Senate sends traffic camera bill to Governor

DES MOINES – The Iowa Senate today passed House file 2681 that would regulate the use of automated speed cameras in the state.
The bill still needs the Governor’s signature, but would require local governments and communities to apply for a permit with the Iowa DOT to allow the cameras. No new camera permits will be issued until January of 2026 if the bill is signed into law, and those who installed cameras after Jan. 1 of this year will have to wait until 2026 for a permit.
Those who installed cameras prior to Jan. 1 will be allowed to continue using the cameras while permits are issued, but they will have to submit an application that addresses the need for the cameras.
According to the legislation, the DOT may approve or deny the application for a permit based on the department’s determination that a system is appropriate and necessary and the least restrictive means to address the critical traffic safety issues at a location. The department shall only issue one permit for a local authority, which shall set forth all locations at which a local authority is authorized to use a system.
Lee County installed their cameras in the Hwy 27 corridor between the county’s southern border with Missouri and the Hwy 103 intersection. The county received more than $123,000 in fines in March, according to county revenue reports
Lee County Sheriff Stacy Weber said the county will continue to follow the laws of the state and will continue to work towards a safer Lee County.
The legislation has set the minimum speed infraction at 10 mph over the posted speed limit and requires the governmental agencies to dump images of license plates 30 days after the citation unless they are involved in an ongoing investigation.