Laws in the State of Iowa allow the courts to order the installation of ignition interlock devices (IID) in cases related to operating a vehicle while intoxicated or drugged (OWI). If IIDs are ordered by the court, individuals convicted of OWI must have the devices installed in their vehicles prior to obtaining a temporary restricted license. IIDs are also required for people who refuse a chemical test. Under Iowa OWI law, the Department of Transportation revokes the license of any person who refuses a chemical test. Further, individuals who refuse chemical tests cannot obtain a temporary restricted licenses until IIDs are installed in their vehicles.
The IID is connected to a vehicle’s electrical system and prevents the vehicle from starting if the person has a breath alcohol content above a preset limit. In the State of Iowa, IIDs must be approved by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for use in the state. IIDs must remain installed in the vehicles for the time period specified by the court. IIDs must be installed in all vehicles owned or operated by the offender and the offender is responsible for any costs associated with the device including installation, repair, calibration and maintenance. IIDs must be inspected by the installer at a frequency specified by the installer. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the revocation of all driving privileges.
For OWI cases involving a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.10 or greater or involving an accident, an IID must be installed, regardless of the number of previous offenses. An IID may not be required for first-time offenders to obtain a temporary restricted license if, at the time of the arrest, the individual’s BAC is 0.08 to 0.10, there is no presence of a controlled substance and the individual does not have OWI-related license revocations in the previous 12 years.
Offenders may obtain a temporary restricted license while their regular driver license is revoked for OWI-related offenses. The temporary restricted license allows the offender to drive for employment (work permit), health care for the offender or a dependent, child care, continuing education, substance abuse treatment, court-ordered community service and appointments with a probation or parole officer. In order to obtain a temporary restricted license, the offender must pass all required exams, including vision, written and driving tests; pay any civil penalties; file proof of financial responsibility; pay a reinstatement fee and complete all requirements of Iowa’s OWI laws, including proof that a court-ordered, DCI-approved Ignition Interlock Device has been installed.
Under Iowa’s OWI law, any person who drives with a revoked license is committing a serious misdemeanor and must pay a fine of $1,000. First time offenders who drive with revoked licenses may also have their vehicles impounded by law enforcement officers. Individuals with two or more OWI-related offenses who drive with revoked licenses are fined $1,000 and their vehicles are seized and forfeited to the state. Any person who loans a vehicle to an individual whose license is revoked under Iowa’s OWI law commits a simple misdemeanor and is held jointly liable for any damages caused by the driver. This applies in cases where the vehicle owner knows about the OWI-related revocation, should know, or gives consent for the offender to use the vehicle.
Additional Resources For Ignition Interlock Iowa Laws
Iowa’s Ignition Interlock Devices
Legislative Guide To Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) Law In Iowa
Iowa’s Temporary Restricted License (TRL) – Work Permit
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