Traffic tickets serve as a measure to maintain road safety, holding drivers accountable for their actions and encouraging adherence to traffic rules. In Iowa, traffic violations can lead to fines, points on your driving license, or even jail time in serious cases. Understanding these consequences is essential for every motorist on Iowa's roads.
In this guide, we focus on everything you need to dismiss your ticket in Iowa. We try to be exhaustive in this article, so if you aren't interested in a ton of reading, we suggest heading over to IDriveSafely.
IDriveSafely is the #1 online defensive driving provider in IA. They are state certified and by clicking this link or the banner below, you'll be eligible for an exclusive discount there. They have excellent customer service that is miles better than anything the government has to offer. If you get stuck during the process of dismissing your ticket, you can be sure that I Drive Safely is there to be your helping hand.
Types of Traffic Tickets in Iowa
In Iowa, drivers can be issued numerous types of traffic tickets. These include:
- Speeding tickets
- Reckless driving tickets
- Driving without a license tickets
- Driving under the influence (DUI) tickets
- Failure to yield tickets
- Red light camera tickets
Each of these offenses carries different penalties.
Fines and Penalties for Traffic Tickets in Iowa
The severity of the infraction determines the fine or penalty associated with each ticket. A speeding ticket, for instance, can cost between $25 and $1,000, whereas a DUI ticket may cost between $375 and $1,075.
Apart from fines, traffic tickets can result in points being added to your driving license. While a speeding ticket may add two points, a DUI ticket can lead to the addition of six points. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension, signifying the gravity of these infractions.
Contending a Traffic Ticket in Iowa
In Iowa, you have the right to contest a traffic ticket in court or through legal representation. If the court finds you not guilty, you won't have to pay the fine, and no points will be added to your driving license.
Avoiding Traffic Tickets in Iowa
Avoiding traffic tickets involves conscientious adherence to traffic laws, staying alert to surroundings, refraining from distracted driving, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Paying Traffic Tickets in Iowa
Choosing not to contest a traffic ticket necessitates the payment of the fine either online, via mail, or in person at any Iowa Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Online payments can be made through the DMV website, while mailed payments require a check or money order payable to the “Iowa Department of Motor Vehicles”.
Traffic Ticket Dismissal in Iowa
Completing a DMV-approved traffic school course within 90 days of receiving a ticket can lead to ticket dismissal in Iowa. Proof of completion sent to the court handling your ticket can result in the dismissal of fines and prevention of point addition to your license.
Iowa Defensive Driving Course: iDriveSafely
iDriveSafely offers a DMV-approved 6-hour defensive driving course that not only qualifies for ticket dismissal but also earns a 2-point safe driver credit on your driving license. This course covers defensive driving, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
Defensive driving involves techniques that help prevent accidents, such as staying aware of your surroundings, maintaining a safe speed, and keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Completion of this course can lead to point dismissal from your driving record and possibly reduce your insurance premiums.
Key features of the iDriveSafely Iowa Defensive Driving course include:
- Self-paced: You can complete the course at your own pace, 24/7.
- Online: The course is accessible from any computer with an internet connection.
- Interactive: The course incorporates interactive exercises and quizzes to aid learning.
- Affordable: The course costs $19.95.
Interested individuals can sign up for the course at iDriveSafely.
A Statistical View of Iowa Traffic Accidents
In 2020, Iowa reported 69,368 traffic crashes. Tragically, 964 of these crashes were fatal, resulting in 39,385 injuries. The major contributing factors to these accidents were speeding, distracted driving, and alcohol intoxication. These statistics underscore the importance of defensive driving education to instill safe driving habits.
The Value of Defensive Driving in Iowa
Defensive driving courses provide an effective avenue for improving driving skills and boosting road safety. With a comprehensive understanding of traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, and safe driving practices, we can work together to reduce traffic accidents and maintain safe driving environments in Iowa.
Brandon Myers is an entrepreneur, online course enthusiast, and driving education innovator. Diagnosed with ADHD, Myers has always struggled with conventional classroom learning methods. With a career spanning over 15 years in eLearning, Brandon has made significant contributions to the field of online drivers education, playing instrumental roles in renowned platforms like Aceable, I Drive Safely, and DriversEd.com. As the owner of LegitCourse.com, Brandon's passion project, he aims to connect students with the education they need online. Additionally, Brandon has ventured into the field of dentistry with initiatives such as OpinionTwo, an app offering seamless second opinions, and SEO Dentist, a company dedicated to assisting dentists with their website optimization.