Iowa license points
6 points
What the rule says happens: barred from operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state
Based on the points accumulated, the person is to be barred from operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state as follows: Points 6–7 8–9 10 – 12 13 – 15 16+ Length of bar 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 6 years
Points for each violation
We don’t have Iowa’s point values yet. The official pages are linked at the foot of this page.
When points lead to a suspension or other action
| Points | Within | The rule’s wording | What happens | Applies to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | no period given | see the rule | barred from operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state | see the rule |
Whether a rule means that many points or more, or more than that many, is in the rule’s own words below.
The rules, word for word
Based on the points accumulated, the person is to be barred from operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state as follows: Points 6–7 8–9 10 – 12 13 – 15 16+ Length of bar 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 6 years
How long points last
Your driving record will show all convictions, accidents, or suspensions during at least the last five years.
Which date counts
What it means for a particular case is for the agency to say.
The dates the offenses occurred, not the dates you are convicted of traffic violations, are considered when determining how many violations have taken place in a specified time period.
Taking points off: courses and clean driving
The completion of a driver improvement course, probation period, or a suspension does not clear your driving record of any entries showing violations or accidents.
Tickets from other states
The department may suspend or revoke a person’s license when the department is notified by another state that the person committed an offense in that state that, if committed in Iowa, would be grounds for suspension or revocation.
Convictions for moving traffic violations in other states count against your driving record in determining what action the Iowa DOT will take concerning your driving privileges.
The point system itself
The department shall adopt rules under chapter 17A that establish a point system which shall be used to determine the period for which a person who is declared to be a habitual offender under section 321.555, subsection 1, shall not be issued a license.
More from Iowa’s rules
Three or more of the following offenses, either singularly or in combination, within a six-year period:
A person is determined to be a habitual offender under Iowa Code section 321.555(1) in accordance with the following point system: a. Points are assigned to convictions as follows:
Serious injury by a vehicle in violation of Iowa Code section 707.6A(4) Manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle Points 2 points 2 points 3 points 4 points 4 points 5 points 5 points 5 points 5 points 6 points
“Habitual violator” means that the person has been convicted of three or more moving violations committed within a 12-month period.
3 convictions in 12 months 4 convictions in 12 months 5 convictions in 12 months 6 convictions in 12 months 7 or more convictions in 12 months 90 days 120 days 150 days 180 days 1 year
If you are convicted of, or pled guilty to, three or more countable moving violations (including out-of-state violations) that were committed within a 12-month period.
You will be barred for two to six years if you receive three or more of any combination of the following convictions in a six-year period:
How nearby states compare
Side by side, not like for like. Read each state’s own rule before comparing two of them.
- Illinois
15 points
2-month suspension
92 Illinois Administrative Code 1040.30, Suspension or Revocation for Three or More Traffic Offenses Committed Within 12 Months, read November 12, 2026
- Indiana
6 points
you must take the knowledge exam to renew your driver’s license
Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter Five: Points, Suspension, and Insurance Requirements, read November 12, 2026
- Kentucky
12 points in 2 years
suspend or probate the driving privilege
601 KAR 13:025, Point system, read November 12, 2026
Sources for Iowa
- Iowa Code 321.560, Period of revocation; temporary restricted licenses
- Iowa Code 321.555, Habitual offender defined
- Iowa Administrative Code 761, Chapter 615, Sanctions
- Iowa DOT, Suspension for Habitual Violators and Serious Violation
- The licensing agency: Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division
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Reference only, not legal or insurance advice. Confirm with the agency. Full statement.