Iowa State Patrol Urges Super Bowl Party Hosts to Designate Drivers

Troopers will be on the lookout for impaired, distracted, and reckless driving this weekend.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The Iowa State Patrol is advising anyone hosting or attending Super Bowl parties this weekend to have a designated sober driver on hand. Trooper Paul Gardner says designated drivers will be the "most valuable player" in keeping roads safe, as troopers will be out in force looking for impaired, distracted, and reckless driving. Drivers caught over the legal limit face potential jail time and license revocation.

Why it matters

Super Bowl weekend is historically one of the busiest and most dangerous times on the roads, with a spike in impaired driving incidents. The Iowa State Patrol is taking a proactive approach to curb drunk and reckless driving and keep communities safe.

The details

Trooper Paul Gardner recommends that anyone hosting or attending Super Bowl parties this weekend should have a designated sober driver as part of their party plan. The Iowa State Patrol will be out in force, looking for four key violations: seat belt use, impaired driving, distracted driving, and excessive speeding. Drivers caught over the legal limit can face jail time and have their licenses revoked.

  • The Super Bowl will be played on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Iowa State Patrol

The state law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling Iowa's roadways and enforcing traffic laws.

Trooper Paul Gardner

A spokesman for the Iowa State Patrol who is advising the public on safe driving practices for Super Bowl weekend.

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What they’re saying

“Their best game plan is going to have a sober designated driver on hand, and that designated driver is going to be your most valuable player in this game.”

— Trooper Paul Gardner, Spokesman, Iowa State Patrol (kbur.com)

What’s next

The Iowa State Patrol will be out in full force on the roads this Super Bowl weekend, monitoring for impaired, distracted, and reckless driving.

The takeaway

Super Bowl weekend is a high-risk time for dangerous driving incidents, but the Iowa State Patrol is taking a proactive approach to keep roads safe by urging party hosts and attendees to designate sober drivers. Drivers who choose to get behind the wheel impaired face serious legal consequences.