Iowa OWI Laws
Last reviewed July 2026 · 4 primary sources · How we research and review these pages
Reviewed by the LegalLimit editorial team →
Standard BAC limit
0.08%
Commercial driver BAC
0.04%
Under-21 BAC
0.02%
Prior-offense lookback
Lifetime (no window)
Iowa prosecutes impaired driving as OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) under Iowa Code § 321J.2, a three-prong offense covering (1) impairment by alcohol or any drug or combination, (2) a BAC of 0.08 or more, and (3) ANY amount of a controlled substance in the blood or urine — a true any-amount drug per se prong broader than most states that require impairment proof for drugs. A prescription-drug affirmative defense is available. The penalty ladder is a clean three tiers: a first offense is a serious misdemeanor (48 hours–1 year, $1,250, 180-day–1-year revocation); a second is an aggravated misdemeanor (7 days–2 years, $1,875–$6,250, 1–2 year revocation); a third or subsequent is a CLASS D FELONY (30-day mandatory minimum to 5 years in the DOC, $3,125–$9,375, 6-year revocation). Iowa uses a LIFETIME lookback — all prior OWI convictions ever count, including deferred judgments and out-of-state substantially corresponding convictions. Every OWI fine also carries a mandatory 15% crime services surcharge on top of the stated amount (§ 911.1). IID is NOT automatically imposed on every offender; it is a condition of obtaining a temporary restricted license (TRL), making Iowa's IID regime 'conditional' rather than 'always.' A BAC over .15 bars deferred-judgment eligibility on a first offense but does not create a separate charge. Refusing a breath or urine test triggers a separate administrative revocation under § 321J.9 (1 year first / 2 years second+), and refusal also bars deferred-judgment eligibility. Refusing a blood test is NOT deemed a refusal — the officer must then offer breath or urine. The 2024 amendments to § 321J.4 are effective January 1, 2025, and apply to revocations for offenses occurring on or after that date.
Iowa OWI penalties by offense tier
| Offense tier | Fine | Jail | License action | Ignition interlock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First offense (serious misdemeanor) | $1,250–$1,250 ($1,250 fine (Iowa Code § 321J.2(3)(c)). Court may waive up to $625 if the defendant obtains a temporary restricted license. All Iowa OWI fines additionally carry a mandatory 15% crime services surcharge (§ 911.1) — about $187.50 on the full first-offense fine — which the encoded figures do not include.) | 2 days–1 year (48-hour mandatory minimum in county jail (Iowa Code § 321J.2(3)(a)). Court may accommodate work schedule.; Up to 1 year (serious misdemeanor ceiling).) | Revoked for 180–365 days — A 180-day revocation if the defendant submitted to testing and has no prior under Chapter 321J; 1-year if the defendant refused testing (Iowa Code § 321J.4(1)). A deferred judgment under § 907.3 carries 30–90 days (§ 321J.4(3)). A separate administrative revocation under § 321J.9 may apply for refusal. IID required if seeking a temporary restricted license. | Required if restricted license or restoration |
| Second offense (aggravated misdemeanor) | $1,875–$6,250 | 7 days–2 years (7-day mandatory minimum (Iowa Code § 321J.2(4)(a)). Served on consecutive days unless court finds undue hardship.; Up to 2 years (aggravated misdemeanor ceiling).) | Revoked for 365–730 days — A 1-year revocation if submitted to testing; 2-year if refused (Iowa Code § 321J.4(2)). IID required for TRL. | Required if restricted license or restoration |
| Third or subsequent offense (class D felony) | $3,125–$9,375 | 1 month–5 years (30-day mandatory minimum (Iowa Code § 321J.2(5)(a)). If the court suspends the commitment to DOC, the defendant serves 30 days to 1 year in county jail.; Indeterminate term not to exceed 5 years in the custody of the Department of Corrections (Iowa Code § 321J.2(5)(a)).) | Revoked for 2190 days — A 6-year revocation (Iowa Code § 321J.4(4)). IID required for TRL. No TRL for at least 2 years if the offense involved a death (§ 321J.4(6)). | Required if restricted license or restoration |
Frequently asked questions
What is the legal BAC limit in Iowa?
The per se limit is 0.08% (Iowa Code § 321J.2(1)(b)). The offense also covers impairment by alcohol, drugs, or any combination (1)(a), and ANY amount of a controlled substance in the blood or urine (1)(c). The CMV screening threshold is 0.04% (§ 321J.6(1)(e)).
What are the penalties for a first OWI in Iowa?
A first offense is a serious misdemeanor: 48 hours to 1 year in jail, a $1,250 fine (waivable to $625 with a TRL), and a 180-day to 1-year license revocation (Iowa Code § 321J.2(3)). A deferred judgment may be available under § 907.3 unless BAC > .15, there is a prior OWI, prior deferred judgment, refusal, or injury. IID is required only if seeking a temporary restricted license.
What are the penalties for a second OWI in Iowa?
A second offense is an aggravated misdemeanor: 7 days to 2 years, $1,875–$6,250 fine, and a 1-year (or 2-year for refusal) license revocation (Iowa Code § 321J.2(4)).
When does an Iowa OWI become a felony?
A third or subsequent offense is a class D felony under Iowa Code § 321J.2(5), carrying an indeterminate term up to 5 years in the DOC (30-day mandatory minimum), $3,125–$9,375 fine, and a 6-year license revocation. A habitual-offender enhancement may apply under §§ 902.8/.9. Iowa uses a lifetime lookback — ALL prior OWI convictions count, no matter how old.
Does Iowa require an ignition interlock device after an OWI?
IID is required only if the defendant seeks a temporary restricted license (TRL) — it is a condition of obtaining restricted driving, not an automatic requirement of the conviction itself (Iowa Code § 321J.4). The court may also separately order IID on all vehicles operated by the defendant under § 321J.4(8).
What happens if I refuse the breath test in Iowa?
Refusing a breath or urine test triggers an administrative license revocation under § 321J.9: 1 year for a first offense, 2 years for a second+. Refusal also bars deferred-judgment eligibility on the OWI charge. Refusing a blood test is NOT deemed a refusal — the officer must then offer breath or urine. If the officer fails to offer a test within 2 hours, there is no revocation.
How long do prior OWIs count against me in Iowa?
Iowa uses a LIFETIME lookback — there is no time limit. All prior OWI convictions (Iowa or out-of-state substantially corresponding) count, including deferred judgments. Convictions deleted from operating records under § 321.12 do not count (§ 321J.2(8)).
How long will my license be revoked after an Iowa OWI?
License revocation depends on offense count and whether you submitted to testing. First offense: 180 days (submitted) or 1 year (refused). Second: 1 year (submitted) or 2 years (refused). Third+: 6 years. IID is required to obtain a temporary restricted license. Deferred-judgment cases carry 30–90 days (Iowa Code § 321J.4).
Does Iowa have a per se drug OWI law?
Yes. Under Iowa Code § 321J.2(1)(c), it is an OWI to operate with ANY amount of a controlled substance in the blood or urine — no impairment need be shown. A prescription-drug affirmative defense is available under (11) for substances prescribed and taken as directed.
What happens if my BAC is over .15 in Iowa?
A BAC over .15 does NOT create a separate charge, but it bars eligibility for a deferred judgment on a first offense (Iowa Code § 321J.2(3)(b)(2)(a)). The offender is still sentenced within the standard first-offense range ($1,250 fine, 48 hours–1 year jail, 180-day–1-year revocation).
Sources
- Iowa Code § 321J.2 — Operating while under the influence (OWI) (Iowa Legislature) — Accessed July 7, 2026
- Iowa Code § 321J.4 — Revocation of license; ignition interlock devices; temporary restricted license (Iowa Legislature) — Accessed July 7, 2026
- Iowa Code § 321J.6 — Implied consent to test (Iowa Legislature) — Accessed July 7, 2026
- Iowa Code § 321J.9 — Refusal to submit; revocation (Iowa Legislature) — Accessed July 7, 2026