Traffic & Safety

Automated Traffic Enforcement

As part of HF 2681 passed during the 2024 legislative session, the Iowa DOT has the authority to approve or deny the use of automated traffic enforcement on Iowa roads. As a result of the law, all jurisdictions who were using, or wishing to use, automated traffic enforcement on their roads were required to apply for a permit to the Iowa DOT by Jul. 1, 2024. The Iowa DOT received applications for 348 automated traffic enforcement locations from 28 jurisdictions. Jurisdictions who were using automated traffic enforcement on their roads before Jan. 1, 2024, were notified on Sept. 30, 2024 whether they would be allowed to continue to use the equipment on their roads. Of the 348 location applications received, 154 locations were approved and 194 were denied.

ATE Law in Iowa

1. Traffic violations resulting in a traffic collision or accident
2. Traffic collisions and accidents resulting in serious injury or death

Locations not already using a system prior to Jan. 1, 2024 are currently being reviewed by the DOT and will not be issued a permit before Jul. 1, 2026.

If an existing automated traffic enforcement location was denied the equipment must be turned off on Oct. 1. If a jurisdiction disagrees with the DOT’s decision, they may appeal by submitting a written explanation of the issues and include any supporting information to the Iowa DOT director. The director has 30 days to respond once the appeal is received. The director’s decision is the final agency action.