The Iowa DMV Point System: Simplified

The Iowa Driver & Identification Services (DIS) monitors your driving records. When points are added due to a traffic violation, your license gets closer to a suspension. 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 Point 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 your driving records 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.

Removing Points From Your Driving Records

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.