An individual check of over $300.00 or two or more checks totaling over $1,000.00 (Non-Sufficient Funds or Account Closed) will initiate an investigation. These amounts make the offense a felony. Checks for under the above listed amounts may be handled through the county prosecutor's office, small claims or civil court.

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CURFEW

Is there a curfew on school property?

No. School property is open to the public except during the time student activity is in progress. City Code 24-29.

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DRIVING

When turning onto a four lane road, which lane do I need to turn into?

When turning right, you should turn as close as practicable to the right-hand curb/edge of the roadway. When turning left, turn into the extreme left-hand lane available to traffic moving in the same direction as you. Idaho Code: 49-644

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ELDERLY

Is there a system set up for checking on elderly or home bound people?

Yes. The "Are You Okay" telephone reassurance system. It can make automated calls to the elderly or homebound. If the call is not answered after three (3) tries, an officer is sent to check on the person.

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NOISE

How loud can a car stereo be played?
When can construction work start in the morning?

How loud can a car stereo be played?

The general rule is the radio/stereo cannot be heard from fifty (50) feet or it is a violation of the noise ordinance, unless it is disturbing someone's peace.

City Code 24-40.

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When can construction work start in the morning?

Construction work is allowed from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM unless there is a variance issued.

City Code 24-38c(9).

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PARKING

How far do I have to park away from intersections, stop signs and driveways?

No parking within: 30 feet of flashing light, stop sign or yield sign; 20 feet of a crosswalk; 20 feet of an intersection; 5 feet of an alley. City Code 35-66-2.

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SEAT BELTS

What are the laws regarding seat belts for adults?

Adults, drivers/passengers, are required to use seat belts in moving vehicles. Idaho Code 49-673

What are the laws regarding seat belts for children?

A driver cannot transport a child less than four (4) years and forty (40) pounds without being properly restrained in a seat that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Idaho Code 49-672

Where can I go to have my child's car seat inspected?

The North Idaho Health Department has personnel trained in inspecting car seats. Contact them at 215 10th Street, Lewiston or call at 799-3100.

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BICYCLES/SCOOTERS

Where am I allowed to ride my bicycle or scooter?

By City Statute, bicycles and scooters are not allowed to be ridden on the sidewalks. Sidewalks are intended for people to have a means to get from place to place without interfering with the flow of vehicular travel. Bikes and scooters are able to move at greater speeds, so do not interfere with the flow of vehicular traffic as you proceed along the right shoulder of the roadway. This allows vehicles to use the traveled portion of the roadway. Bicycles and scooters on the sidewalks have a tendency to be traveling at a much greater speed than the people walking. This greatly increases the chances of bicycle pedestrian collisions or near misses. So, as a bicycle or scooter user in the City of Lewiston please abide by the law and ride along the right shoulder of the roadway using your hand signals.

How about motorized scooters & skateboards?

Both must be operated by a licensed driver, both must be insured, motorized skateboards must be licensed, you can't ride either on the sidewalks. (learn more)

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PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

There is some confusion on what Idaho Law is when it comes to crosswalks. If a pedestrian is on the curb, not yet stepped down onto the traveled part of the roadway, does a motorist have to stop?

No the motorist does not have to stop at that point. The law states that the pedestrian has to be “in the“ roadway. That does not relieve you from liability if you have time to stop and a pedestrian has stepped out onto the crosswalk and you do cause a collision. On the flip side, the pedestrian has to watch traffic and wait for a clear opening before stepping out onto the roadway.

Does there have to be a painted crosswalk to be a crosswalk?

No. A crosswalk is at any intersection, and where any sidewalk meets the roadway. As a motorist you need to pay very close attention to all the people along the side of the roadway, for if any are choosing to step out to cross. As a pedestrian you need to pay attention to all the motorists and be sure (look left-right-left) the way is clear before stepping off the curb.

What should you do if the pedestrian signal starts to flash “Don’t Walk” as you are crossing the street?

A flashing DON’T WALK signal indicates you should not start to cross the street. However, if you have already started crossing when it begins flashing, continue walking. The timing mechanism in the signal device allows you time to cross before it changes to a steady DON’T WALK signal.

Is it just as safe to ride my bike across a crosswalk or street as it is to walk?

No it is not as safe. You are moving at a much faster speed while riding a bike. It is much harder for the driver to see you coming, and the reaction time for stopping is greatly reduced. You do not always see vehicles coming when you are on a bike as well. You are also traveling to fast to stop and look both ways for vehicles coming. Bicyclers should not ride their bikes anywhere near the road unless along the side as part of traffic.

Is it just as safe to cross where there are no crosswalks, like in the middle of the block, as long as you watch for traffic.

Drivers are not always looking for pedestrians mid-block or where there are no crosswalks. Vehicles are traveling at greater speeds at mid-block. You as a pedestrian can not anticipate the actions of drivers and they cannot anticipate your actions without the aid of crosswalks.