A bill for an act relating to the penalty for speeding in excess of twenty miles per hour over the limit.(Formerly HF 45.)
Summary
HF 178 increases the scheduled fine for one specific traffic offense: driving more than 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Under current Iowa law, that violation is a simple misdemeanor with a fine of $135 plus $5 for each mile per hour over 20 mph above the limit. The bill raises that base scheduled fine to $285, while keeping the additional $5-per-mile-per-hour surcharge for speeds more than 20 mph over the limit.
The bill applies to the speeding penalty schedule in Iowa Code section 805.8A and affects the underlying speeding provisions referenced in the explanation, including speeding in public parks and alleys, general speed restrictions, implements of husbandry, personal delivery devices, and state parks and preserves. It does not change the definition of the offense or create a new crime; it increases the financial penalty for the most excessive speeding category covered by the schedule.
Impact
If enacted, HF 178 would amend Iowa’s fine schedule for excessive speeding, making the monetary consequence for driving more than 20 mph over the limit substantially higher. The change would directly affect motorists cited for that offense and would likely increase revenue from fines, while also giving law enforcement and courts a stronger penalty structure for high-speed violations. The bill leaves the misdemeanor classification unchanged and only adjusts the scheduled fine amount in the Iowa Code.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad support for the bill. The House passed it overwhelmingly, 90-5, and the Senate Transportation Committee reported it unanimously, 16-0. No committee transcript was provided, so there is no recorded debate to indicate significant opposition or amendment activity in the materials supplied.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the size of the penalty increase. Supporters would view the higher fine as a deterrent for dangerous high-speed driving, especially for violations more than 20 mph over the limit. Any opposition would likely come from members concerned about escalating fines, the burden on drivers, or whether a higher monetary penalty is the best way to improve road safety. However, the recorded votes show that any such concerns did not generate substantial resistance in the chambers reflected here.
A bill for an act relating to speed limits, including the speed limit in school districts and the penalty for speeding in excess of twenty miles per hour over the limit.(See HF 2496.)
A bill for an act relating to speed limits, including the speed limit range for which certain excessive speed violations cannot be considered for certain purposes and the default speed limit for all vehicular traffic, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly SF 73.) Effective date: 07/01/2026
A bill for an act concerning speed-related driving violations, providing penalties, making penalties applicable, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SF 2030.)
A bill for an act relating to reasonable and prudent following distances while a person is operating a motor vehicle, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HF 89.)
A bill for an act relating to mandatory revocation of driver's licenses, including immediate revocation for certain excessive speed violations.(Formerly HF 40.)