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Driving While Suspended

Iowa Code § 321.218 — a simple misdemeanor with a fine of $250 to $1,500 that cannot be suspended

  • Driving while a license is denied, canceled, suspended or revoked is a simple misdemeanor with a fine of $250 to $1,500.
  • The sentence may not be suspended by the court.
  • On a conviction, the department extends the suspension or revocation by a like period or one year, whichever is shorter.
  • Iowa Code § 321.218
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When the suspension or revocation was for an OWI chapter violation, driving is a serious misdemeanor with a $1,000 fine.

  • Iowa Code § 321J.21
Sources for this section (2)
  1. Iowa Code § 321.218 — Operating without valid driver’s license or when disqualified — penalties
  2. Iowa Code § 321J.21 — Driving while license suspended, denied, revoked, or barred

Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Iowa attorney.

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