Iowa Driving Records

Driving records are documents that chronicle your history on the roads. Often called DMV driving records or motor vehicle records (MVRs), these documents typically encapsulate a detailed account of traffic violations, accidents, license status, and demerit points accumulated while you drive.

Each state, including Iowa, maintains its driving records. Access to these driving history reports is contingent upon state-specific laws and regulations governing their dissemination.

Being mindful of your driving records is a personal responsibility. It generally helps you correct errors, anticipate insurance rate changes, and maintain driving privileges.

What Is an Iowa Driving Record?

Generally, an Iowa driving record summarizes a person's driving history. It is issued and maintained by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) as mandated by Iowa Code Section 321.10.

Note that Iowa officially refers to these documents as "driving records". However, they may be called differently in other states, such as a driver record, driver history report, abstract of driving record, motor vehicle records (MVRs), etc.

What Is The Difference Between Official Driving Records and Public Driving Records

An official driving record in Iowa is a complete, certified document maintained by the DOT. Access to official records is restricted and typically requires the driver's consent. These records are often used for employment background checks, legal proceedings, and insurance underwriting, and they may be obtained for a fee through the Iowa DOT.

In contrast, a public driving record is a limited version of the official record that only displays certain elements. It is generally available to anyone without the driver's consent and may be accessed through third-party channels like RecordsFinder. This record type may give interested parties quick access to driving history, which is typically useful for personal recordkeeping or background checks.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

Generally, obtaining Iowa driving records can serve multiple important purposes:

• Insurance Quotes: Insurers may review it to assess risk and determine premium rates.
• Employment Verification: Employers, especially those in transportation or delivery services, may require your driver's record to ensure you meet their driving standards.
• License Renewal: The Iowa DOT may require your record when renewing your driver's license.
• Legal Proceedings: Attorneys and courts may use your driving report as evidence in legal cases related to traffic violations or accidents.
• Out-of-State License Transfer: Another state may ask for your Iowa driving history when issuing a new license.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Application: Typically mandatory for CDL holders or applicants to verify eligibility and driving behavior.
• Personal Review: Typically useful for checking accuracy, disputing errors, or monitoring points on your license.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

Depending on the document's source, varying information may be found in a driver report. However, the following is typically included:

• Driver Identification Details
  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Driver's license number
  • License class and endorsements
  • License status (e.g., valid, suspended, revoked)
  • License expiration date
• License History
  • Issuance and renewal dates
  • Any suspensions or revocations
  • Reinstatement dates (if applicable)
• Traffic Violations and Convictions
  • Type of violation or conviction
  • Dates of infractions and court convictions
  • Court dispositions and points assessed (if applicable)
• Accident History
  • Reported accidents involving the driver
  • Date and location of each accident
  • Determination of fault (if known)
  • Severity or type of crash (noted in serious cases)
• Administrative Actions
  • License suspensions or revocations due to various offenses
  • Driver improvement or corrective actions taken
• Commercial Driver Information (if applicable)
  • CDL status and endorsements
  • Medical certification status
  • Any disqualifications or violations specific to commercial drivers

Types of Driver Records Available in Iowa

Iowa DOT offers two main types of driver records: certified driving records and non-certified driving records.

• Certified Driving Record: This is an official document certified by the Iowa DOT. It provides a detailed history of a driver's driving privileges, including license status, violations, accidents, and suspensions, and can be used for legal or official purposes.
• Non-Certified Driving Record: This is a more basic version of the driving record, showing similar information but not officially certified for legal use. It can be requested for personal review or background checks.

In addition to the two main types, you may request copies of traffic tickets, accident reports, or limited information accident reports to reveal further insights into specific incidents on a driver's record.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Iowa

Traffic violations in Iowa occur when you fail to follow the rules set by the Iowa Motor Vehicle Code, primarily found in Iowa Code Title 8, Chapter 321.

When you commit a violation, law enforcement officers typically issue a citation, commonly known as a traffic ticket. The ticket may be given directly to you during a stop or mailed if detected by automated systems like traffic cameras.

These violations may impact you, as they may result in fines, court appearances, license suspension, and increased insurance premiums. Committing too many violations may also lead to mandatory driving courses or the eventual revocation of driving privileges.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Generally, Iowa traffic violations are categorized into moving and non-moving violations, and classified legally as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies.

Moving violations typically involve offenses committed while the car is moving, like speeding, running a red light, or reckless driving. Meanwhile, non-moving violations generally happen when the vehicle is stationary, like illegal parking, expired registration, or broken taillights.

Most traffic violations in Iowa are simple infractions, such as failure to yield or not wearing a seatbelt. These usually result in fines without jail time.

Misdemeanors are generally more serious than infractions. These may involve higher fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Examples of misdemeanors are driving without a license or OWI (operating while intoxicated).

Felony violations are the most severe and include repeat OWI offenses, hit-and-run causing injury, or vehicular homicide. Apart from hefty fines, these may include prison sentences and long-term license revocation.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

Here's a breakdown of the steps and available options that you may take if you receive a traffic ticket in Iowa:

• Carefully Review the Citation
  • Verify the date, time, violation, location, and officer's information.
  • Note the court date or response deadline, usually listed on the citation.
• Decide How to Plead
  • Pay the Fine: If you choose this option, you accept guilt for the charges. You may pay the fine online, by mail, or in person at the courthouse listed on the ticket.
  • Fight the Ticket: You may contest the ticket if you think the citation is not right. To respond using this option, follow the instructions on the ticket to notify the court of your intention to fight it. This usually involves entering a not guilty plea and may require a court appearance.
• Ask About Defensive Driving Courses
  • While not automatically offered in Iowa, some judges may allow you to take a defensive driving course in exchange for a reduced penalty, such as avoiding points on your driving record and potentially reducing insurance premiums.
• Monitor Your Driving Record
  • After resolving your case, check your driving record through the Iowa DOT to ensure the outcome has been accurately recorded. Keeping your record error-free may help you avoid issues with licensing or insurance later on.

How Does the Iowa Point System Work?

Iowa DOT monitors and penalizes drivers who commit traffic violations through its point system. Under this system, those convicted of specific traffic offenses are assigned a particular number of points. Here are some common examples:

• Driving while barred, suspended, or revoked: 2 points
• Drag racing: 3 points
• Reckless driving: 3 points
• Operating while intoxicated (OWI): 4 points
• Eluding law enforcement: 5 points
• Serious injury by vehicle: 5 points
• Manslaughter with a motor vehicle: 6 points

If a driver accumulates enough points in six years, they can face license revocation:

• 6-7 points: 2-year license revocation
• 8-9 points: 3-year license revocation
• 10-12 points: 4-year license revocation
• 13-15 points: 5-year license revocation
• 16+ points: 6-year license revocation

In addition to reaching the points threshold, Iowa law may punish drivers with license revocation if they are classified as Habitual Violators.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

Most traffic violations in Iowa stay on your driving history for at least 5 years. However, serious violations like OWI may remain on record for 12 years.

Also, if you are classified as a habitual violator due to multiple offenses, this status may last for two to six years, depending on the nature and number of violations. This status may impact your driving privileges and cause your insurance rates to skyrocket.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

Expungement is available for certain traffic violations leading to Iowa criminal records. You may petition to expunge a single misdemeanor conviction in your lifetime, provided specific conditions are met under Iowa Code Section 901C.3.

In some cases, a deferred judgment may be granted for certain traffic offenses. The court record may be expunged upon successful completion of probation and payment of associated costs.

Note that expungement does not usually remove the violation from your driving record maintained by the DOT and may not apply to felony traffic violations.

Additionally, drivers may choose to complete a Driver Improvement Program (DIP)approved by the Iowa DOT.

While this program does not erase violations from your record, it may help you avoid further penalties or suspension, reinstate a suspended license, demonstrate improved driving behavior to insurance providers or courts, and reduce the likelihood of being classified as a habitual offender.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

Here is a breakdown of the methods available to request an Iowa motor vehicle history or driving record:

• Online: You may request both non-certified and certified driving records online through the Iowa myDMV platform. You typically need your name, the last five digits of your Social Security Number, date of birth, Iowa driver's license number, and a fee (for certified records) to complete the request.

• By Mail: Print and complete the Privacy Act Agreement for Request of Motor Vehicle Records Form. You may answer sections A, B, and D if you are requesting your record. Sign the form and attach a photocopy of a valid identification document and payment to the address below:

  Systems and Administration Bureau

  Iowa Department of Transportation

  P.O. Box 9204

  Des Moines, Iowa 50306

• In Person: Visit any Iowa DOT location. Print and fill out the request form and bring it along with a valid photo ID and payment for the applicable fees.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Iowa?

The fee for certified Iowa driving records varies depending on the method chosen.

Online requests carry a $5.50 fee and a $3 charge for online service and credit card processing. For mail and in-person requests, $5.50 is charged per record.

Records for online and in-person requests are available immediately upon payment. Processing time for mail requests may last several business days.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free?

You may check your Iowa driving history for free by obtaining a non-certified copy of your driving record. This record is typically available online and may be used for personal reference only.

You may also review court records if you have had any traffic violations. These are usually handled by local or county courts where the case was processed, and are typically accessible through online systems where you may look up case information for free.

Some third-party websites also offer a basic overview of your driving history. You must use these cautiously, as they might not have up-to-date or comprehensive data.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record typically means you've accumulated numerous moving or non-moving violations.

Moving violations are offenses that happen while you drive the vehicle. These violations significantly impact your driving record and result in points on your license.

Non-moving violations are offenses that don't occur while the vehicle is moving. Parking tickets are a prime example and generally do not appear on your driving record. However, they may result in fines, vehicle booting, or even a lien on your vehicle if ignored long enough.

Warnings from law enforcement officers do not go on your driving record. Nevertheless, receiving multiple warnings for similar issues may indicate a pattern of poor driving behavior that could impact your record if it leads to violations.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

Generally, insurance companies use your driving record to help determine how risky you are to insure. Usually, if you have a history of speeding tickets, DUI, or at-fault accidents, you're seen as more likely to file a claim in the future, which means you'll likely face higher premiums.

Some insurance providers may cancel your policy or choose not to renew it. You may need to seek coverage through a high-risk insurer or the Iowa Automobile Insurance Plan, which may be more expensive.

You may also be required to file an SR-22, a certificate proving you carry the state's minimum required auto insurance. This comes with extra fees and flags you as a high-risk driver to insurers.

If you're applying for jobs where driving is a key responsibility, like a delivery driver, commercial truck operator, or even specific construction or utility roles, employers will check your driving record. A bad record may:

• Disqualify you from the position.
• Lead to job termination if violations happen while you're employed.
• Prevent you from being added to a company's commercial auto insurance policy.

Who Can Access Your Iowa Driving History?

In Iowa, access to driving histories is restricted by federal and state privacy laws, including the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and Iowa Code Section 321.11.

Typically these laws limit the release of personal information from driving records, allowing it only for specific purposes such as law enforcement, insurance underwriting, employment background checks, and court proceedings.

Unauthorized access or misuse of driving history information is subject to penalties.

FAQs About Iowa Driving Records

Review the following frequently asked questions (FAQs) to learn more about Iowa driving records.

Related Articles

When Your Driving License Can Be Revoked and What You Can Do About It?

Is Drunk Driving a Felony, What’s the Punishment, and How Many People Die From It?

What Is a Clean Driving Record, How It Affects Insurance and How to Keep It Clean

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?