{"id":373410,"date":"2016-04-11T01:22:16","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:22:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/iowa-law\/what-are-the-iowa-owi-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-02-03T02:47:50","modified_gmt":"2024-02-03T07:47:50","slug":"what-are-the-iowa-owi-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/iowa-law\/what-are-the-iowa-owi-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Iowa OWI Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Iowa OWI Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In Iowa, driving under the influence (DUI) or drugged and drunk driving is better known as operating while intoxicated or OWI. Regardless of its name, driving when under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime. An OWI conviction carries harsh penalties and will impact your life for many years. You even face mandatory jail time for a first offense.<\/p>\r\n

It’s best to avoid driving while intoxicated. But if you get charged with an OWI, understanding the law is the first step toward protecting your interests.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

OWI Laws: Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>

"Per Se" BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.08%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.02%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Enhanced Penalty (Aggravated) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.15%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Implied Consent<\/a> to Submit to BAC Test?<\/td>\r\nYes (1-year license suspension for first refusal)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
 <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

OWI Laws: Select Penalties<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>

Minimum License Suspension or Revocation<\/a> (1st, 2nd, 3rd offense)<\/td>\r\n180 days \/ 1 year \/ 3 years<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mandatory Substance Abuse Education or Assessment\/Treatment?<\/a><\/td>\r\nBoth (can be mandatory)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Vehicle Confiscation<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes, after 2nd offense<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Ignition Interlock Device<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note:<\/b> State laws are constantly changing through legislative, judicial, or other means. While FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to ensure you have the most recent information.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Iowa’s OWI Law<\/h2>\r\n

Iowa’s OWI law prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle while having:<\/p>\r\n