This week, the Senate passed Senate File 378, a bill that updates Iowa’s default speed limit laws. Under current law, the default speed limit for most roadways is 55 miles per hour unless otherwise specified. Iowa code outlines a wide range of speed limits depending on the type of roadway, from 15 MPH near cattle guards to 70 MPH on interstate highways, while also allowing local authorities to adjust speeds when appropriate.
Senate File 378 raises the statewide default speed limit from 55 MPH to 60 MPH. Importantly, the bill does not change existing provisions related to license suspensions for minor speeding violations, nor does it alter the authority of local jurisdictions to set lower speed limits where necessary. This update reflects modern driving conditions while maintaining safeguards for public safety.
