Idaho driving guide

Get started on your trip through Idaho with a variety of tips and guidelines on driving rules in the Gem state. From speed limits to child safety requirements and toll roads, Hertz has got you covered with this comprehensive driving guide.

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between Idaho and other states
• Driving conditions 

Quick rules of the road

As per state regulations, the following are some important regulations on the road that the driver should take note of:

• Cattle and livestock must be given the right of way when being moved across roads, or when in non-fenced areas outside city limits.
• Single Point Urban Interchanges are a common traffic indicator in Idaho. These control traffic via a single point using painted arrows.

              o   Orange arrows – Vehicle should be in either of the two right lanes

              o   Green arrow – Vehicle should stay in either of the two left lanes (to turn left)

              o   Blue arrow – Vehicles turning right/moving through intersections when exiting highways

• When driving slowly on highways and roads with higher speed limits, the driver should pull to the side and let faster vehicles pass by.
• Passing is prohibited when you are in or approaching hills, curves or other obstructions on two-lane roads or less than 100 feet from an intersection, railroad crossing, obstructed tunnels and bridges – unless indicated otherwise by a traffic control device.

Speed limits in Idaho

The Idaho speed limit is one of the highest in all of the United States, with only Texas having higher limits. Absolute Speed limits in Idaho depend on the type of road a vehicle is driving on, as well as the vehicle itself.

Toll roads in Idaho

As of now, there are no toll roads in Idaho. This means no matter your vehicle type, travel through the state is completely toll-free.

However, if you are traveling to other states through Idaho, you may have to pay toll charges depending on the route you take.

Driving ages and license requirements in Idaho

The legal driving age in Idaho varies based on the permit type obtained. The GDL licensed driving ages are as follows:

• Learner’s Permit - 14 years and 6 months
• Restricted Driver’s License - 15 years old
• Full License - 16 years old

The legal age to rent a car in Idaho with Hertz is 20 years. If you’re under 25, you can choose from a collection of vehicles including SUVs, Hatchbacks, and Sedans. Just bear in mind that some vehicle lines such as Hertz’s Dream Car® collection and Prestige Collection are not available for renters under 25.

For more information, check out the things you need to know about renting under 25.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in Idaho

When you’re on the road in Idaho, it’s good practice to have the following items in case of traffic stops or emergencies:

• Driving license
• Proof of rental agreement
• Extra tires and patch kit
• Booster cables
• Blankets or tarpaulin sheets
• Multipurpose knife or shovel
• Lighter or matches
• Car safety and instruction manual
• Snacks/long-lasting food
• First aid kit
• Bottled water
• Ice/snow scraper

Please check your rental agreement for a list of prohibited items while driving through Idaho in your Hertz rental.

Idaho speed violations, infractions and penalties

Breaking the absolute speed limits in Idaho will result in a fine. Drivers who are found guilty of an infraction must pay a charge of $90 (when speeding up to 16 miles over the speed limit) or $155 (when speeding more than 16 miles over the speed limit in Idaho).

Every penalty will also result in a demerit point on the driver’s record. The number of demerits will usually depend on the severity of the infraction.

In serious cases, additional charges such as reckless driving can be levied, which are subject to a legal case against the driver.

Driving with children in Idaho

When driving with children in Idaho, it’s important to follow the safety regulations and car seat requirements enforced to avoid fines and keep your little ones safe.

• Idaho state laws require toddlers and babies to be in rear-facing car seats secured by a harness until 2 years of age.
• When a child is 2 to 4 years old and between 40 to 65 pounds, they should be secured in front-facing car seats.
• As your kid grows up, they should be placed in a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt combination.
• All children under the age of 13 should sit in the backseat.

Gas prices in Idaho

The average gas price in Idaho is $4.29 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• For a small car like a Chevrolet Spark, that’s about $0.11 per mile.

For a larger family car like a Nissan Pathfinder, it works out at $0.15 per mile.

Gas price figure last updated November 8, 2022.

Electric car charging in Idaho

There are currently around 112 public EV charging stations in Idaho. However, the EV infrastructure throughout the state is growing rapidly.

Idaho has all four types of chargers – Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast and Tesla Superchargers – across the state. The majority of chargers are located in and around the capital Boise, so it’s always a good idea to get fully charged before you leave the city.

Driving between Idaho and other states

You can easily travel between states with Hertz and drop off or pick up your rental car at any of our rental locations throughout the country. We offer flexible drop-off from Idaho’s neighboring states such as Montana, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.

If you are planning a trip across several states or into Canada, you may be subject to separate driving regulations. In this case, please consult a Hertz team member for guidelines and restrictions.

Driving conditions in Idaho

While Idaho is one of the coldest regions in the US, the climate can vary on the borders with maritime influence being felt there and providing a significant moderating effect on the weather.

The average temperature in the summer months of June, July, August and September is 80°F. Idaho isn't notably rainy, but the summer months are the least humid.

The winter months, from December to February, have an average temperature ranging from 30°F to 35°F. January is generally the coldest month, with weather conditions dropping below zero at times – so it’s best to be prepared if driving during the colder seasons.