Speed Limit Laws: Iowa
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)
70
Iowa
GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Iowa. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
Iowa
Motorcycle Helmet Required?
No helmet laws. Universal helmet law repealed 1976.
Iowa
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
8 years
Iowa
Provisions for Mature Drivers
78 and over: renewal every 2 years
Iowa
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
Zero tolerance for some drugs
Iowa
Marijuana Possession and Use
Illegal
Iowa
Marijuana Impaired Driving
Zero tolerance for THC
Iowa
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)
55
Iowa
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)
70
Iowa
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
70
Iowa
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)
70
Iowa
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
70
Iowa
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)
55
Iowa
Increased penalty for high BAC
0.15
Iowa
Administrative license suspension on first offense
180 days
Iowa
Limited driving privileges during suspension
After 30 days
Iowa
Ignition Interlocks
Highly incentivized for all convictions
Iowa
Open container laws
Yes
Iowa
Repeat Offender Laws
Yes
Iowa
Child Restraint Required
Under 1 yrs and under 20 lbs in rear-facing child seat
1-5 yrs in child restraint or booster seat
Iowa
Adult Safety Belt Permissible
6-17 yrs
Iowa
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
16
Iowa
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction
12:30 a.m. - 5 a.m.
Iowa
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)
First 6 months: no more than 1 under 18, parents may waive
Iowa
Full Privilege Minimum Age
17 years
Iowa
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
14
Iowa
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)
12
Iowa
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)
20 (2) during Learner Stage 10 (2) during Intermediate Stage
Iowa
Type of Law
Primary
Iowa
Who is Covered?
All riders
Iowa
In What Seat?
Front
Iowa
Hand-Held Ban?
No
Iowa
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers
No
Iowa
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers
Drivers with restricted or intermediate license. Primary law.
Iowa
Text Messaging Ban?
All drivers. Primary law.
Iowa
Speed Cameras: State Law
No state law
Iowa
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted
Permitted by city ordinance
Iowa
Red Light Cameras: State Law
No state law
Iowa
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted
Permitted by city ordinance
Alcohol Impaired Driving Laws: Iowa
Ignition Interlocks
Highly incentivized for all convictions
Child Passenger Safety Laws: Iowa
Child Restraint Required
Under 1 yrs and under 20 lbs in rear-facing child seat
1-5 yrs in child restraint or booster seat
Teen and Novice Drivers: Iowa
Full Privilege Minimum Age
17 years
Seat Belt Laws: Iowa
Type of Law
Primary
Distracted Driving Laws: Iowa
Hand-Held Ban?
No
Speed and Red Light Cameras: Iowa
Speed Cameras
No state law, but permitted by city ordinance
Red Light Cameras
No state law, but permitted by city ordinance
Work Zone Traffic Laws: Iowa
Violations Affected
All moving vehicle violations
Enhanced Penalties
Double original fine (up to $1,000)
Workers Must Be Present?
No
Signs Must Be Present?
Yes
Drowsy Driving Activities
To call attention to the problem of drowsy driving, the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) now includes reminders about the dangers of driving drowsy on its 80 variable message signs located on highways across the state.