Iowa’s Speeding Laws and Penalties

Most Iowa drivers will, at some point, get a speeding ticket. This article explains how Iowa's speed limits work and the consequences of a speeding violation.

How Do Iowa's Speed Limits Work?

Iowa has two types of speeding laws: "absolute limits" and a "basic speeding law." Below, we explained the differences between these two speed limits. (Iowa Code Ann. § 321.285.)

Iowa's Absolute (Maximum) Speed Limits

There is no trick to how Iowa's absolute speed limits work: If the absolute speed limit is 50 miles per hour and you drive faster than that, you've violated the law. Unless otherwise posted, Iowa's absolute speed limits are:

• 20 miles per hour in business districts
• 25 miles per hour in residential districts
• 25 miles per hour in school zones
• 45 miles per hour in suburban districts
• 65 miles per hour on fully controlled-access, divided, multilane highways
• 70 miles per hour on interstate highways, and
• 55 miles per hour on other roadways.

Iowa's Basic Speeding Law

Notwithstanding the absolute limits, Iowa's basic speeding law requires motorists to drive at a "careful and prudent speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface, and width of the highway and of any other conditions then existing." The basic speeding law also specifies that drivers must reduce their speed as appropriate when approaching crossings, curves, a hill crest, or when other road or weather conditions warrant the reduction.

In other words, motorists must always drive at a safe speed. What a safe speed is will depend on the circumstances. For instance, 55 miles per hour might be safe on a bright, sunny day. But if it's dark and the road is icy, going 55 miles per hour could be dangerous and a violation of the basic speeding law.

Penalties for a Speeding Ticket in Iowa

Speeding is a simple misdemeanor in Iowa. For most speeding violations, the fines are:

• $30 for exceeding the speed limit by not more than five miles per hour
• $55 for exceeding the speed limit by more than five but not more than ten miles per hour
• $105 for exceeding the speed limit by more than ten but not more than 15 miles per hour
• $120 for exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 but not more than 20 miles per hour, and
• $135 plus $5 for each mile per hour in excess of 20 miles per hour over the limit.

Of course, if you fight a speeding ticket and win, you can avoid these consequences altogether.

Reckless Driving and Vehicular Homicide Charges in Iowa

Depending on the circumstances, a speeding violation can lead to a "reckless driving" conviction. Generally, a conviction carries up to 30 days in jail and/or $25 to $625 in fines.

And if a speeding violation results in the death of another person, it's possible to be convicted of "homicide by vehicle"—a felony. Convicted drivers are looking at up to ten years in prison and $1,000 to $10,000 in fines.