Suspended License

Checking Your Driver's License Status

Whenever you need or want to check the status of your driver’s license, you can order a driving record report. This record will spell out if your driver’s license is currently valid. Should your license have been revoked or suspended, the report will indicate that according to what’s on record at the MVD. This report will also show points against your license and, in some cases, information on any accidents you have had.

Reasons for Suspension

Iowa residents might have their licenses suspended, revoked, or canceled if they abuse their driving privileges. The Iowa Department of Transportation's Office of Driver Services monitors your driving record and decides when to restrict your driving privileges.

Aside from accumulating too many points on your license, the following are some of the most common reasons you can have your license suspended:

• Obviously, you can lose your Iowa driver's license if it is determined that you can't drive safely. If you fail to pass a required exam or are diagnosed with a medical or physical condition that impairs your ability to drive, the Office of Driver Services may limit your driving privileges.

• Most licenses are restricted for recklessness or negligence. You might have your license suspended if you've contributed to three or more accidents in the past year or if you've been convicted of at least three moving violations during this time period.

• According to Iowa law, your license might be suspended for failure to pay child support, fees imposed as the result of a traffic ticket, or other debts owed to the state. In this case, you will not be given an opportunity to appeal the decision.

• If you are younger than 18, you might have your license suspended if you drop out of high school or if you have been ruled delinquent for violating the state's drug and alcohol laws.

• The offense of operating while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs (OWI) will result in at least a six-month revocation of your license.

Driving While Suspended

If you are caught driving while your license is suspended, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. If convicted, you can receive a $1,500 fine and up to one year in jail. Penalties for other types of motor vehicle offenses might also be doubled if you are convicted of committing them while your license is suspended.

Applying for a Temporary Restricted License

If you have had your driver's license revoked and are older than 18, you might be eligible to receive a temporary restricted license, or work permit, that allows you to drive to and from work or necessary medical appointments. Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive a temporary restricted license that will allow you to operate a commercial vehicle.

Drivers arrested for operating while intoxicated can obtain a temporary restricted license if the OWI charge is the first offense within the past 12 years. However, you must wait 30 days if an accident occurred. You might also be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.

In order to be issued a temporary restricted license, you will need to satisfy the state's financial responsibility requirements and pass the written knowledge test. You will also be required to pay a reinstatement fee. Once issued, your temporary restricted license could be canceled if you receive any moving traffic violations.

If you have questions about whether you are eligible to receive a temporary restricted license, contact your nearest driver's license office.

Suspensions and Your Driving Record

Having your Iowa driver's license suspended will hurt your driving record for a long time. Even if you complete a driver improvement course or fulfill the requirements of your probation, your driving record will show all offenses committed during the last five years. An OWI revocation will remain on your record for 12 years. As a result, you might need to pay substantially higher auto insurance rates. You may also be disqualified from certain types of employment.

Getting Your License Reinstated

After you've completed your suspension, you will need to take the knowledge test, driving exam, and vision screening to be issued a new Iowa driver's license. In addition, you will be required to pay any appropriate reinstatement and licensing fees and show proof of your financial responsibility, such as an SR-22.