FAQs • Idaho Falls, ID • CivicEngage

What colors and types (under body, in-car, etc.) of neon lights are legal?: In Idaho you can only show white and amber lights to the front and amber and red to the rear (with the exception of a white tag light). Typically, aftermarket neon lights are not legal if any of the light shows directly to the front or rear of the vehicle.

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Police Department - Rules Regarding Vehicles

1. What do I do if my vehicle is impounded?: In most cases you can get a release from the records clerk for a fee of $15. You must provide proof of ownership, such as, registration / title, before a release can be granted. Impounded vehicles are stored at private Impound facilities and storage fees may accumulate rapidly.

There are numerous Towing Companies in our area, the company that towed your vehicle will be on the impound form and our Records Department will have a contact number and storage location of your vehicle. If your vehicle is impounded by the Idaho Falls police department, please contact the Records Department.

2. What should I do if my car breaks down out on the street?: Pull the vehicle onto the shoulder and as far away from the traveled portion of the roadway as possible. Stay with your vehicle, raise the engine hood and activate your emergency flashers. If you have a cell phone dial 208-529-1200 and this will connect you to the Idaho Falls police dispatch center.

3. What percent of the windows can be tinted on my vehicle?: For passenger cars, the maximum percentage of tint is 35%. Idaho Statutes do not allow any tinting on the windshield of the vehicle except the top 6” of the glass or AS-1 line. Most automotive glass and specialty shops have tint meters or you can contact the Idaho Falls Police Department and have them checked by one of our Officers. View the state stature on window tinting.

4. Can I have any cracks or stars in my windshield and still be able to drive legally?: If the drivers view of the road is obstructed enough as to cause a hazard while driving then you should not drive until corrections can be made. This would include dust, snow, ice, etc.

5. Can I use studded snow tires on my car?: Studded snow tires are legal on Idaho roads between October 1 and April 30.

6. What is the maximum lift height for a vehicle? And how do you measure it?: Passenger Cars measured from the ground to the bumper can be no more than 22 inches in front and 24 inches in the rear. Trucks and MPVs that are 4,500 or less pounds. GVWR can be no more than 24 inches in the front and 26 inches in the rear.

7. What is the minimum height that I can lower my vehicle?: The frame of your vehicle cannot be any lower to the ground than the lowest point of your wheels rim (metal portion of the wheel).

8. What colors and types (under body, in-car, etc.) of neon lights are legal?: In Idaho you can only show white and amber lights to the front and amber and red to the rear (with the exception of a white tag light). Typically, aftermarket neon lights are not legal if any of the light shows directly to the front or rear of the vehicle.

9. Is a front license plate required on Idaho-registered cars?: Yes. When 2 plates are required then 1 must be on the front and 1 must be on the rear of the vehicle. They must be mounted in the manner intended by the manufacturer (not in the rear window or secured with a metal coat hanger, etc.).

10. How long can I leave a Recreational Vehicle parked on the street?: Any vehicle with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or more is prohibited from parking on the street in residential areas.

11. How long can I leave my Vehicle parked on the street?: Any vehicle that is left unattended in the same location on a city street or alley for longer than 48 hours is considered abandoned and can be impounded.

12. Do motorcycle riders have to wear a helmet in Idaho?: Anyone under the age of 18 must wear an approved helmet. If you are 18 or older, you do not have to wear one. The Idaho Falls Police strongly recommends that all motorcycle and ATV riders wear approved helmets.

13. Can people legally ride in the bed of a pickup truck?: People can legally ride in the back of a pickup truck as long as they are seated in such a manner that their safety is not compromised while the vehicle is moving.

14. Is it legal for me to use a cellular phone while driving?: It is currently legal in Idaho to use a cellular phone while driving. If you are texting or using your phone while driving and it causes an unsafe action, you may be cited for Inattentive Driving. The Idaho Falls Police department recommends that all drivers use a hands free device. View the Idaho Inattentive Driving Statute.

15. How much over the speed limit do I have to go before I will get a ticket?: An Officer can issue a citation to anyone who exceeds the posted limit. It is possible to get a citation for 1 mile an hour over the posted limit. The Idaho Falls Police department encourages everyone to drive in a safe manner and obey the posted limits.

16. Is it against the law to operate a vehicle while not wearing shoes?: No, however wearing shoes may provide a safer environment if you have to exit your vehicle in a hurry.