NOTICE!! As of July 1, 2018, a new law, House File 2338, went into effect, and it radically changed prior law concerning temporary restricted licenses (TRL).

As of July 1, 2018, to obtain a temporary restricted license, there will be no periods of ineligibility, regardless of age, test consent or refusal, or how high or low the test result is. Most everyone will be eligible for a TRL immediately. Also different will be that it no longer is a work or school permit, but simply a license to drive anywhere, anytime, without limit. The only requirements to obtain the TRL are that the individual must have an ignition interlock device installed on any vehicle they own, drive,  or is registered to them, they must pay the $200 civil penalty, plus re-licensing fee, and maintain SR-22 insurance (call your auto insurance company or another company to obtain this form of auto insurance coverage). However, this also means that everyone who wants to obtain a TRL must install an ignition interlock device. There are some exceptions to the above for those who already were serving suspensions of some kind at the time they became revoked, which may hinder your ability to obtain a TRL. If you do obtain a TRL, be careful, for one moving violation will cause the loss of your TRL.

Ignition Interlock Device Companies

There are several available companies that will install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle in Iowa, and you should shop around for the best deal available for you. Some of the options available include Life Safer (lifesafer.com) – 515-259-5111 ($65 per month, month to month, free install), Smart Start (SmartStartInc.com) – 866-747-8278 ($65 per month, free installation, month to month), Intoxalock (intoxalockIID.com/IA) – 888-283-6148 ($67.99 per month for 4 months or less, $65.99 for longer, free install-rebate, lease term flexible), and Alcolock (alcolockia.com)($65 plus installation unless promotion/6 month contract) – 866-733-9981. This is not an endorsement for any particular company; just helpful information. Check with them for complete/more accurate/thorough information and/or discounts available.

Obtaining Your Full License Again After Revocation is Over

To obtain your regular license back after the revocation period has expired, you will need to obtain a substance abuse evaluation, complete a 12-hour drinking drivers’ class (unless you attended a 48-hour OWI weekend program), pay the $200 civil penalty (if you have not done so already) and maintain SR-22 insurance. Do not drive unless and until you have obtained a new license from the Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Even after you obtain your regular license, you will be on 1 year of additional probation with the IDOT, so one moving violation can cause the suspension of your license for a like period of time.

Under Iowa Code section 321J.17(3), if it is a second or subsequent revocation, you will need to install an ignition interlock device for one year, though you will get credit for any time you had the ignition interlock device for a temporary restricted license: “The department shall also require certification of installation of an ignition interlock device of a type approved by the commissioner of public safety on all motor vehicles owned or operated by any person seeking reinstatement following a second or subsequent revocation under section 321J.4, 321J.9, or 321J.12. The requirement for the installation of an approved ignition interlock device shall be for one year from the date of reinstatement unless a longer time period is required by statute. The one-year period a person is required to maintain an ignition interlock device under this subsection shall be reduced by any period of time the person held a valid temporary restricted license during the period of the revocation for the occurrence from which the arrest arose. The person shall not operate any motor vehicle which is not equipped with an approved ignition interlock device during the period in which an ignition interlock device must be maintained, and the department shall not grant reinstatement unless the person certifies installation of an ignition interlock device as required in this subsection.”

 

 

 

 

Adam Pollack, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City attorney.

Iowa City attorney