Idaho’s HB 599 makes two important changes to Idaho law. First, driver’s licenses will no longer be suspended for nonpayment of court fines and fees. Previously, Idaho suspended licenses for nonpayment of infraction fines and fees, including virtually all traffic violations. Second, the bill decriminalizes driving on a suspended license. The first two offenses within a 5-year period are infractions, punishable by a fine, but no jail time.
You can read the full text of the legislation here.
Key Provisions
- Driver’s licenses shall not be suspended for failure to pay an infraction penalty.
- Driver’s license suspended for failure to pay an infraction penalty shall be reinstated without charge to the applicant.
- Driving on a suspended license is now an infraction rather than a misdemeanor for the first two offenses. Only a third offense within a 5 year period is a misdemeanor.
Primary sponsor(s): Dan Johnson, Greg Chaney, Lynn Lurker, Ryan Kirby
Bill number: HB 599
Status: Enacted