The Iowa DMV Point System: Simplified
The Iowa Driver & Identification Services (DIS) monitors your driving records. Your license gets closer to a suspension when points are added due to a traffic violation. The point system that Iowa DIS uses to determine who should and shouldn’t be on the road. If you are a driver who frequently breaks the law, then the point system is not your friend.
Iowa Points System
Every time you receive a traffic citation in Iowa, points go on your driving records. The less severe citations will add a small number of points. However, these infractions will increase the number of points you accumulate.
The Iowa DIS will monitor the number of points you accumulate over time. When you collect a certain amount of points, a suspension is inevitable. So, for a suspension, you must have:
- Three moving violations or more in 1 year
- Six moving violations or more in 2 years
The length of the suspension will depend on the points received at a specific time. For instance:
| 6 – 7 Points | 2 Years Suspension |
| 8 – 9 Points | 3 Years Suspension |
| 10 – 12 Points | 4 Years Suspension |
| 10 – 15 Points | 5 Years Suspension |
| 16 Points or More | 6 Years Suspension |
Iowa Traffic Violations & Point System
A traffic ticket in Iowa will earn you points. The points you receive will go on your driving records and can stay on them for a long time. So, if you commit one or more of these offenses, you will receive the number of points per violation:
- Driving with a:
- Suspended, revoked, or denied license: 2 points
- License revoked for an alcohol or drug-related offenses: 3 points
- Barred license: 4 points
- BAC of 0.08% or higher: 4 points
- Leaving the scene of an accident: 5 points
- Eluding a police officer: 5 points
- Causing serious injury in a car accident: 5 points
- Vehicular manslaughter: 6 points
Other offenses are not on the list, but they will still give you points.
Points for Traffic Violations
| Violation Type | Points |
|---|---|
| Driving while Suspended or Revoked | 2 |
| Perjury | 2 |
| Driving While Revoked (DUI) | 3 |
| Driving While Barred from a Drivers License | 4 |
| Driving Under the Influence | 4 |
| Felony while using a Vehicle | 5 |
| Failure to Stop and Render Aid | 5 |
| Eluding Police Officer | 5 |
| Vehicular Manslaughter | 5 |
| Vehicular Manslauher | 6 |
Iowa Speeding Laws
In Iowa, the speed limits vary based on the type of road. Here are the general speed limits:
| Rural Interstates | 70 mph |
| Urban Interstates | 65 mph |
| Highways and Rural Expressways | 55 mph |
| Residentials Zones | 25 mph |
| School Zones | Residential Zones |
Iowa Speeding Ticket Points & Fines
In Iowa, if you get a speeding ticket, you will also receive points on your driver’s license. The number of points depends on how much you exceed the speed limit. Here’s a breakdown of the points system:
| Speeding Over the Limit | How Many Points | Speeding Fines |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 5 MPH | 0 Points | $10.00 |
| 6 – 10 MPH | 1 Point | $20.00 |
| 11 – 15 MPH | 2 Points | $40.00 |
| 16 – 20 MPH | 3 Points | $80.00 |
| 21 – 25 MPH | 4 Points | $100.00 |
| 26 30 MPH | 5 Points | $140.00 |
| 31- 35 MPH | 6 Points | $168.00 |
| 36 – 40 MPH | 8 Points | $224.00 |
| Over 40 MPH | 11 Points | $320.00 |
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Record in Iowa?
Iowa does not reveal the duration for which points remain on your driving license. However, most violations will not affect your driving privileges after three years. Once the points expire, they will no longer impact your driving record. Therefore, it is essential to keep track of how much longer your points will last.
How Do You Remove Points From Your Iowa Driving Record?
In Iowa, the DIS will not remove points from your driving records. Regardless if you complete a defensive driving course or a drug or alcohol course, suppose the points you acquire will remain on your records for five years.
Points accumulated because of a DUI will remain for up to 12 years. It is best to avoid committing any traffic infractions that will get you points on your driving record. Also, remember what is on your traffic records; it will help you make better decisions to avoid getting a traffic ticket.
Reinstate Your Iowa Driver’s License
To reinstate your driver’s license after a suspension due to traffic tickets, complete your suspension time and pay all the necessary fines. Comply with the DIP reinstatement rules, and you will have the chance to apply for your driving privileges to get reinstated.
Iowa Traffic School
In Iowa, if you get caught for speeding, you might have the choice to attend traffic school instead of paying the fine or receiving points on your driving license. Traffic school is a great option for those who are caught for the first time and want to avoid getting points on their license as well as increased insurance rates.
