A two-lane paved road curves through a conifer-forested valley beside a pale turquoise river, with a rocky snow-streaked mountain under cloudy skies and a pine branch in sharp focus in the right foreground.

Restricted License Insurance — Idaho

Idaho requires 25/50/15 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

Compare my rates

Free to compare

Idaho at a Glance

25/50/15

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Optional

PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law

$25

State license reinstatement fee

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Idaho

Idaho is a tort state, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages in an accident. The Idaho Transportation Department requires SR-22 filing for drivers seeking a restricted license after a DUI or major violation. Restricted license holders must carry continuous liability coverage meeting state minimums and install an ignition interlock device for the duration of the restricted period.

Bodily Injury Liability

Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal costs when you injure someone in an accident you caused. Idaho's 25/50 minimum covers less than the average emergency room visit plus ambulance transport. One serious injury claim can exceed this limit within hours, leaving you personally liable for the remainder.

Property Damage Liability

Pays for damage to another driver's vehicle or property when you are at fault. If you total a newer vehicle, the gap is yours to pay.

SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility

Idaho Transportation Department requires SR-22 filing for all restricted license holders. Your insurer files the SR-22 electronically with the state to prove continuous coverage. If your policy lapses for any reason, the insurer notifies the state within 24 hours and your restricted license is suspended immediately until you refile.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Pays your medical bills and vehicle damage when you are hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Refusing uninsured motorist coverage in writing is your only way to opt out — if you don't sign the rejection form at policy inception, most carriers add it automatically.

Ignition Interlock Device Compliance

Idaho law requires installation of an ignition interlock device on all vehicles you operate while holding a restricted license after a DUI. The device prevents the vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol. Your restricted license is valid only while the IID remains installed and calibrated.

What Drivers Pay in Idaho

$142–$287/mo

Typical monthly rate in Idaho, high-risk drivers after a DUI

Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026

A man in a dark jacket and jeans stands beside an open door of a dark sedan at dusk, with a lit city skyline and a streetlamp across the water behind him.

Get Insured on Your Restricted License

Get My Restricted License Insurance Quote

If your license is suspended

Restricted Driving Permit (RDP)

application fee $60, about 5 days to process.

A coverage lapse is reported

The state acts on a lapse after 60 days.

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need SR-22 insurance for a restricted license in Idaho?

Idaho requires SR-22 filing for 3 years after a DUI or major violation. The SR-22 period begins on your conviction date, not your restricted license issue date. If your policy lapses at any point during the 3 years, the Idaho Transportation Department suspends your restricted license within 24 hours and the 3-year clock resets when you refile.

Can I get a restricted license immediately after a DUI in Idaho?

No. Idaho imposes a mandatory suspension period before restricted license eligibility. First-offense DUI requires 30 days absolute suspension before you can apply for a restricted license. Second offense within 10 years requires 1 year absolute suspension. You must install an ignition interlock device before the Idaho Transportation Department will issue the restricted license.

What happens if my SR-22 insurance lapses while I have a restricted license in Idaho?

Your insurer notifies the Idaho Transportation Department electronically within 24 hours of policy cancellation or lapse. The state suspends your restricted license immediately and you cannot drive legally until you obtain new SR-22 coverage and refile. The 3-year SR-22 filing requirement resets from the date you refile, extending the total period you must maintain coverage.

Does Idaho require an ignition interlock device for all restricted licenses?

Yes, for DUI-related restricted licenses. Idaho law requires installation of an approved ignition interlock device on all vehicles you operate while holding a restricted license after a DUI conviction. The device remains required for the full restricted license period — typically 1 year for first offense, longer for repeat offenses. Non-DUI violations may not trigger IID requirement.

Can I drive outside Idaho with a restricted license and SR-22 insurance?

Idaho restricted licenses are valid only within Idaho state borders and only for approved purposes stated on the license. Driving outside Idaho or for non-approved purposes violates the restricted license terms and can result in arrest, immediate license suspension, and extension of your SR-22 filing requirement. Your SR-22 insurance covers you anywhere you drive legally, but the restricted license itself does not authorize out-of-state travel.