An operating while intoxicated (OWI) violation, sometimes referred to as a driving under the influence (DUI) violation, stays on your driving record for 12 years in Iowa, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Definition
Iowa law prohibits driving while your blood alcohol content measures .08 or higher, or while under the influence of any other controlled substance. If a law enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to suspect an OWI, a driver is required by law to submit to testing.
Consequences
A first-time OWI results in a 180-day license revocation, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. A second offense revokes your license for a year, and a third offense revokes your license for six years. Offenders can usually apply for a temporary restricted license after a certain period of time. Penalties increase when others are injured or killed as a result of an OWI.
Read More: Law on the Last Will & Testament in Iowa
Effects
An OWI violation on your driving record will increase the cost of your car insurance in Iowa. An OWI violation may also disqualify you from some jobs, according to The Unofficial DMV Guide.
References
Writer Bio
Rebekah Richards is a professional writer with work published in the "Atlanta Journal-Constitution," "Brandeis University Law Journal" and online at tolerance.org. She graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University with bachelor's degrees in creative writing, English/American literature and international studies. Richards earned a master's degree at Carnegie Mellon University.