Violating Iowa driving and traffic laws can result in fines, the suspension of your driving privileges, and even imprisonment. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) uses a point system to track violations and their corresponding penalties. Points are added to your driving record if you receive a traffic ticket for moving violations.

[edit] MOVING VIOLATIONS AND POINTS

Different violations are assigned different point values, which are added to your driving record. For instance, moving violations such as driving with a blood alcohol level exceeding 0.8% or driving while barred carry four points each. Five-point offences include failure to stop at the scene of an accident or causing serious injury while operating a vehicle. The number of points assessed for different speeding violations are as follows:

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 16 -25 mph: 5 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 25 mph:Automatic license revocation.

View the complete Point Schedule available in the driver's manual to learn about the number of points associated with each type of moving violation.

[edit] PENALTIES

1. You will have your license suspended if you have three or more offences in a 12 month period. You may be imprisoned for driving with a suspended license.
2. Barred habitual offenders, if caught driving during the period for which they have been barred, may face imprisonment of up to two years
3. Accumulating points on your driving license is also likely to increase your auto insurance rates. See our auto insurance section for more information about obtaining quality car insurance at competitive rates.

[edit] HOW TO CLEAR YOUR DRIVING RECORD

The Iowa DOT maintains a record of all the points added to your driving license. However, there are a number of ways in which you can remove points from your current driving record.

1. The period for which the points stand for any one violation is 12 months. By avoiding moving violations, your total points will gradually decrease.
2. Taking a Defensive Driving Course enables you to deduct two points from your current driving record, and may also qualify you for a reduction in your car insurance rates.

[edit] HOW TO DISPUTE A MOVING VIOLATION CHARGE

If you believe you have been incorrectly charged with committing a moving violation, you may be able to fight the charge in court. See Traffic Tickets and Traffic Ticket Attorneys for more information.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Points are not assessed for parking or other non-moving violations.
• See also Driver's Education and Suspended Licenses.