Opinion ID: 1676347
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Failure to forthwith revoke.

Text: Section 321.209 provides that the department shall forthwith revoke the license of any operator. Because the department was aware of Pietig's plea of guilty in late July, 1984, but did not issue its notice of revocation under section 321.209(2) until December, 1984, the district court concluded that it failed to forthwith revoke his license under the statute. We agree with Pietig that his revocation did not occur forthwith. On the other hand, we agree with the department that, in the absence of a showing of prejudice, Pietig may not avoid revocation. The word forthwith is directory rather than mandatory. In Taylor v. Department of Transportation, 260 N.W.2d 521 (Iowa 1977), it was contended that the department lacked jurisdiction to revoke a driver's license under chapter 321B because it failed to provide a administrative hearing. Noting that a directory statute imposes a duty not essential to accomplishing its principal purpose, we held that the hearing time provision ... is directory and not mandatory. This construction is in accord with the general rule that statutory provisions fixing the time, form and mode of proceeding of public functionaries are directory because they are not of the essence of the thing to be done but are designed to secure system, uniformity and dispatch in public business. Such statutes direct the thing to be done at a particular time but do not prohibit it from being done later on when the rights of interested persons are not injuriously affected by the delay. Id. at 523. The same reasoning applies here. See State v. Cornelison, 304 So.2d 758, 759 (La.Ct.App.1974) (failure to forthwith revoke driver's license, where no prejudice alleged, will not preclude suspension). As Pietig has not demonstrated prejudice by the delay in revoking his driver's license, the district court erred in reversing the department's decision on this ground. Because Pietig's license was not revoked for purposes of section 321.209(2) when he was allowed to drive with a temporary license or permit, and because he has not shown any prejudice due to the delay in revoking his license under section 321.209(2), we reverse the judgment of the district court. REVERSED AND REMANDED.