Declo Ports of Entry now open

A red port of entry building seen from across the highway.

Update: Both Declo Ports of Entry (POE) are now open.

Original story Dec 13, 2023:

10-months after the Declo westbound Port of Entry (POE) opened, the eastbound side is nearing completion. Staff moved in at the end of November to set up the building and test the electronic screening equipment before full operations begin. The hope is to have the newest port completely open by December 21, 2023.

The eastbound Declo port will have a state-of-the-art commercial registration office with a customer service window for appointments.

The Declo POE also has a Tire Anomaly Classification System (known as TAC) which screens tire conditions at highway speeds. Catching damaged tires before they blow out helps keep highway users safe.

The current Cotterel Port of Entry, eastbound location, will be decommissioned and only the rest area will remain.

For more information about commercial vehicle services in Idaho visit Trucking.idaho.gov. The site is the central location for all commercial vehicle and motor carrier information. From permits and registrations to taxes and safety information Trucking.idaho.gov is the greatest resource for Idaho’s trucking industry.

Changing a commercial vehicle registration expiration date

There are about 4,000 commercial vehicle customers with full fee (Idaho registered only) commercial registrations that expire on December 31 and 500 that expire on January 31.

If your registration expires in December or January, you can change the expiration date to a different time. Idaho Motor Carrier Services offers this option to all full fee (Idaho registered only) commercial vehicles.

Customer benefits:

Pay renewal fees during the time of year that works best for your finances.
For seasonal operations, you can choose the latest month of the year you will operate and then wait to renew until you start operating. This reduces the registration fees by the number of months you are not operating.
Faster renewals. Moving your renewal to a less busy month evens out the workload for the DMV’s commercial vehicle staff and leads to quicker service.

How to change your expiration date:

Every customer with full fee registered vehicles receives an Expiration Date Change form in the mail with their renewal packet.
If there is a more convenient month for your commercial vehicle registration(s) to expire, please complete the form and return it with your renewal.
For registrations that expire December 31 you will receive the renewal packet in early November. If your registration expires January 31 you will receive the packet in early December.
If you have already renewed for the 2024 calendar year, we can’t change it now, however you will receive the option again next year.

Motor Carrier Services’ goal is to transition at least 50% of December and January renewals to a different month. This will greatly improve department efficiency and turn-around time for all customers.

If you have any questions, contact a registration specialist at 208-334-8611, Monday – Friday, 9 am to 4 pm Mountain Time, e-mail us at cvs@itd.idaho.gov, or go to Trucking.idaho.gov where you may find the answer you’re seeking.

Trucking.idaho.gov is the central location for all commercial vehicle and motor carrier information. From permits and registrations to taxes and safety information Trucking.idaho.gov is the greatest resource for Idaho’s trucking industry.

IDPR and DMV Unveil Durable 2024 RV Registration Stickers, Saving Taxpayers $65,000 Annually

BOISE- The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) have created new and improved Recreational Vehicles (RV) registration stickers using a familiar material. The new stickers will be available starting this month for all 2024 RV registration renewals.

The DMV and IDPR work together to register recreational vehicles—like boats, OHVS, and snowmobiles—across the state. This program provides its user groups with trail grooming and maintenance, access, safety education classes, and more. However, the 2023 sticker print came with an issue: the stickers were quickly peeling and fading when exposed to the elements. This was less than ideal for customers and the agencies worked together to find a solution.

“As state agencies, we are dedicated to serving the public in the best, most efficient ways possible,” shared Chelsea Chambers, Public Information Specialist at IDPR. “We heard the feedback from our customers and, under the guidance of the DMV, quickly pivoted to find both a temporary workaround and a long-term fix to this problem.”

The solution was to print RV stickers on the same decal paper that the DMV uses for vehicle registrations. The print-on-demand decal paper is a tried and tested product, used on millions of license plates across the state. If the RV owner also purchases an Idaho State Parks Passport, that sticker will be printed on the same page as the RV sticker, reducing waste.

“The DMV and IDPR came together to collaborate and problem solve,” said DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan. “Now we have a solid solution for our customers and are saving taxpayer money in the process.”

In all, this change is expected to save taxpayers more than $65,000 annually.

Customers interested in renewing their RV registration for 2024 can go online to DMV.idaho.gov or visit any county DMV office.

Idaho DMV makes mailed registration renewals more affordable

BOISE- It is now more affordable than ever to renew your vehicle registration by mail. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has eliminated administrative fees for mailed registration renewals.

“The Idaho DMV is committed to elevating the customer experience by removing extra fees and offering a variety of convenient ways to do business with the DMV that fit into Idahoans’ busy lives,” said DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan.

The administrative fee removal is the latest in a series of fee reduction efforts by the Idaho DMV. In the past 12 months, the DMV has removed administrative fees for online registration renewals and removed convenience fees for online driver’s license renewals and license reinstatements. The DMV also introduced e-notifications for customers who prefer text or email communication over mailed renewal reminders and expanded online license renewals to include commercial driver’s licenses.

Over 636,367 registrations have been renewed online or by other Skip the Trip methods since January 1, 2023. Since e-notifications launched in March, 94,295 customers have signed up.

DMV.idaho.gov is a one-stop-shop for everything DMV. Over a dozen transactions can be completed online, from a change of address to registration renewals. Customers searching the web should be wary of imitation and scam websites claiming to offer DMV services. The safest option is always to type DMV.idaho.gov directly into your browser bar. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online where you are always first in line.

Idaho DMV removes convenience fees for online license reinstatement payments

BOISE– The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has removed the convenience fee for online driver’s license reinstatement payments.

Now customers with a suspended license will be able to pay for a license reinstatement online at www.DMV.idaho.gov without paying extra convenience fees. These savings are passed along to DMV customers. Drivers with a suspended license will still need to satisfy all other conditions and wait the appropriate amount of time to get their driving privileges back.

“This is great news for drivers in Idaho who have had their license suspended,” explained DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan. “The removal of the convenience fee for online driver’s license reinstatement payments makes getting your license back more affordable.”

100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads claim 92 lives

BOISE—At least 92* people were killed in crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads, according to preliminary data from the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS). Vehicle crashes caused the majority of fatalities, followed by motorcycle crashes, and crashes involving pedestrians.

The 100 Deadliest Days are the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when Idaho sees a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. During this time more people are out of school or work, on vacations, and celebrating. This increase in traffic can lead to more distracted, aggressive, and impaired driving, making the roads more dangerous.

“Thinking about the gravity of the loss is heartbreaking. Ninety-two people are gone too soon, and families and communities across Idaho are mourning their loved ones,” Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton said. “It’s a solemn reminder of the importance of buckling up, putting down the distractions, and driving sober.”

OHS has compiled a preliminary list* of contributing factors to these fatalities. Please note that the numbers in this list add up to more than 92 because most crashes have more than one contributing factor. For example, a fatal crash could involve both impaired driving and no seat belt or inattention, speeding, and failing to yield, etc.

No seat belt – 34
Fail to maintain lane – 20
Speed – 11
Alcohol-impaired – 10
Fail to yield – 10
Inattention – 9
Overcorrected – 5
Drove left of center line – 5
Improper overtaking – 4
Wrong side or wrong way – 4
Drug-impaired – 3
Asleep, drowsy, or fatigued – 2
Fail to obey a stop sign – 2
Distracted in or on the vehicle (GPS, cell phone, etc.) – 2
Improper lane change – 2
Tire Defect – 1

Overall, 2023 has been deadlier than 2022. So far this year 168* people have died on Idaho roads, compared to 137 at this time last year. Ninety-two people died during the 100 Deadliest Days this year, compared to 81 last year.

Here is a preliminary breakdown* of fatalities during the 100 Deadliest Days by county:

8 Fatalities

Ada
Bonneville
Idaho
Kootenai

7 Fatalities

Jerome

6 Fatalities

Canyon

4 Fatalities

Bannock
Bonner
Clearwater
Teton
Twin Falls

3 Fatalities

Payette
Valley

2 Fatalities

Boise
Cassia
Jefferson
Minidoka
Nez Perce

1 Fatality

Bear Lake
Benewah
Bingham
Blaine
Boundary
Elmore
Franklin
Latah
Lemhi
Lincoln
Owyhee

No Fatalities

Adams
Butte
Camas
Caribou
Clark
Custer
Fremont
Gem
Gooding
Lewis
Madison
Oneida
Power
Shoshone
Washington

*All 2023 data is preliminary

Idaho urges sober rides for safe Labor Day as ‘100 Deadliest Days’ conclude

BOISE—As Idaho approaches the end of the 100 Deadliest Days, drivers should remember to include a sober ride home in their Labor Day plans. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) has partnered with Idaho State Police (ISP) and more than 50 other law enforcement agencies for enhanced DUI patrols this coming holiday weekend. Expect to see more officers on the roads to stop impaired drivers before they cause harm.

“As law enforcement professionals, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. The act of impaired driving not only defies the principles we uphold but also endangers the lives we’ve sworn to protect,” said Colonel Kedrick Wills of the Idaho State Police. “This Labor Day weekend, let us all unite in our commitment to safety by making responsible choices. Through intensified patrol and advanced expertise, we are committed to creating an environment free from the dangers of impaired driving.”

According to data gathered by OHS, 110 people were killed as a result of impaired driving crashes last year. That represents more than half of all fatalities in 2022.

Labor Day marks the end of the 100 Deadliest Days, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when Idaho sees a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. This year to date 164 people have been killed in crashes on Idaho roads, 89 of those fatalities happened during the 100 Deadliest Days.

Sadly 2023 has been deadlier than 2022 so far. This time last year there were 133 fatalities on Idaho roads, versus 164 this year.

“It’s a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving, aggressive driving, and distracted driving,” explained Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “We can help to keep ourselves and others safe by driving engaged, putting down the distractions, driving sober, and always wearing our seatbelts.”

Idaho DMV adds new features to online customer portal

BOISE- The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has added new features to the online customer portal at DMV.idaho.gov. To enhance security and customer convenience the DMV has implemented a Single Sign On (SSO) system, as well as a document center.

The SSO system asks customers to link an email address and create a password to access the DMV Online portal. Customers who use online accounts for banking, utilities, and shopping will be familiar with SSO systems. Once the account is linked, customers will only need their email and password to log on. The change makes information more secure and makes it faster and easier to access DMV online services.

The document center makes it easy for customers to access all of their documents from the DMV. Customers can view and download copies of reminders, receipts, letters, and more.

“The DMV is regularly adding new features to our online portal,” said DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan. “We are all about elevating the customer experience by making more tools and transactions available at customers’ fingertips.”

“Do the math. Save a life.” New math program teaches safe driving and data science

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Idaho Department of Education, Idaho STEM Action Center, and Horizon Credit Union have teamed up on new math resources for Algebra 1 students. A coalition of math educators from across Idaho developed a series of lessons, called “Do the math. Save a life,” that use Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) crash data to teach Algebra and data analysis skills.

“So much data is thrown out in the world these days, and it’s important to empower students to be critical consumers of data. Being able to understand and interpret data and statistics is an essential skill for modern society,” explained Josie Derrick, Lead Math Innovator at One Stone and part of the team that created the lessons. “By providing students with opportunities to use math as a tool to think critically and engage in discussions where there may not be a “right” answer, we build skills for students to become more engaged citizens in the future.”

OHS collects data on all crashes that happen on Idaho roads and displays it on publicly available dashboards. The new math program uses that data to provide examples of math in real life and teaches students lessons like scatter plots, frequency tables, and analyzing claims.

“We are all more curious about what’s happening in our own communities,” said Erin Corwine, part of the team that created the lessons and K-8 Mathematics Instructional Specialist at the Developing Mathematical Thinking Institute, Idaho. “Because the dataset is specific to Idaho, students can interact with data points unique to their counties, and in some cases, even specific intersections, so there’s relevance in the learning.”

OHS data shows Idaho teens are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a crash than other age groups.

“Not only are these lessons teaching them math, but they are also teaching teens about the dangers of distracted, aggressive, and impaired driving,” said Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “We want them to understand the risks to they can make safe choices once they start learning how to drive.”

Horizon Credit Union provided financial support for the creation of the math lessons.

The “Do the math. Save a life” program will be presented to math teachers from around the state at the Imagine the Places You’ll Go STEM Conference on August 3 and 4 in Boise. Part of the conference will include a field trip to see the mathematics that ITD employees use in their jobs. Boise Police will conduct an actual car crash demonstration and will be available to discuss the science behind crash investigations. Members of the media are welcome to observe the field trip on August 4 from 1-3:30 pm at the ITD Annex, 3293 W Jordan St, Boise, ID 83703.

Educators who want to review and use the new lessons can download materials from https://shift-idaho.org/do-the-math/.

Idaho’s commercial drivers can renew their licenses online starting July 1

BOISE—The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is expanding online services for Idaho’s commercial drivers. Beginning July 1, Idahoans will be able to renew a commercial driver’s license (CDL) online, an option already available for many non-CDL drivers.

“Idaho’s commercial drivers could be anywhere in the country when it is time to renew their license, so expanding online services to them just makes sense,” said DMV administrator Lisa McClellan. “Now they can renew from their phone and get back on the road.”

Starting July 1, CDL customers will be able to renew their licenses, if eligible, at DMV.idaho.gov. At this time, hazmat endorsements will not be available for online renewal due to testing requirements. The DMV is exploring hazmat testing solutions for the future.

Did you know that customers, including commercial drivers, have the option to receive DMV renewal notices through text or email? This is a convenient alternative to traditional mail delivery, especially for those who frequently travel or prefer digital communication. Customers can opt-in at DMV.idaho.gov.

DMV.idaho.gov is a one-stop-shop for everything DMV. Over a dozen transactions can be completed online, from a change of address to registration renewals. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online to DMV.idaho.gov.