New State Traffic/Speed Camera Regulations Bill on to Governor Reynolds

A northeast Iowa State Senator says cities and counties will need to have a specified “game plan” for the implementation of the traffic/speed cameras after the Iowa Senate on Monday (04.15) sent the governor a bill to set up state regulations for the devices. 

Senator Mike Klemish of Spillvillle says municipalities will have to get a traffic camera permit from the Iowa DOT.

Klemish adds that cities and counties will have to submit information to justify the speed limit in the area where a camera is placed, along with data about the number and severity of traffic accidents in the area.

The fines from traffic camera tickets must be used on law enforcement. 

Senator Tony Bisignano of Des Moines says there’s a need for automated traffic cameras in urban areas of the state, including the Des Moines freeway, where he says it’s too dangerous for police to pull speeding motorists over and issue tickets.

Legislators have been debating whether to ban or regulate traffic cameras since 2011.

Four speed/traffic enforcement cameras went into effect in Charles City March 11th.