Clerks
A clerk may seize a false or altered driver's license or non-operator's identification card. They must issue a receipt to the license's owner. The card must be turned over to law enforcement officials within 24 hours.
A clerk that sells tobacco, alternative nicotine, or vapor products to an underage person will be charged with a simple misdemeanor. They will face the following penalties:
- 1st Offense: $135.00 plus surcharge and court costs
- 2nd Offense: $325.00 plus surcharge and court costs
- 3rd Offense: $645.00 plus surcharge and court costs
Retailers
A retailer that sells tobacco, alternative nicotine, or vapor products to an underage person will face the following penalties:
- 1st violation = $300 civil penalty
- 2nd violation (within 2 years) = $1,500 fine OR 30-day suspension
- 3rd violation (within 3 years) = $1,500 AND 30-day suspension
- 4th violation (within 3 years) = $1,500 AND 60-day suspension
- 5th violation (within 4 years) = Revocation
Persons Under Age 21
A person under age 21 in possession of, or attempting to purchase tobacco, alternative nicotine, or vapor products will face the following penalties:
- 1st offense = $70 (plus 8 hours of community service)
- 2nd offense = $135 (plus 12 hours of community service)
- 3rd and subsequent offenses = $325 (plus 16 hours of community service)
An underage person that uses a false or altered driver’s license or non-operator’s identification card to purchase tobacco, alternative nicotine, or vapor products will also be charged with a simple misdemeanor (up to a $100 fine).
For further information regarding tobacco laws, please refer to Iowa Code Chapter 453A.