Recent Iowa OWI Law Changes
What changed, when it took effect, and who it affects.
July 1, 2025
New rules for OWI evaluation and treatment programs
Updated state rules require that OWI evaluations, treatment, and the drinking drivers course be done by a regulated, licensed substance use disorder program. They affect anyone charged with OWI.
January 1, 2025
Interlock required for every temporary restricted license (HF 2423)
Anyone revoked for OWI must install an ignition interlock on every vehicle they drive before getting a temporary restricted license, even on a first offense. The law also added compliance-based removal, a 0.04 lockout setting, a medical waiver process, and made removing an interlock a serious misdemeanor.
Official sources
- Iowa DOT — Appealing the Loss of Your Driving Privileges
- Iowa DOT — Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)
- Iowa DOT — Temporary Restricted License (TRL)
- Iowa DOT — Proof of Insurance After a Suspension (SR-22)
- Iowa Code chapter 321J (2026)
- Iowa Code §321J.2
- Iowa Code §321J.4
- Iowa Legislative Services Agency — Legislative Guide to OWI Law
- Iowa Administrative Code 761—620.5 Hearings and appeals
- Iowa Code §907.3 Deferred judgment
- Iowa Code §901C.3 Misdemeanor expungement
- Iowa Code §726.6 Child endangerment
- Iowa Judicial Branch — Expunge Court Record forms
- Iowa Code §321J.20 — Temporary restricted license
- Iowa Code ch. 321J (chapter PDF)
- Iowa Judicial Branch — Guide to Criminal Court Procedure
- 641 Iowa Admin. Code ch. 157 — OWI evaluation and treatment standards
- Iowa Code §321J.17 Civil penalty
- Iowa Legislative Services Agency — Fiscal Note, HF 2423 (2024)
- ARC 9179C — Public Health Department, adopted rules on OWI evaluation and treatment
- Iowa Judicial Branch — Polk County
- Iowa Judicial Branch — Linn County
- Iowa Judicial Branch — Judicial District 7
- Iowa Judicial Branch — Woodbury County
- Iowa Judicial Branch — Johnson County
- Iowa Judicial Branch — Guide to Iowa’s Court System (2025)
Educational information, not legal advice. Iowa law changes and every case is different. Confirm deadlines with Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division and talk to a licensed Iowa attorney about your situation.
Some details on this page are still being verified against official sources. Check the linked sources before relying on a specific number or deadline.
Last reviewed October 1, 2026.