Iowa DUI Laws

Iowa places drunk driving under the state per se law. If your blood alcohol level is at or above the legal limit within two hours of operating a motorized vehicle, you will be arrested on a DUI. In Iowa, a DUI or OWI will result in multiple fines and penalties. All DUI and OWI convictions have a mandatory jail time, license suspension, and court ordered substance abuse treatment attached to the charge. Iowa DUI/OWI laws are strictly adhered to and the penalties and fines are increased for repeat offenders. A repeat offender in the state of Iowa will be charged with a felony conviction which will remain on the record for the rest of your life. These rules apply to other substances such as drugs and inhalants.

Iowa’s implied consent law will result in the loss of your driver’s license for 6 months to 1 year if your refuse to take a blood alcohol, breath or urine test. Accepting your Iowa driver’s license and operating a motorized vehicle on Iowa roads is your acceptance of taking a chemical test if stopped for impaired driving. The DMV may take the vehicle of a repeat offender for a set time period or they may take your vehicle permanently when you are arrested and convicted of DUI or OWI. You will have to pay fines and administrative fees to get the vehicle back. You may also be required to install the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle at your own expense.

The BAC for Iowa is .08% or higher. A BAC of .15% or higher is considered extreme DUI and you will not be able to apply for a limited license. Iowa has a zero tolerance law in place for under age drinkers. This includes anyone under 21. Under age drinkers caught driving with a BAC of 0.01% will be charged with a DUI. Over the counter cough medicine can put you over the limit. The BAC for commercial drivers, this is anyone hauling merchandise or people, is .04%. Your third arrest for DUI or OWI becomes a felony. The penalties for a DUI will depend upon the circumstances of the arrest.



Your first offense will result in 48 hours to 1 year of jail time and a fine of $625.00 to $1,250.00. Your license will be suspended for 180 days. You may be allowed to obtain a restricted license if your BAC was below 0.10%. The court may also attach any or all of the following to your conviction: a substance abuse evaluation, substance abuse treatment, substance abuse reality program, attendance to a drinking and driving course or community service.

Your second offense will result in 7 days to 2 years of jail time, a suspended license for 2 years, and a fine of $1,875.00 to $6,250.00. Your license will be restricted and may be deferred after 90 days with the IID installed in your vehicle. The court may also choose to make you serve 1 year of your suspension before allowing the restricted license with the IID installed. The court may also attach any or all of the following to your conviction: a substance abuse evaluation, substance abuse treatment, substance abuse reality program, a drinking and driving course, impoundment of your vehicle or community service.

Your third offense is considered a Class D Felony and will result in a minimum of 30 days to 5 years of jail time, a suspended license for 6 years, and a fine of $3,125.00 to $9,375.00. Your license will be restricted and may be deferred after 1 year of your suspension has been served before allowing the restricted license with the IID installed. The court may also attach any or all of the following to your conviction: a substance abuse evaluation, substance abuse treatment, substance abuse reality program, a drinking and driving course, impoundment of your vehicle or community service.

If another individual is killed as a result of your drunk driving you will be charged with a
class B felony a sentenced with up to 25 years in prison. You will also loose your license for 6 years and be forced to attend a drinking and driving course as well as under go substance abuse evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation at your own expense. If you cause serious injury to another person while under the influence of a substance, you will receive a class D felony charge and will serve up to 5 years in prison. You will also be assessed a fine of $750.00 to $7,500.00. Persons charged with either of the above offenses will not be allowed to get a deferred judgment or sentence.