FAQs • Idaho Falls, ID • CivicEngage

A Police Officer is behind me with his lights on. What should I do?: Pull over to the right. The Police Officer is either stopping you or trying to get around you. If he is stopping you, put your directional on and carefully move to the shoulder of the road. Never slam on your brakes and never stop in the travel lane.

Do not get out of your car - wait for the officer to approach you. This is done for your safety and the safety of the officer. If the officer is trying to get around you, safely pull to the right side of the roadway and stop until the officer goes by. Then pull safely back out into the traffic lane and continue on your route.

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Police Department - Traffic Stops

1. Why aren't officers catching "real" criminals, instead of writing tickets?: Property loss and injuries from traffic accidents greatly exceeds the loss from all other crimes combined. We do our best to balance our resources toward effective traffic enforcement and other criminal matters. Interestingly, effective traffic enforcement has been linked to reduced crime.

2. Does the Idaho Falls Police department have a ticket (citation) quota?: No. There is no quota or mandatory amount of tickets Idaho Falls Police Officers have to write.

3. Are radar jammers legal in Idaho?: No. They are illegal in all 50 states according to an FCC ruling.

4. In Idaho can I be stopped for not wearing my seatbelt if I do not commit any other violation?: No. In Idaho, seat belt violations are classified as secondary offenses. An Officer must have a primary offense such as speeding to pull you over. We would ask that you comply with Idaho State Statutes and always wear your seat belts.

As a driver of a vehicle, you will also be responsible for the passengers of that vehicle who are not wearing their seat belts. View the state statute on seatbelts.

5. A Police Officer is behind me with his lights on. What should I do?: Pull over to the right. The Police Officer is either stopping you or trying to get around you. If he is stopping you, put your directional on and carefully move to the shoulder of the road. Never slam on your brakes and never stop in the travel lane.

Do not get out of your car - wait for the officer to approach you. This is done for your safety and the safety of the officer. If the officer is trying to get around you, safely pull to the right side of the roadway and stop until the officer goes by. Then pull safely back out into the traffic lane and continue on your route.

6. Can an officer pull me over without using radar or laser speed measurement?: Yes. Officers may pace a vehicle to determine a speed in addition to using radar.

7. Why do officers shine so many lights when they stop a vehicle?: Officers are trained to utilize lighting techniques to illuminate a vehicle for the safety of themselves and the occupants of the vehicle, and it is not meant to be something that is annoying or a form of harassment.

8. Are radar / laser detectors legal in Idaho?: Yes, Idaho Statutes have no provision for radar / laser detectors in passenger vehicles.

9. I received a speeding ticket in Idaho Falls and lost it? What do I do?: You can contact the Bonneville County Courts
605 North Capital Avenue
Idaho Falls, Idaho

You can also contact them by phone at 208-529-1350. They can look up your citation by name and supply information you need.

10. How do officers test suspected drunk drivers?: Idaho Falls Police use the Standard Field Sobriety Test. This is a set of tests using multiple tasks for the driver so the officer can determine sobriety. These include balance tests (1 leg stand and heel to toe test), testing the driver’s cognitive ability and checking the driver’s eyes for indications of intoxication. In addition, officers may use preliminary breath testers which can measure a driver’s blood alcohol concentration on the side of the road.

11. I was stopped by an officer and my driver license, registration, or insurance card was not returned. What do I do?: If you were given a citation, it will have his name and ID number on the bottom. The dispatcher or duty officer should be able to help you get in touch with the Officer or leave a message on his email. Remember that Officers work shift work and it may be difficult for them to contact you right away. Contact the Police Department for assistance.

12. What happens if I refuse to sign a traffic ticket?: When signing a citation you do not admit any guilt. You are advising that you will comply with the requirements of the citation (appearing in court or paying the fine). If you do not sign a citation, the officer will sign it and serve it upon you. This does not relieve you of your responsibilities to pay the fine or show up in court when assigned.

13. Can a police officer pull me over for no reason?: No. Any law enforcement officer needs a reason (probable cause) to stop a vehicle.

14. Can a police officer issue me a citation without showing me the radar or laser gun he used to obtain my speed?: Yes. There is no rule that requires that an officer show you the radar or laser gun.

15. Can a police officer pull me over if I am "going with the flow of traffic?": Yes. There is no exemption from the speed laws because you are breaking the law with other people.

16. If I am legally stopped by a police officer on the street, can he search me?: You can be subject to a search upon arrest or a pat down if there is reasonable suspicion that you may have a weapon. Police can also ask your consent to be searched.