Speed Limit Changes And Doubling Of Fines Almost Became Law In Iowa

For the past few years, there have been talks about increasing the speed limit in Iowa. In short, the bill would let us go 5 mph faster.

The bill would increase the speed limit on interstate highways from 70 to 75 mph. On divided, multi-lane highways, the bill would increase the speed limit from 65 mph to 70 mph. The speed limit on other state roads would increase from 55 miles per hour to 60 mph.

What Keeps Happening With The Speed Limit?

In 2020 the bill was tabled. The Gazette reported multiple reasons for the bill being stopped with the budget being a big one,

One of the things that stopped the bill in its subcommittee tracks was a projection by a state Department of Transportation lobbyist that the bill would carry a $2.3 million price tag to change 500 signs along the interstate system and about 1,700 other signs along highways where the speed limit would increase July 1.

Then in 2022 the Iowa Torch reported that again an Iowa Senate subcommittee said no to the bill. This bill would raise the speed limit on Iowa’s highways and double the fines for speeding... I'm kinda happy this one didn't go through.

Under this bill, drivers going 5 miles per hour over the posted speed limit would face a fine of $390, up from $195.

Ten miles per hour over the posted speed limit would face a fine of $780, up from $390. Yikes!

Get our free mobile app

Will They Try To Pass The Bill Again?

Only time will tell. It may come up again in 2024, but it should be noted that according to the Iowa Torch this year all three subcommittee members, State Senators Mike Klimesh, R-Spillville, Tony Bisignano, D-Des Moines, and Carrie Koelker, R-Dyersville, agreed on tabling the bill which means the odds aren't looking too great.