Red Light and Stop Sign Tickets in Iowa

If you get caught running a stop sign or red light in Iowa, you'll typically be looking at a fine. (Although, you may have options for dealing with a ticket that don't require you to pay a fine.) This article gives an overview of what the law prohibits and some of the specific consequences of a stop sign or red light ticket.

Properly Stopping a Red Light or Stop Sign in Iowa

At a red light (solid or flashing) or stop sign, motorists must make a complete stop prior to reaching the first of a clearly marked limit line, a crosswalk, or the intersection itself. (Iowa Code Ann. § 321.257 (2024); Iowa Code Ann. § 321.322 (2024).)

Iowa's Right-On-Red Rule

Iowa law allows motorists to make a right turn after stopping at a red light unless there's a sign indicating the turn is prohibited. However, before turning, the driver must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic passing through the intersection as directed by the signal.

Iowa's Left-on-Red Rule

In Iowa, a motorist can make a left turn after stopping at a red light only from a one-way street onto another one-way street. Of course, drivers who make a left turn at a red light must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other vehicles lawfully using the intersection.

Can You Get a Ticket for Running a Yellow Light in Iowa?

In some states, it's illegal to enter an intersection on a yellow light. However, in Iowa, a steady yellow light is just a warning that the light is about to turn red. In other words, you're allowed to enter an intersection while the light is still yellow, just not after it has turned red.

Iowa's Red Light Camera Law

Iowa law permits the use of automated cameras at intersections to catch red light violators. However, localities that use red light cameras must post signs that inform drivers of the cameras at primary access roads to the locality and at the intersections where the cameras are in use. And, if you get a red light camera ticket, you may be able to successfully fight it in court.

Penalties for Stop Sign and Red Light Tickets in Iowa

Generally, a stop sign or red light violation will cost the driver about $195 in fines, surcharges, and court costs.

For a violation that results in "serious injury" to another person, there's an additional $500 fine and/or a license suspension of up to 90 days.

A driver who commits a red light or stop sign violation involving the death of another person is looking at an additional $1,000 fine and/or maximum 180-day license suspension. (Also, read about Iowa's reckless driving and vehicular homicide penalties.)