Iowa Outlaws Most Automated Speed Cameras

The Iowa Department of Transportation has rejected a majority of applications to continue speed camera programs in cities across the state based on a new state law that requires state-issued permits for automated traffic enforcement.

2 minute read

October 16, 2024, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Automated traffic enforcement camera.

Evgeniy / Adobe Stock

Iowa communities will now have to apply for a permit from the state’s Department of Transportation to operate traffic cameras per a new state law, reports Katarina Sostaric for Iowa Public Radio.

“Cities and counties have to prove to the state that their traffic cameras that automatically issue speeding tickets are appropriate, necessary and the least restrictive way to address traffic safety at those locations,” Sostaric adds.

Of 348 requests to use traffic cameras across the state, 154 were approved at both fixed and mobile locations. Just 11 of 139 requests for fixed cameras were approved to continue operating. “Eighteen of the 28 communities that applied for a permit were fully denied. Only one city — Fort Dodge — had all of its cameras approved. Nine cities total got to keep some of their cameras.”

Prairie City Mayor Chad Alleger said he doesn’t understand the state’s decision to deny speed cameras to his city, saying, “We have the data to show that we have reduced speed out on [highway] 163 and in front of the school. So I don’t understand the explanation of ‘not necessary,’ because it proves that it is working.” The mayor pointed out that the city uses revenue from traffic camera citations to fund special projects such as a new library and firefighting facilities. 

The new law requires posted signs notifying drivers of cameras and prohibits issuing tickets for drivers going less than ten miles over the speed limit.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 in Iowa Public Radio

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

"Altadena - Not For Sale" yard sign in front of burned down house after Eaton Fire in Altadena, California in January 2025.

Half of Post-Fire Altadena Home Sales Were to Corporations

Large investors are quietly buying up dozens of properties in Altadena, California, where a devastating wildfire destroyed more than 6,000 homes in January.

July 7 - Dwell

Dense multistory residential buildings in hilly San Francisco, California.

Opinion: What San Francisco’s Proposed ‘Family Zoning’ Could Really Mean

Mayor Lurie is using ‘family zoning’ to encourage denser development and upzoning — but could the concept actually foster community and more human-scale public spaces?

July 7 - The San Francisco Standard

Blue self-driving Ford Transit van shuttle in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jacksonville Launches First Autonomous Transit Shuttle in US

A fleet of 14 fully autonomous vehicles will serve a 3.5-mile downtown Jacksonville route with 12 stops.

July 7 - Smart Cities Dive

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA