Breaking Iowa's traffic laws and ignoring its insurance requirements carries the penalty of a suspended or revoked driver’s license. Drivers who operate a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license could face a $1,500 fine, a year in jail, and double the time spent without their driving privileges. It could also make it harder to find

cheap car insurance in Iowa.

Most of us are familiar with the basics of driving legally—obey road signs and traffic lights, always drive sober, and make sure you have the right

car insurance

. However, if you’ve accumulated several traffic citations, you might fear that you could soon lose your license. The rules relating to habitual offenders are particularly complicated, with a variety of penalties for different violations.

That’s why

Jerry

has compiled a list of the 10 most common ways to get your driver’s license suspended in Iowa. Think of it as a how-not-to guide, but don’t miss the tips on saving on your car insurance premiums at the end.

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What’s the difference between a license suspension and revocation?

The terms “suspension” and “revocation” reappear frequently throughout this guide. The difference between the two is:

A license suspension temporarily takes away driving privileges for a specific amount of time.

A license revocation permanently removes driving privileges. You may be banned from driving for life, or you may just have to reapply for a new license, which could come with special conditions.

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) can suspend or revoke driver’s licenses depending on the severity of the offense, the offender’s driving record, and the danger the offender poses to other drivers and people on the road.

What can your license be suspended for in Iowa?

So how do you know if you’re in danger of losing your driving privileges?

The Iowa DOT website

has the full list of bannable offenses, but here are 10 of

the most common reasons.

1. If you drive while intoxicated

Iowa’s DUI law

lays out the penalties for driving under the influence. Failing a chemical test with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% will result in your license being revoked for 180 days to one year, depending on whether it’s your first or second offense. Refusing the chemical test means the revocation will extend from one to two years (again, depending on whether or not you have a prior offense on your record). If it’s your third offense or the incident involved death or injury, add six years to the total.

2. If you drive with a revoked license

Driving with a license that has been revoked under the OWI law is a serious misdemeanor. It carries a $1,000 fine and the chance of having your vehicle impounded. Second or subsequent offenses might result in you turning your license over to the state permanently.

3. If you fail to pay court fines

Ignoring a court fine for more than 60 days past the due date will mean you’re getting a special delivery: a notice of suspension in your mailbox. The DOT will reinstate your driving privileges as soon as they receive confirmation that your fine has been paid or that you’ve agreed to a payment plan.

4. If you habitually break traffic laws

Try not to let your traffic citations stack up; three or more within one year (even if they were committed in a different state) and you could have your license suspended. Six within two years could result in a one-year license suspension.

5. If you were caught speeding

Practicing patience isn’t easy, but if you’re caught speeding in excess of 25 miles over the speed limit, you’ll be counting the days left on your driver’s license suspension.

MORE:

Reckless driving in Iowa

6. If you fail a driver improvement program

Several lesser offenses—like three traffic citations within a year, passing a school bus while it’s stopped, or speeding 25 to 29 mph over the speed limit—will mean you need to complete a driver improvement program. If you skip your scheduled classes, the next piece of mail you receive will be a notice of suspension.

7. If you violate traffic laws while on probation

If you completed the driver improvement program requested by the state of Iowa, well done! Keep in mind, however, that you’ll be on probation for one year. Provided you aren’t found guilty of another driving offense, you’ll avoid license suspension.

8. If you cause death or injury while driving

Understandably, drivers at fault for accidents that result in injury or death face sanctions from the state. Your license will be suspended in addition to whatever sentencing you receive in court. Stacking up convictions (three or more within six years) will result in an even longer suspension of two to six years.

9. If you fail to remain at the scene of an accident

No matter the severity of the accident, an involved driver must stay at the scene to give assistance and provide contact details, according to

Iowa car accident laws

. While you might be understandably upset, take a moment to step aside and breathe—flee and you’ll face a driver’s license suspension when you get caught.

10. If you don’t meet minimum insurance requirements

The Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law outlines the

minimum amount of car insurance

required for all drivers in the state of Iowa. Your

property damage liability

coverage should be $15,000 or greater. Meanwhile, your

bodily injury liability

coverage per person and per accident should total $20,000 and $40,000, respectively. Provide proof to the DOT when requested or you could face license suspension.

MORE:

Homeowners insurance in Iowa

How to save money on car insurance in Iowa

Every insurance company in Iowa is sure to offer the minimum amount of liability coverage you need, but not everyone will offer you a good deal. To compare competitive quotes from over 50 name-brand insurance providers, download the

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