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Iowa DUI Laws Penalties And Fines
Iowa Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Laws
Definition of Intoxication:
Under Iowa drunk driving law, Iowa Operating While Intoxicated (DUI) may be proved two different ways:
1. With evidence that you were driving under the influence of alcohol, legal drugs, or controlled substances, or a combination of alcohol and drugs; or
2. With evidence that you drove with a BAC of 0.08 or greater (or 0.04, for CDL drivers). Iowa drivers under age 21 are DUI if they have ANY detectable BAC (the “Zero Tolerance” law), but courts use 0.02 BAC as the legal standard.
Summary of Illegal BAC Levels in Iowa:
- Adult Driver - DUI with BAC of 0.08 or higher
- Commercial Vehicle Driver - DUI with a BAC of 0.04 or higher
- Under 21 Driver – DUI with BAC of 0.02 or higher
When Can I Drive, if I’ve Been Drinking?
If you’ve been drinking, the best way to avoid DUI in Iowa is to have someone else drive. If you must drive, authorities recommend you wait at least one hour for every beer or average drink you’ve had. In addition to time, many other factors affect how the body metabolizes alcohol, like weight, gender, body fat, and recent eating, among others.
Even if your BAC is below 0.08, you can still be DUI, if a jury believes a police officer’s testimony about evidence of your intoxication. In other words, the “legal level” only works in favor of the prosecutor, if you cross it. Being below it does not make you legal.
Consequences of a DUI Offense in Iowa
The penalties for a drunk driving conviction in Iowa are serious, and they become even more severe with repeat offenses. An DUI conviction in Iowa remains on your record for twelve (12) years, for purposes of calculating repeat offense levels. An DUI with a BAC of 0.15 or more also produces more serious punishments.
The arresting officer confiscates an Iowa DUI arrestee’s driver’s license immediately, and issues a 10 day driving pass, pending an administrative suspension hearing. Some drivers accused of Iowa DUI can apply for a hardship license for business or employment purposes.
In some cases, you cannot apply until a period of ineligibility has passed, follDUIng the date when your driver’s license was first suspended. Being eligible to apply does not necessarily mean that a court will grant you a hardship license.
If you are granted a hardship license in Iowa, you may have to pay to equip your vehicle with an Ignition Interlock Device (a device that takes a breath sample from you and prevents your car from starting, if you have any BAC).
