Drinking and Driving Laws in Iowa
It is illegal in the State of Iowa to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above. The limit is lower for commercial drivers and drivers under the age of 21. In Iowa a DUI is a OWI, meaning "Operating While Intoxicated". The Iowa OWI law includes alcohol or drugs or both. While the OWI specify's a .08 BAC in the case of alcohol, it is illegal to drive with any amount of a controlled substance such as marijuana, cocaine, or meth present in the driver's blood. How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in Iowa?
It is difficult to calculate how many drinks it takes to reach the OWI limit. There are many factors that contribute to an individuals BAC level including weight, sex, body-fat percentage and the time interval between drinks. Studies have show that a persons BAC could go up as much as .05 percent for each drink taken. The fact is it takes very little alcohol to become legally drunk and each drink taken is a another step closer to becoming an "impaired" driver. The best answer is not to drink and drive . The State of Iowa has strict laws for drunk driving, and when you drink and drive in Iowa, you risk your freedom, finances and your future.
Drunk Driving Laws in Iowa
State of Iowa BAC Laws:
All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
Iowa Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first OWI you receive in Iowa is punishable by up to 1 year in jail. You will spend a minimum of 48 hours in jail, however the court may impose a harsher penalty in some cases. You will also receive a fine between $500-$1,000 and you will be ordered to undergo a substance abuse evaluation at your own cost. Your drivers license will be revoked for 180 days (6 Months) and if your BAC was between .08-.10 you will be allowed to apply for a temporary restricted license to drive to and from work. You may also be ordered to install an ignition interlock device at your own expense.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
The second time you are convicted of driving under the influence, you will be guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor and you will be sentenced to a minimum term of at least 7 days in jail up to 2 years. A driver convicted for the second time will not have the option for deferred sentencing or judgment. You will also be fined a minimum of $1,500-$5,000 and community service for a time determined by the court. You may also be ordered to participate in a substance abuse program of the courts choice at your own expense. Your drivers license will be suspended for a minimum 2-6 years with no option for a restricted license until the first year has been served and a ignition interlock device has been installed.
Third (and future) Drunk Driving Conviction
If you are convicted for a 3rd time of OWI in Iowa you are guilty of a Class "D" Felony and you shall be committed to the custody of the Iowa Department of Corrections for an indeterminate term not to exceed 5 years. The mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for your 3rd drunk driving conviction is 30 days in the county jail. You may also be ordered to community treatment at your own expense and you will be fined a minimum $2,500-$7,500. You must also undergo a substance abuse evaluation at your own expense and potentially be committed for treatment. Your vehicle may also be seized by the state to be impounded or immobilized. Your license will be revoked for a period of 6 years with no option for a restricted license until the first year has been served and a ignition interlock device has been installed.
The Implied Consent Law in Iowa
The implied consent law in Iowa means that as a driver in the State of Iowa you agree to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath or urine if a peace officer has reasonable cause to believe you are under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs. If you refuse to submit to such a test your drivers license will be revoked by the Iowa department of transportation. On the first refusal your drivers license will be suspended for a period of 1 year and you will not be eligible for a restricted license for at least 90 days after the effective date of revocation. If you do expect to apply for a restricted license you must have an ignition interlock device installed first. Additional Information on Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties and Fines in Iowa
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