-0555 the same day so you don't lose the right to a hearing while you're on the road.
Can I drive at all during the suspension?
Not during the absolute 30-day period of a failed-test administrative suspension — no driving of any kind. After that, you may be eligible to apply for restricted privileges for the remaining 60 days. Driving during the absolute period is a separate criminal charge. Call 1-844-690-0555 to learn the exact timeline for your case.
Does Legal Hotline represent me in my Idaho DUI case?
No. Legal Hotline is not a law firm and not a public defender. We give free legal information, not legal advice, and the call creates no attorney-client relationship. If you want representation, we can help you arrange a paid consultation with a licensed Idaho DUI attorney. Start by calling 1-844-690-0555.
How much does the free call cost, and when can I call?
Nothing, and any time — the hotline is free and available 24/7 with no income test and no web form. You'll get Idaho-specific information about your DUI and the ITD deadline, in your language. Call 1-844-690-0555 now.
If you're a licensed Idaho attorney who defends DUI cases, you can join our referral network and receive matched clients who have already spoken with our free hotline and want representation. It's a simple way to reach Idahoans actively looking for DUI defense. Reach out through 1-844-690-0555 to learn how the network works.
General legal information, not legal advice. We research every page from primary sources — legislation, the courts, and government legal-aid bodies — and check it for accuracy. Spotted something out of date? Tell us at admin@platfirm.ai.
Every hour you wait eats into the window to save your Idaho driver's license. The call is free, available 24/7, in your language, and gives you real Idaho-specific information about your DUI, the ITD hearing deadline, and your options — with no obligation and no attorney-client relationship created. Call 1-844-690-0555 now and find out exactly what to do next.
Free legal information. Not legal advice.