If you’re an Idaho motorcyclist, you should know Idaho’s motorcycle laws like the back of your hand. Each state across the U.S. has slightly different motorcycle laws and guidelines, and knowing Idaho’s laws can ensure that you stay compliant while you ride and help prevent an accident.
At Law Tigers, we’re well-versed in motorcycle laws across the country. Read on to learn the Idaho motorcycle laws you should know.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Some states require motorcycle helmets at all times, others require them for certain riders, and some do not have any helmet policies in place.
In Idaho, motorcycle helmets are required for all riders under 18. However, the state does not have any laws about wearing additional face and eye protection.
Still, we highly recommend wearing your helmet while riding your motorcycle, regardless of your age. Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce your chances of a head injury during a crash. These pieces of safety equipment have saved countless lives, making them extremely valuable.
Lane Splitting
Every state has different laws about lane splitting, or weaving your bike between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. .
In Idaho, lane splitting is strictly illegal. However, this practice is legal in several states surrounding Idaho, such as California and Utah.
Lane sharing is also illegal in Idaho. This means that you and another motorcyclist cannot ride side-by-side in the same lane.
Passenger Laws
Idaho does not have any restrictions about bringing passengers along on your bike. However, your passengers should be able to reach handholds and footrests while riding with you. They should also wear motorcycle safety equipment and understand what they will need to do while riding.
Safety Course Laws
All motorcyclists under age 21 in Idaho must take a motorcycle safety course before obtaining their motorcycle licenses. However, riders older than 21 can also use these courses to waive the skills test required to receive their licenses.
Motorcycle Equipment Laws
For your motorcycle to be street legal, it must contain a few essential pieces of equipment required in Idaho. These include the following:
- At least one rear tail light
- At least one rear reflector
- At least one hand or foot brake
- At least one mirror with a visibility range of 200 feet behind the motorcycle
- A horn audible from at least 200 feet away
- Fenders on all wheels
- A headlight that can reveal a person or vehicle 300 feet away when traveling at least 35 miles per hour
- A muffler that limits the noise to the level of the muffler installed by the original manufacturer
Red-Light Laws
Some traffic lights do not detect motorcycles when they roll up to the intersection. As a result, when a motorcycle is at the front of the line, the light may not change from red to green within a reasonable time.
Idaho’s red-light law states that if a stoplight fails to detect a motorcycle after one complete cycle, the rider can proceed with caution through the intersection. However, be sure to come to a full stop at the light and yield to other drivers before proceeding.
Insurance Laws
Motorcyclists must obtain the minimum insurance coverage required by the state before taking their motorcycles on the road. In Idaho, the minimum coverage amounts are as follows:
- Bodily injury coverage: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
- Property damage coverage: $15,000 per accident
However, you may want insurance coverage beyond these minimum amounts. We recommend obtaining comprehensive coverage as well to ensure that your motorcycle is covered against non-accident damage.
Law Tigers is Here For You
If you have any questions about Idaho motorcycle laws, contact our team at Law Tigers for assistance, and don’t forget to order your FREE Law Tigers Rider Benefit Package. IT comes with Hit and Run Reward, Bike Theft Reward, Free Legal Advice for all Motorcycle matters, Bike repair or replacement assistance, and a document holder. It’s all yours FREE from Law Tigers.
