Idaho's Rules of the Road


Follow the Rules of the Road in Idaho

If you’re an Idaho native, the local traffic laws probably seem run-of-the-mill to you. However, if you recently moved from another state or you’re traveling for business or leisure, some Idahoan road rules may seem a bit wonky. Here at Dennis Dillon Mazda, we like to make sure every driver on the road in the Boise area is safe, and that starts with knowing all the rules of the road, whether or not they’re a bit weird. Here are five Idahoan traffic regulations you might not be aware of.

#1 - Permissive Yellow Lights

There are two types of yellow lights: restrictive and permissive. Restrictive yellow lights mean “prepare to stop” and require all drivers to stop before entering the intersection if possible. If your vehicle is still in the intersection when the light turns red, you’re in violation of local traffic laws. Idaho has permissive yellow lights, which are a bit different. Permissive yellow lights are more like a heads-up that the light will soon turn red. If you’re in an area with permissive yellow lights you’re okay to continue through the traffic light as long as your front bumper has entered the intersection before the light turns red.

#2 – The Idaho Stop Law

If you’re not from the area, you might look twice when you see a cyclist pedal right through a traffic light. Well, don’t get upset. They’re well within the law. Idaho Stop Law allows bicyclists to treat red lights like stop signs and stop signs like yield signs. They’re responsible for making sure the way is clear before they proceed, so they don’t have to wait for the light to change, and they can roll on by a stop sign without pausing if the way is clear.

#3 – Left on Red

Most places allow drivers in the far-right lane to turn right on a red light as long as there is no oncoming traffic. In Idaho, however, the same rules apply for turning left down one way. If you find yourself at a red light with a clear road ahead, and the driver behind you starts honking, it's because they’re eager to turn before traffic picks up.

#4 – Open Range vs. Herd Districts vs. Fence-in Laws

Farmers in Idaho do more than grow potatoes, and some of the products they raise can wander onto the highway. Because of this, there are laws that govern who is responsible for livestock or cattle on the highway.

  • Open Range: Idaho is an open range state, meaning livestock can roam freely, and landowners must fence their property to keep animals out. This also means drivers are responsible for making sure the road is clear of any animals. In case of an accident involving cattle, the driver is responsible for all the damage and must compensate the cattle owner for the loss of their livestock.
  • Herd Districts: These are designated areas within open-range states where the rules are reversed. In herd districts, livestock owners are required to fence their animals in to prevent them from roaming freely.
  • Fence-in Laws: Most states have " fence-in" laws. This means livestock owners are generally responsible for keeping their animals contained on their own property or designated grazing areas.

Regardless of what area you’re in, you should be on the lookout for cattle. You don’t want to have an accident with a 1,200-pound beef cow.

#5 – Median U-Turns

Some newer intersections in Boise are a bit odd. For instance, there are no left turns on State Street or Veteran Memorial Parkway. On these streets, you may have to drive past your destination and execute a median U-turn to reach it. A median U-turn involves a standard intersection with additional designated U-turn lanes in the median for specific turning movements.

Making sure you’re familiar with these traffic laws will help you stay safe whether you’re here for the long haul or just for a visit. If you’re new to the area, welcome to Idaho. When it’s time to purchase your next vehicle, visit us at Dennis Dillon Mazda. We’ll help you find a vehicle with i-Activesense® to help you and everyone else stay safe.

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