Idaho Bills

Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding speed limits.

Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding exemptions from a vehicle inspection and maintenance program.

All passenger and light truck motor vehicles from 2007 forward are equipped with an onboard diagnostic computer system that checks vehicle emissions and other critical parameters of vehicle operations. The emissions testing application of the onboard computer uses the same ISO standards that emissions testing machines now use for testing in both Ada and Canyon counties. Data shows that emissions testing failures have been significantly reduced on vehicles model year 2007 forward. This bill amends Idaho Code § 39-116B to change the exemption from testing from vehicles that are 5 years old to vehicles of model year 2007 and newer.

Repeals and adds to existing law to prohibit persons from operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile electronic device.

The purpose of this bill is to set guidelines regarding the use of electronic devices while driving. After years of experience, it is apparent that electronic devices are highly distracting to drivers, who may be travelling as high as 80 miles per hour while holding a cell phone to an ear, viewing applications or covering both ears with headphones or ear pieces. Currently, there is no law at all that regulates use of such devices while driving, except for texting. This bill will make it a minor infraction to use electronic devices while operating a vehicle in motion.