Iowa cities are grappling with the recent decision by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) to deny the majority of their requests to operate traffic cameras. This decision, stemming from a new law regulating traffic cameras, necessitates the shutdown of most fixed traffic cameras across the state, significantly impacting local traffic enforcement strategies.
The new Iowa law mandates that local governments with automated traffic enforcement systems must obtain a permit from the DOT to continue their operation. Cities and counties were required to demonstrate that their speed cameras, which automatically issue tickets, are justified, essential, and the least restrictive approach to enhancing traffic safety in specific locations. The Iowa Department of Transportation announced its rulings on these applications on Monday, marking a significant shift in the landscape of traffic enforcement in Iowa.
Out of 348 locations statewide where local governments sought to utilize traffic cameras, encompassing both fixed and mobile systems, the Iowa DOT approved only 154. The impact is particularly pronounced for fixed speed cameras. Of the 139 fixed camera locations seeking approval, a mere 11 were granted permits to remain operational. These approved fixed cameras are concentrated in a few larger cities: Cedar Rapids (four), Davenport (four), Des Moines (one), Le Claire (one), and Marshalltown (one).
Mobile speed cameras fared better in the DOT’s review process. Out of 209 requested locations for mobile cameras, 143 received the green light. However, these approvals are limited to just eight cities, indicating a more selective approach even for mobile enforcement. Notably, eighteen out of the 28 communities that applied for permits faced complete denial, meaning all their camera operations must cease. Fort Dodge stands out as the only city to receive full approval for all its camera applications, while a total of nine cities managed to retain at least some of their traffic cameras.
The purpose is to make our community safer, so I don’t understand why you would deny the communities a way to do that.
Chad Alleger, Prairie City Mayor
Prairie City, under the leadership of Mayor Chad Alleger, is among the communities heavily affected by the Iowa DOT’s decision. Prairie City is now required to deactivate its fixed speed enforcement cameras. Mayor Alleger voiced his surprise and disappointment that the DOT deemed Prairie City’s cameras unnecessary, especially given their proven track record of improving road safety.
“The purpose is to make our community safer, so I don’t understand why you would deny the communities a way to do that,” Alleger stated. He explained that Prairie City, a town of approximately 1,700 residents, implemented fixed traffic cameras at two locations three years prior. A primary motivation was to curb speeding near the local elementary and middle school, as well as along the route used by students traveling to high school in Monroe.
Alleger emphasized that Prairie City had diligently met all the stipulated criteria for camera operation. “We have the data to show that we have reduced speed out on [highway] 163 and in front of the school. So I don’t understand the explanation of ‘not necessary,’ because it proves that it is working.” He further highlighted the financial implications, noting that revenue generated from traffic camera tickets was channeled into crucial community projects, including a new library and a planned fire department and emergency services building. The city now faces the challenge of finding alternative funding to complete the latter project.
Adding another layer to the regulatory changes, the new law prohibits cities with populations of 20,000 or less from issuing tickets from mobile speed camera systems. These smaller cities are restricted to issuing warnings for speeding violations detected by mobile cameras. Mayor Alleger questioned the rationale behind this population-based distinction, stating, “I don’t understand how the size of your community should dictate whether you have speed cameras or not.” Prairie City is actively seeking further clarification from the Iowa DOT regarding the specific reasons for the denial of their permit application.
Keri Greenfield, an executive assistant with the Iowa DOT, clarified the department’s decision-making process. According to Greenfield, the law empowers the DOT to approve or deny permits based on its assessment of whether a traffic camera system is “appropriate and necessary and the least restrictive means to address the critical safety issues at a location.” She elaborated that “critical safety issues” are defined within the law as traffic violations leading to collisions or accidents, and collisions or accidents resulting in serious injury or fatality.
A seven-member panel within the Iowa DOT was responsible for reviewing permit applications against these definitions. The panel established specific interpretations for the key terms:
- Necessary means: “Critical traffic safety issues exist at a location to the degree where control of vehicle speeds is essential.”
- Appropriate means: “Use of an automated traffic enforcement system at a location complies with the law’s requirements and is the right method to control vehicle speeds.”
- Least restrictive means: “All other methods to control speeds at a location have been exhausted or are impractical.”
The new legislation also mandates that cities install signage to inform drivers about the presence of traffic cameras. Furthermore, automated tickets can only be issued if a driver is exceeding the speed limit by more than ten miles per hour. These regulations reflect a broader debate surrounding automated traffic enforcement in Iowa.
For several years, some Republican lawmakers and the ACLU of Iowa have advocated for a ban on automated traffic enforcement. Critics of traffic cameras have accused cities of misusing these systems primarily to generate revenue for local budgets rather than focusing on genuine traffic safety concerns. Despite these criticisms, the bill regulating traffic cameras garnered bipartisan support in the Iowa Legislature, with only a small number of lawmakers opposing its passage, indicating a broad consensus on the need for greater state oversight of traffic camera operations.
Cities Approved to Operate Some Automated Traffic Enforcement Cameras:
- Cedar Rapids (fixed and mobile)
- Davenport (fixed and mobile)
- Des Moines (fixed and mobile)
- Fort Dodge (mobile — all approved)
- Le Claire (fixed)
- Marion (mobile allowed, fixed denied)
- Marshalltown (fixed)
- Muscatine (mobile allowed, fixed denied)
- Sioux City (mobile)
- Waterloo (mobile allowed, fixed denied)
Local Governments No Longer Permitted to Operate Automated Traffic Enforcement Systems:
- Buffalo
- Charles City
- Chester
- Fayette
- Fredericksburg
- Hazleton
- Hudson
- Independence
- La Porte City
- Lee County
- Maynard
- Oelwein
- Postville
- Prairie City
- Strawberry Point
- Tama
- Webster City
- West Union
