Suspension for Habitual Violators & Serious Violation

Your driving privileges may be suspended for :

  • Habitual violator
  • Serious violation
  • Habitual offender
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Habitual Violator

If you are convicted of, or pled guilty to, three or more countable moving violations (including out-of-state violations) that were committed within a 12-month period. Examples of violations not counted as moving violations may include but are not limited to:

  • The first two speeding violations within any 12-month period, when the driver exceeds the legal speed limit by ten miles per hour or less, where the speed limit is between 34 and 56 mph.
  • Parking violations.
  • Failure to appear.
  • Equipment violations.
  • Registration violations.
  • Disturbing the peace with a motor vehicle.

See the complete habitual violator list.

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Serious Violation

If you are convicted of, or pled guilty to, speeding 25 miles or more over the legal speed limit, a first offense of unlawfully passing a school bus, or a moving violation that contributed to a fatal motor vehicle crash (including out-of-state violations).

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Habitual Offender

You will be barred for two to six years if you receive three or more of any combination of the following convictions in a six-year period:

  • Manslaughter with a motor vehicle.
  • Conviction of operating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OWI).
  • Conviction for driving while your license is suspended, revoked or barred
  • Eluding or attempting to elude pursuing law enforcement vehicles
  • Serious injury by vehicle.
  • Failure to stop and leave information or render aid at the scene of an accident in which you were involved as required by Iowa Code 321.263.

See the complete habitual offender list.

Conviction of six moving violations (see above under habitual violator) committed within a two-year period may cause you to be barred for one year.

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Driver Improvement Program

You may have the opportunity to complete a driver improvement program. If eligible, you will be automatically enrolled in our driver improvement program in lieu of having your license suspended if you’ve been convicted of:

  • A speeding violation of 25 to 29 mph over the limit,
  • Three countable moving violations within a 12-month-period, or
  • A first offense of unlawfully passing a school bus.

The program administrator will notify you that you have been scheduled to attend the program. If you fail to do so, your license will be suspended, and you will receive a suspension notice in the mail.

Upon successfully completing the program, you will be on probation for one year. During this probation period, if you are convicted of a moving violation, the Iowa DOT will initiate proceedings to suspend your license.

Completion of a Driver Improvement Program Does Not Clear Your Record

The completion of a driver improvement course, probation period, or a suspension does not clear your driving record of any entries showing violations or accidents. Your driving record will show all convictions, accidents, or suspensions during at least the last five years. A license revocation for OWI will remain on your record for 12 years. 

View your Iowa driving record.

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How do I get my driving privileges back?

  • Present satisfactory proof of SR-22 insurance, or a residency statement if you live out of state. You must provide proof of SR-22 insurance for 2 years from the first day of your suspension. Failing to show or maintain future proof may suspend your driver's license and registrations.
  • Pass all required exams.
  • Pay $20 reinstatement fee and license fee.
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Frequently Asked Questions

 

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