Idaho Alcohol Related Laws and Regulations

Where to Buy Alcohol
ABC or package stores, which are state-owned stores, sell hard liquor, while beer and wine are available in convenience and grocery stores. Unlike restaurants and bars, it is illegal to consume alcohol on their premises because of their ‘off-premises’ license.

These places are open various hours and have no state-regulated constraints as to when they can sell or serve alcohol. What may affect their hours are the county laws or local township.

Legal Age for Drinking/Serving Alcohol
Although you must be 21 years of age to consume alcohol, at 19 you can serve alcohol in a restaurant or handle the sales or alcohol.

Open Container Laws
If a container of alcohol has been previously opened, it must be transported in the trunk of a vehicle.

BAC Limits
If a person has a BAC (blood-alcohol content) of .08 or higher, they are considered ‘per se intoxicated’ and can be arrested and convicted of DUI without further evidence.

‘Zero tolerance laws’ attempt to deter underage drivers from drinking. If a driver under the legal age of 21 tests with a BAC level of .02 percent or higher, they face DUI penalties.

If a driver’s BAC is more than .20 percent above the legal limit of .08 percent, they face harsher penalties. A driver who refuses to comply with an officer’s request to test their level of intoxication also faces harsher penalties.

Penalties
If a driver does not comply with an officer’s request to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to determine their level of intoxication when they are suspected of being under the influence, they can face penalties due to ‘implied consent laws.’ Their refusal can result in the mandatory suspension of their driver’s license for up to one year.

When a driver is convicted of DUI, the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) can suspend a driver’s license for 90 days for the first offense, one year for the second, and one year for the third.

In Idaho, it is not a possibility to confiscate a driver’s vehicle when they are convicted of DUI. However, they may be required to attend alcohol education classes or have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle.