Car speed limits in Iowa (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Unless otherwise posted, the lawful speed is 20 mph in a business district, 25 mph in a residence or school district and 45 mph in a suburban district. The limit is 55 mph elsewhere, 65 mph on fully controlled-access divided multilane highways and 70 mph on interstates. Scheduled fines for moving violations are doubled in road work zones.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 20 mph (business); 25 mph (residence); 45 mph (suburban) [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | 65 mph on fully controlled-access, divided, multilane highways [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 70 mph on the interstate road system [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph in any school district, unless otherwise posted. A school district must be marked by signs at its limits. [1] |
| Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph in any residence district, unless otherwise posted. [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Scheduled fines for moving violations are doubled in a road work zone. Speeding fines there are $195 (up to 10 mph over), $390 (10-20 over), $645 (20-25 over) and $1,285 (more than 25 over). [2] |
Notes
- On unsurfaced secondary roads the limit is 55 mph between sunrise and sunset and 50 mph from sunset to sunrise (§ 321.285(4)).
- The Department of Transportation may set a lower limit on these highways (§ 321.285(5)(b)). A vehicle unable to maintain 40 mph may not use the interstate system.
Sources
- Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 2026, Section 321.285 Speed restrictions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 2026, Section 805.8A Motor vehicle and transportation scheduled violations (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Iowa and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 20 mph business, 25 mph residential | 55 mph | 65 mph (divided, multilane) | 70 mph (interstates) |
| Illinois | 30 mph (15 in alleys) | 55 mph | 65 mph (designated, 4+ lanes) | 70 mph |
| Minnesota | 30 mph | 55 mph | 65 mph | 70 mph (65 in urban areas) |
| Missouri | 25 mph unless posted | 60 mph | 65 mph (rural) | 75 mph (60 in urban areas) |
| Nebraska | 25 mph residential, 20 business | 50-65 mph depending on road type | 65-70 mph | 75 mph (65 in parts) |
| South Dakota | 25 mph unposted | 65 mph; 55 mph township roads | Up to 70 mph where set and posted | 80 mph |
| Wisconsin | 25 mph; 35 mph outlying | 55 mph | 65 mph expressways | 70 mph |
More rules in Iowa
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: No
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, a bicycle · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (consumer fireworks) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Only an offence if used in a crime · Locking or one-handed knives: Ballistic knife: class D felony; switchblade listed
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour (or federal if higher)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.