Vehicular manslaughter is a criminal offense defined as the unintentional killing (homicide) of another person as a result of criminal negligence or recklessness while operating a motor vehicle—often while the operator is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, engaged in a high risk activity such as street racing, or committing a misdemeanor or infraction offense (speeding) with ordinary negligence.

Vehicular manslaughter is usually a felony offense and often includes significant jail or prison time as potential punishment. Vehicular manslaughter laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Idaho, vehicular manslaughter is addressed under the state's criminal statutes, specifically in the Idaho Code. According to Idaho Code § 18-4006, vehicular manslaughter occurs when a person is killed due to the unlawful operation of a vehicle, which can include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, or excessive speeding. The offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case, such as the level of negligence or recklessness involved. If the vehicular manslaughter is committed by a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is typically treated as a felony under Idaho Code § 18-8006, which can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and the suspension of driving privileges. The specific punishment for vehicular manslaughter in Idaho varies based on factors such as the driver's criminal history and the details of the incident, but felony convictions generally carry harsher sentences, potentially including years of incarceration.