DMV

Important information for the parents of teens applying for an intermediate license

Iowa law restricts the number of passengers a teen driver can carry while driving with an intermediate license, unless the parent waives the passenger restriction when the license is issued. This means you decide – you can accept or waive the passenger restriction when we issue the license. Please read this before you make your decision.

What is the passenger restriction?

If you accept the passenger restriction, your child cannot drive with more than one unrelated minor (under 18) child when driving without adult supervision during the first six months of the intermediate license. The restriction does NOT apply to brothers and sisters, step brothers and sisters, and unrelated minor children that live in the same household as your child.

Why is the passenger restriction important?

It protects your child and your child’s passengers. Car crashes are the number one cause of teen deaths, and the first six months of unsupervised driving are the most dangerous. Young passengers distract teen drivers and increase the risk of crashes, injuries, and deaths -- by almost 50% for even one passenger, by more than 250% for two passengers, and by more than 300% for three or more passengers.

Limiting passengers during the first six months reduces the risk of crashes, injuries, and deaths while your child gains critical driving experience.

What happens if I accept the passenger restriction?

If you accept the passenger restriction, we will add the restriction to the back of your child's license. If your child violates the restriction, law enforcement can cite your child for violating the restriction, which may result in additional restrictions, or a suspension of your child's driving privilege. The twelve month violation free period will also re-start.

Can I waive the passenger restriction?

Yes, but only when the license is issued. If you do not waive the restriction when the license is issued and it is issued with the restriction, your child must obey the restriction until the end of the six month period. There is no legal penalty for waiving the restriction.

When do I make the decision?

The driver's license clerk that helps you will ask you whether you accept or waive the passenger restriction. At the time, tell the clerk what your decision is:

  • Accept: Yes, I want the passenger restriction for the first six months.
  • Waive: No, I do not want the passenger restriction for the first six months.

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