Idaho Kids Do This Every Day Even Though It Could be Illegal

CALWEDLL, Idaho. Day after day, hundreds of Idaho kids might unknowingly break the law. But how can we blame them for not knowing what we as adults didn't even know? We can't and we shouldn't. Honestly, this one's on Idaho for a lack of clarity when it comes to child pedestrian laws and safety.

Idaho's Child Pedestrian Guideline: Rule or Law?

All we want to know is if it's illegal for kids under a certain age to cross the street alone? Information sourced from the Idaho Transportation Department strongly suggests it's illegal, but we have yet to find concrete evidence to back it up.

Scroll on to learn about the state of Idaho's position on child pedestrianism.

Idaho Kids Do This Every Day Even Though It Could be Against the Law

Idaho's Child Pedestrian Protocol: rule or law?

We were today-years-old when we learned children 10-and-under do not and cannot process roadway environments the same as adults.

Walk Smart Idaho

According to Walk Smart, a pedestrian safety initiative launched by the Idaho Transportation Department, "Children observe a roadway environment from a different perspective than adults" for multiple reasons.

Rule or Law?

While we support the logic laid out in Walk Smart's child pedestrian section, it remains unclear as to whether or not it's actually against the law for kids under 10 to cross the street alone in Idaho.

One on hand, we have ITD making the point that "young children are vulnerable near traffic and should always be accompanied by an adult." On the other hand, Idaho Statute 49-702 , Pedestrians & Bicycles, makes no mention of minors or children 10-and-under crossing streets.

Whether it's a residential or high-volume street, scroll on for seven reasons the state of Idaho says young children should never cross a street alone.

Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela

Boise's 7 Most Blown-Off & Forgotten Traffic Laws

Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela

Horses Need Turn Signals: 7 of Idaho's Strangest Traffic Laws

If you're new to Idaho, welcome!

Before you buckle up and hit the road, make sure you're aware of the Gem State's strangest road rules! From school bus concerns to how to handle horses in traffic, scroll for a list of helpful things to know behind the wheel in Idaho.

Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela