Can you text, use your phone at a red light in Idaho? Here’s what state traffic law says
At least nine people are killed every day in car crashes involving a distracted driver, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Distracted driving can be anything from eating while driving to sending a text message. What happens if you get caught using your cell phone while you’re stopped at a red light?
Here’s what the Idaho state law says:
Idaho law on texting at red light
Idaho’s laws on texting and driving are outlined in Title 49, Chapter 14 of the Idaho Statutes. The chapter states that aside from law enforcement officers and first responders reacting to an emergency, no person shall not operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile electronic device.
This does not apply to the manufacturer-installed systems in the vehicle.
A driver can use a wireless telephone or electronic device only if these three conditions are satisfied:
The telephone or device is hands-free, such as mounted on a vehicle’s windshield like a GPS.
The driver deactivates or activates a feature or function on their device either by voice command or with a single swipe or tap.
The device assists in the movement of farm tractors or farm equipment.
Does this apply to a driver stopped at a red light?
The answer is yes.
Though the car is not moving, the vehicle is still being “operated.” The law states that a cell phone or electronic device can be used only if it is not in the driver’s hand.
The Idaho statutes state that a car is not being operated only if the car is lawfully parked or has pulled off to the side of the road at a location where it is legal to do so and the car remains stationary.
What if you get caught texting at a red light?
If you are pulled over for using your cell phone while driving, the Idaho statutes state that the following will happen:
A violation of this section is a base fine of $75 for a first offense
A second offense within three years of the first offense will result in a $150 fine
Each subsequent offense within a three-year period will result in a fine of $300
A court may suspend a driver’s license for up to 90 days if a driver has three or more offenses within a three-year period.
