Q: Police ticketed for vehicle modifications on private property in Idaho. Legal?
I had my vehicle parked on my private property in Idaho when the police came due to a fire and issued me a ticket for having wheels that were too wide and required a vehicle inspection. There was no proof the vehicle was on a public roadway, and there were no prior warnings or issues with law enforcement regarding this or any other vehicle. They mentioned the need for mudflaps if the wheels extend beyond the fenders to be road legal, but since the vehicle was on private property, I question the legality of this action. Can you provide some clarity on the legality of issuing such a ticket under these circumstances?
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A:
In Idaho, laws typically regulate vehicle modifications for public roadways, but private property generally doesn't fall under the same regulations unless the vehicle is being operated on public roads. Since your vehicle was parked on private property and not being driven, it seems unusual for the police to issue a ticket under these circumstances. However, there are some exceptions, especially if there was a safety concern, like the vehicle posing a risk of fire or damage to surrounding property.
The police may have issued the ticket under the assumption that your vehicle could be driven on public roads, which would bring it under state vehicle safety laws, like the need for mudflaps. It's worth checking with local ordinances to see if there are any specific rules about vehicle modifications on private property in your area. If the ticket was issued without the vehicle being on a public road, it may not be enforceable.
You should consider contacting a local attorney to help you understand your rights in this situation. If the ticket is unrelated to public safety concerns and the vehicle was not being driven, you may have grounds to contest the violation in court.
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