Iowa OWI: First Offense

Last reviewed: 2026-07-30

A first OWI in Iowa is generally classified as a serious misdemeanor.

• Jail: 48 hours – 1 year; mandatory min 48 hours (unless deferred judgment)
• Fine: $1,250 ($1,250 fixed fine; up to $625 may be waived if no injury and a temporary restricted license is obtained. Plus surcharges/fees per ch. 911.)
• License suspension: 180 days (test failure) / 1 year (refusal) – 1 year; hardship: restricted license with IID during revocation
• Ignition interlock: Required — IID required for a temporary restricted license and for reinstatement after 0.15+/refusal.
• Alternative disposition: Deferred judgment available ONLY if: BAC under 0.15, no refusal, no prior OWI, no prior felony, no injury. Completion = no conviction. This is the single most important IA first-offense fact.
• Substance abuse evaluation + course + optional 'drinking drivers' program.

Lookback period: 12 years. 12-year lookback — longer than most states; deferred judgments AND convictions both count as priors. Third within 12 = Class D felony.