DUI Laws in Iowa
The legal BAC limit in Iowa, first-offense DUI penalties, what happens if you refuse a test, and how long a DUI counts.
Short answer: 0.08 for drivers generally; 0.02 for drivers under 21. A driver can also be charged when under the influence or with any amount of a controlled substance present. Iowa Code §§ 321J.2(1), 321J.2A
| Legal BAC limit | 0.08 for drivers generally; 0.02 for drivers under 21. A driver can also be charged when under the influence or with any amount of a controlled substance present. The commercial-driver limit was not confirmed from a statute page read for this record. Source: Iowa Code §§ 321J.2(1), 321J.2A |
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| First-offense DUI penalties | A first OWI is a serious misdemeanor punishable by at least 48 hours and up to one year in jail, a $1,250 fine (the court may waive up to $625 if there was no injury or property damage and the person has a temporary restricted license), license revocation of 180 days to one year, and substance use evaluation and a drinking drivers course. A deferred judgment may be available in some cases. Administratively, a failed test brings a 180-day revocation for a first revocation. |
| When a DUI is a felony | A third or later OWI offense is a class 'D' felony, punishable by an indeterminate prison term of up to 5 years (30 days mandatory minimum), a fine of $3,125 to $9,375, and a 6-year license revocation. A person convicted of a third or later offense may also be sentenced as a habitual offender if they qualify. A first offense is a serious misdemeanor and a second offense is an aggravated misdemeanor. How far back earlier OWI offenses are counted was not confirmed from the section read. Source: Iowa Code § 321J.2(2), (5) |
| Refusing a breath test | If a driver refuses chemical testing, the DOT revokes the license for one year if there is no previous revocation under the OWI chapter, or two years with a previous revocation. A temporary restricted license requires an ignition interlock on all vehicles operated. Source: Iowa Code § 321J.9 |
| DUI lookback period | Administrative revocation periods increase when the driver has any previous revocation under Iowa's OWI chapter, and the Iowa DOT states an OWI revocation remains on the driving record for 12 years. |
| How long a DUI stays on your record | Iowa's misdemeanor expungement law, which normally allows a misdemeanor conviction to be expunged after 8 years, specifically says an OWI conviction under § 321J.2 cannot be expunged. How long an OWI stays on the Iowa DOT driving record was not found on an official page. Source: Iowa Code § 901C.3(2)(d) |
| Hardship or restricted license | The DOT may issue a temporary restricted license to a person whose noncommercial license is revoked under the OWI chapter (or suspended solely for OWI-related violations), allowing driving like a regular class C license, but only after an approved ignition interlock is installed on all vehicles operated. It is not available to drivers under 18 revoked under the under-21 law or during certain ineligibility periods. Source: Iowa Code § 321J.20 |
Where to get help in Iowa
More Iowa traffic tickets & dui
- Reinstating a Driver's License in Iowa
- How Driver Points Work in Iowa
- Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in Iowa
- All Iowa traffic tickets & dui rules
FAQ
What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Iowa?
0.08 for drivers generally; 0.02 for drivers under 21. A driver can also be charged when under the influence or with any amount of a controlled substance present.
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Iowa?
A first OWI is a serious misdemeanor punishable by at least 48 hours and up to one year in jail, a $1,250 fine (the court may waive up to $625 if there was no injury or property damage and the person has a temporary restricted license), license revocation of 180 days to one year, and substance use evaluation and a drinking drivers course. A deferred judgment may be available in some cases. Administratively, a failed test brings a 180-day revocation for a first revocation.
Is a DUI a felony in Iowa?
A third or later OWI offense is a class 'D' felony, punishable by an indeterminate prison term of up to 5 years (30 days mandatory minimum), a fine of $3,125 to $9,375, and a 6-year license revocation. A person convicted of a third or later offense may also be sentenced as a habitual offender if they qualify. A first offense is a serious misdemeanor and a second offense is an aggravated misdemeanor.
What happens if you refuse a breathalyzer in Iowa?
If a driver refuses chemical testing, the DOT revokes the license for one year if there is no previous revocation under the OWI chapter, or two years with a previous revocation. A temporary restricted license requires an ignition interlock on all vehicles operated.
How long does a DUI count as a prior offense in Iowa?
Administrative revocation periods increase when the driver has any previous revocation under Iowa's OWI chapter, and the Iowa DOT states an OWI revocation remains on the driving record for 12 years.
How long does a DUI stay on your record in Iowa?
Iowa's misdemeanor expungement law, which normally allows a misdemeanor conviction to be expunged after 8 years, specifically says an OWI conviction under § 321J.2 cannot be expunged. How long an OWI stays on the Iowa DOT driving record was not found on an official page.
Can you get a hardship license in Iowa?
The DOT may issue a temporary restricted license to a person whose noncommercial license is revoked under the OWI chapter (or suspended solely for OWI-related violations), allowing driving like a regular class C license, but only after an approved ignition interlock is installed on all vehicles operated. It is not available to drivers under 18 revoked under the under-21 law or during certain ineligibility periods.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.