License & ALS

Idaho ALS (Administrative License Suspension): Deadlines, Hearings, and Getting Back to Driving

Failed a breath/blood test? Idaho launches a civil suspension separate from your criminal case. This is the ALS, and it runs fast—here's the playbook.

The clock

The date the officer served your Notice of Suspension starts the timeline. That clock starts ticking from the handwritten date on the bottom right corner of the yellow sheet of paper you were given by the arresting officer.
You have a short window of seven days to request an ALS hearing. Miss it and the suspension starts automatically.
A first ALS is 90 days: the first 30 are no driving at all; the next 60 may allow a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) if you qualify. You can find the ITD checklist for that application here.

What we do immediately

File the hearing request on time (in writing), confirm receipt, and calendar it. If you decide to do this yourself, you will need to send your full name, driver's license number, and date of the Notice of Suspension (yellow sheet with the handwritten date in the corner) to [email protected] and request that they give you a hearing on the issued Notice of Suspension.
Demand the officer's sworn statement, instrument performance/maintenance, operator permit, and any lab packets for blood.
Prep you for what the hearing officer actually considers (it's tighter than court).

If you lose the ALS hearing (or didn't request one)

Pay the ALS reinstatement fee.
If eligible, apply for a Restricted Driving Permit during the non-absolute portion.
Expect an ignition interlock requirement after the ALS (unless a court waives it).

If you win the ALS hearing

The civil suspension is vacated. Your criminal case still proceeds separately—we continue the defense there.

FAQs

Can I get a permit if I don't have an Idaho license? Sometimes, but out-of-state recognition varies. Best thing to do is to get an Idaho license before the suspension hits you. You only have 30 days to do this, so schedule with the DMV immediately!
Why do I still owe fees if my DUI was dismissed? ALS is a separate civil track with its own fees/requirements.
Do drug-based ALS cases require interlock? Yes—ALS-based interlock applies even for drug positives unless waived by a court.

Call 208-392-1964 for a free consultation—we'll preserve your hearing rights and map the fastest path to lawful driving.