TRAFFIC RULES IN IOWA

Heading to Iowa Speedway for the Iowa Corn 350? Take a few minutes to brush up on Iowa’s traffic laws and safety rules. While many driving laws are similar across the U.S., Iowa has some specific regulations you’ll want to keep in mind before hitting the road.

Driving basics in Iowa

Drivers in Iowa operate on the right-hand side of the road.
Always obey traffic signals and stop signs.
Right turns on red are allowed after a full stop, unless posted otherwise.
At four-way stops, the first vehicle to arrive has the right of way. If vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the right goes first.
Watch for tractor and farm equipment on rural roads–common in Iowa, especially in summer.

Speed limits

Residential areas: 25–30 mph (40–48 km/h)
Highways and rural roads: 55–65 mph (89–105 km/h)
Interstates: Up to 70 mph (113 km/h)

Always follow posted speed limits, and reduce your speed during bad weather or in construction zones. Note: Fines double in active work zones.

Driving under the influence (DUI)

The legal BAC limit is 0.08% for drivers age 21 and older.
Iowa has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 – any detectable alcohol can result in penalties.
DUI checkpoints are common during major events like the Iowa Corn 350.

Seat belts and child safety laws

All passengers, front and back, must wear a seat belt.
Child safety seats are required based on age, height, and weight.
Violations can result in tickets, even for passengers.

Yielding and right of way

Always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
Let vehicles already at an intersection proceed first.
Pull over immediately for emergency vehicles with flashing lights or sirens.

NASCAR Iowa 350 | Traffic rules in Iowa | Iowa350.com

What to do if you’re pulled over by police

Pull over safely to the right-hand side as soon as you see flashing lights.
Stay inside your vehicle with your seat belt fastened and hands visible on the steering wheel.
At night, turn on your interior light so the officer can see clearly.
Wait for instructions before reaching for your license or documents.
Be prepared to present your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
Stay calm and respectful. Arguing on the roadside won’t help – any citation can be contested later in court.
Signing a ticket is not an admission of guilt – it's just confirmation you received it.
If you believe your rights were violated, write down the officer’s name, badge number, and patrol car ID. You can file a formal complaint after the incident.