Last verified: January 2026. This guide reflects current Iowa law under Iowa Code Section 321.261.
📑 Table of Contents (click to expand)
Quick Summary: Iowa Hit and Run Laws
- Simple violation (no injury): Simple misdemeanor, up to 30 days jail, $625 fine
- Personal injury: Serious misdemeanor, up to 1 year jail, $1,875 fine
- Serious injury: Aggravated misdemeanor, up to 2 years prison, $6,250 fine
- Death (single victim): Class D felony, up to 5 years prison, $7,500 fine
- Death (multiple victims or knew of injury): Class C felony, up to 10 years prison, $10,000 fine
- Reporting deadline: 72 hours to file accident report if no officer present
Penalties for Hit and Run in Iowa
Iowa Code Section 321.261 governs accidents involving death or personal injury. The penalties increase based on the severity of harm and whether the driver knew about the injuries.
Criminal Penalties by Offense Level
| Offense Type | Classification | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to stop (no injury) | Simple Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days jail, $625 fine |
| Personal injury | Serious Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year jail, $1,875 fine |
| Serious injury (knew or should have known) | Aggravated Misdemeanor | Up to 2 years prison, $625 to $6,250 fine |
| Serious injury to multiple persons | Class D Felony | Up to 5 years prison, $7,500 fine |
| Death (single victim) | Class D Felony | Up to 5 years prison, $7,500 fine |
| Death (knew or should have known) | Class C Felony | Up to 10 years prison, $10,000 fine |
Driver Duties After an Accident in Iowa
Under Iowa law, every driver involved in an accident must:
- Stop immediately at the scene or as close as possible
- Provide information: name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration
- Exchange insurance information with the other party
- Render reasonable assistance to anyone injured
- Report the accident within 72 hours if no officer investigates at the scene
Reporting Requirements
If law enforcement does not investigate the accident at the scene, you must file an accident report within 72 hours. Failure to file results in suspension of driving privileges. Report forms are available through the Iowa DOT website.
Misdemeanor Offenses
Failing to stop at the scene is a serious misdemeanor under Section 321.261(3). If the driver knew or should have known the accident resulted in serious injury, it becomes an aggravated misdemeanor.
What Constitutes “Serious Injury”?
Iowa law defines serious injury as bodily injury that:
- Creates a substantial risk of death
- Causes permanent disfigurement
- Results in protracted loss or impairment of function of any bodily organ
Felony Offenses
Hit and run becomes a felony in Iowa when:
- The accident causes serious injury to more than one person (Class D felony)
- The accident results in death (Class D or Class C felony depending on knowledge)
- The driver was intoxicated (may face additional charges)
“The driver of a vehicle who knows or has reason to believe that the driver’s vehicle caused an accident resulting in the death of one or more persons, and who fails to stop or comply with the requirements of subsection 1, is guilty upon conviction of a class ‘C’ felony.”
Iowa Code Section 321.261(4)(b)
Iowa Crash Statistics
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) data from 2023:
- Total traffic fatalities: 377 deaths
- Death rate: 11.8 per 100,000 population
- Death rate per miles traveled: 1.13 per 100 million vehicle miles
- Vehicle miles traveled: 33.3 billion miles
Breakdown by road user type (2023):
- Car occupants: 108 deaths (29%)
- Pickup and SUV occupants: 131 deaths (35%)
- Motorcyclists: 62 deaths (16%)
- Pedestrians: 29 deaths (8%)
- Bicyclists: 5 deaths (1%)
Iowa has a higher proportion of rural crash deaths, with 71% of fatalities occurring on rural roads compared to the national average of 41%.
How Fault is Determined in Iowa
Iowa is an “at-fault” state for car insurance purposes. The person who caused the accident is responsible for compensating the victim. To recover damages, you must prove:
- The driver owed you a duty of care
- The driver breached that duty
- Your injuries resulted from the breach
Comparative fault: Iowa follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are more than 50% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Possible Defenses to Hit and Run Charges
Valid defenses in Iowa may include:
- Safety concerns: You left because you reasonably feared for your physical safety (hostile crowd, threatening behavior)
- Lack of knowledge: You did not know an accident occurred
- Involuntary departure: You were incapacitated or unconscious
- Seeking help: You left to get emergency assistance
- Not the driver: Someone else was operating your vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to report an accident in Iowa?
If law enforcement does not investigate at the scene, you have 72 hours to file an accident report with the Iowa DOT. Failure to report results in license suspension.
Is leaving the scene of an accident a felony in Iowa?
It can be. Accidents resulting in death or serious injury to multiple persons are Class D felonies. If the driver knew or should have known the accident caused death, it is a Class C felony.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a claim?
For personal injury claims, you have 2 years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, you have 5 years. Wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years of the date of death.
What should I do if I hit a parked car?
Make reasonable efforts to locate the owner. If you cannot find them, leave a note with your contact information in a visible location on the vehicle. Report the incident to police, especially if damage appears significant.
Can I leave the scene if I fear for my safety?
Yes. Your personal safety takes priority over the obligation to remain at the scene. However, you should report the accident to law enforcement as soon as you reach a safe location.