Idaho Bicycle Laws

Required under age

No statewide age requirement

Applies to passengers

—

Standard

—

Penalty

Idaho has no statewide bicycle-helmet law. Sun Valley and a handful of resort municipalities have considered local helmet ordinances for minors, but none are currently in force statewide.

Statute

—

See our find your helmet size and kids bike sizing guide.

Statewide rule

Allowed with conditions

Notes

Idaho Code § 49-722 lets bicyclists ride on sidewalks unless prohibited by local ordinance or official sign. A rider on a sidewalk has all the rights and duties of a pedestrian, must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, and must give an audible signal before overtaking. Boise and Coeur d'Alene prohibit sidewalk cycling in their downtown business districts.

Statute

¹

See our commuter bike sizing guide and bike fitting guide.

Applies to bicycles

No

Separate cycling DUI statute

No

BAC limit

—

Penalty

Idaho's DUI statute (Idaho Code § 18-8004) applies only to operators of a 'motor vehicle,' and § 49-114(11) defines motor vehicle to exclude bicycles. Cyclists impaired in public may still face reckless-driving or public-intoxication charges, but the DUI penalties - including a mandatory licence suspension - do not attach to bicycle operation.

Statute

¹²

— Not yet researched.

Front light required

Yes

Front spec

White lamp on the front, visible from a distance of at least 500 feet.

Rear requirement

Rear reflector or light

Rear spec

Red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the Idaho Transportation Department, visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper-beam headlamps. A red rear lamp visible from 500 feet may be used in addition to the reflector.

Side reflectors

No

Pedal reflectors

No

When required

Darkness

Statute

¹

See our bike lights that meet the law and winter and low-light cycling setup.

— Not yet researched.

Two abreast allowed

Yes

Conditions

May not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. UVC §11-1205 derivative.

Statute

¹

Rule

—

Statute

—

— Not yet researched.

Bicycle registration required

No

Operator license required

No

Interstates

Allowed

Notes

ITD permits bicycle travel on the paved shoulders of rural Interstate segments in Idaho - including I-15, I-84, I-86, and I-90 - where no reasonable alternative exists. Urban Interstate segments through Boise and Coeur d'Alene are signed prohibited; long tunnels and certain bridges are individually posted.