Iowa Driver’s License Reinstatement Program in Des Moines, Ankeny, Altoona, Urbandale, West Des Moines, and All of Iowa
Iowa requires most drivers to carry car insurance because of the obvious safety risks that drivers both face themselves and pose to others. However, all the regulations in the world cannot prevent all violations of the law. That’s why if you commit a driving offense, then you will likely face quite a few penalties. One of these might be the loss or suspension of your driver’s license.
To get your driver’s license back, you have to follow a specific process. This will likely involve both paying fines and overcoming several other hurdles. To help guide you through this process, most Iowa counties have established license reinstatement programs.
If you have special insurance needs following a license suspension, then The Insurance Specialists, Inc. is the place to turn to. We are a full-service insurance agency that can help all drivers get the insurance they need to reinstate their licenses expediently.
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Common License Reinstatement Program Questions
Driving is a privilege, and drivers must follow the rules whenever they get behind the wheel if they want to keep it. If you fail, then you might have your driver’s license suspended. During a license suspension, you are forbidden from operating a vehicle until you complete several tasks to regain your privileges.
A license suspension will often arise if you commit offenses like OWIs (Operating While Intoxicated) or have habitual moving violations on your record. However, even situations where you have delinquent court fees or child support could result in a suspension.
Many Iowa counties offer license reinstatement programs to guide traffic offenders through the process of regaining their driving privileges. These programs are designed to make it easy for you to understand and keep track of where you are in the process of reinstating your license so that you will know when you can return to the road.
To reinstate your license, you will have to satisfy all conditions as set by law or by the court that oversees your charges.
In a typical OWI suspension case, the offender must complete the following steps:
- Pay the $200 OWI penalty.
- Complete an approved drinking driver course and submit proof of completion to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). Visit the Iowa Department of Education web site for more information about OWI courses.
- Complete a substance abuse evaluation and treatment course and submit proof to the DOT.
- Apply for SR-22 auto insurance through your insurance agency (if required) and file the certificate with the DOT.
- Install an ignition interlock system on your vehicle (if required) and submit proof to the DOT.
Please note, the court’s discretion might influence your precise penalty for OWI offenses.
If your license was suspended due to unpaid court fees, you will have to repay all necessary fines and appear in-person at your local driver’s license office to reinstate your license. You might also have to pay an additional reinstatement fee. Many counties will work with those who owe delinquent court fees to set up appropriate payment plans.
Though you might receive your license back, it might only be a Temporary Restricted License (TRL). With a TRL, you can still drive a car. However, you might face limitations on where and when you can operate a vehicle. For example, you might only be able to drive to work, school, medical appointments or within a certain distance of your home.
You will be eligible to receive your full driving privileges back upon the successful completion of all the terms of your sentence. You can check on your penalties and where you are in the process by visiting the Iowa DOT License Reinstatement Portal.
The Insurance Specialists, Inc. is here to help every client address the insurance penalties they might face as a result of an OWI or other license suspension. We are committed to working with you to manage your policy and make it work for you throughout your penalty period and beyond.
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