Speed Limits
- 1/15Maximum speed allowed on rural interstate highway is
Rural interstate highways in Iowa are commonly posted at 70 mph, which is the maximum allowed. A minimum speed of 65 mph is also typically enforced.
Minimum speed on rural interstate highway is
The minimum speed on rural interstates is generally 55 mph to keep traffic flowing safely and prevent congestion from slow-moving vehicles.
Speed limit on divided rural highways when not posted otherwise is
Divided rural highways usually have a limit of 65 mph, distinct from interstates, offering a balance between speed and safety.
Default limit in residential neighborhoods is
Residential areas in Iowa are governed by a default limit of 25 mph, which protects pedestrians and reduces accident risk.
When driving on a two-lane road in poor weather is to
In Iowa, drivers are legally required to reduce their speed during poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog. This helps account for reduced traction and limited visibility, ensuring better control of the vehicle and reducing the risk of crashes.
Speed on rural paved roads when no sign is posted is
55 mph is the default statutory limit for rural paved roads in Iowa where no signs are posted.
Safe driving speed on slow-traffic secondary roads is
A speed of 35 mph is generally considered safe for Iowa’s secondary roads unless otherwise posted.
Speed limit on gravel roads outside of city limits is
Gravel roads typically have a limit of 45 mph because of decreased traction and increased hazards.
Area where construction zone speed enforcement is active
Speed limits apply throughout the entire construction zone, not just where workers are actively present.
Speed increase during a passing maneuver becomes unsafe at
In Iowa, increasing your speed by more than 20 mph over the posted limit while passing is considered unsafe and often illegal, especially on two-lane rural roads.
The reason for enforcing minimum speed on rural freeways is to
A minimum speed is enforced to maintain smooth traffic and prevent slow vehicles from disrupting faster-moving traffic.
Speed limit impact when orange construction barrels are present in
Construction zones usually have strictly reduced limits which are enforced even if workers are not present.
Speed limit on four-lane divided highways
These roads typically allow a 65 mph limit as they support higher speed but are not quite freeways.
Reason to reduce speed at uncontrolled intersections
At uncontrolled intersections, drivers must slow to a safe speed to yield and react to unseen traffic or pedestrians.
Maximum speed for trucks towing trailers
Trucks towing trailers must maintain a maximum speed of 55 mph to account for stability, braking, and road safety.