Iowa Speeding Camera Ticket: Do I Pay Or Fight?

Motorists caught speeding by automated traffic enforcement cameras in Iowa may find that ignoring a ticket can hurt their bank accounts in the long run. While these tickets are civil infractions and not Iowa Traffic Code Violations, they can still be pursued through civil action. If you don't pay, a civil lien can be placed against your license plates, so you'll have to pay the penalty when you try to renew your registration. While your insurance company won't be any the wiser, you'll still have to pay the fine.

What happens if I don't pay?

If you don't pay a speeding ticket in Iowa, you may face additional fines, fees, and penalties. These can include late fees, court costs, and police service fees, all of which can add up to a significant financial burden. Ignoring a speeding ticket can also lead to license suspension, making it difficult or even impossible to carry out essential daily activities. In some cases, the court may even initiate probation revocation proceedings.

Failing to pay a speeding ticket can also result in civil action from the city. They can place a civil lien against your license plates, so when you try to renew your registration, you will have to pay the penalty. This is just one of several civil remedies available to them.

In Iowa, unpaid speeding tickets can also lead to contempt of court proceedings and the withholding of your Iowa income tax refund. The court may take legal action against you for not fulfilling your obligation to pay the fine, and you may not receive your tax refund from the state.

Furthermore, not paying a speeding ticket can increase your car insurance rates. Insurance companies take into account driving violations when setting insurance rates, and a single speeding ticket can cause a significant increase in your premiums.

Finally, ignoring a speeding ticket can result in arrest warrants and legal consequences, including potential jail time and a criminal record. The court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest, which can be enforced by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, leading to a frightening and embarrassing experience with long-lasting repercussions.

Will it affect my insurance?

While a speeding camera ticket is not an Iowa Traffic Code Violation, it is a civil code (municipal/city ordinance) infraction. If you do not pay the ticket within the given timeframe (likely 90-120 days), it will not go against your DOT record or driver's license like a regular traffic ticket. This means that, as a civil infraction, your insurance should not be affected.

However, ignoring the ticket is not advisable. If you do not pay the fine, the city can place a civil lien against your license plates, so when you try to renew your registration, you will be penalised. There are several civil remedies available to the city to collect the fine.

The good news is that the ticket is usually relatively inexpensive and your insurance company will not be notified. However, the bad news is that you will still have to pay the fine for speeding.

It is important to pay any traffic tickets promptly to avoid additional fees or the risk of losing your license. All traffic tickets in Iowa are paid through the Iowa Courts website, and it may take 2-3 weeks for your ticket to appear in the system.

Can I get out of it if I wasn't driving?

If you receive a speeding ticket in Iowa, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities. While it may be tempting to ignore the ticket, failing to pay or address it within the specified timeframe can result in serious consequences.

First, it is crucial to understand that a speeding ticket in Iowa is typically considered a civil infraction rather than a criminal offence. This means that while it won't go on your criminal record, there are still significant penalties for non-payment. These can include additional fines, license suspension, arrest warrants, and even potential jail time.

If you weren't the one driving, it's important to take prompt action. Contact the relevant authorities and provide evidence that you were not the driver at the time of the incident. This could include presenting an alibi or providing proof that you were elsewhere. However, keep in mind that the burden of proof may fall on you, so gather and present any relevant evidence to support your claim.

In Iowa, the owner of the vehicle is typically responsible for any traffic violations, even if they were not driving at the time. This is known as the "owner liability law." If you receive a speeding ticket that was incurred by someone else driving your car, you may still be held responsible for paying the fine. However, you may be able to avoid penalties by providing evidence that your car was stolen or used without your permission.

To avoid further complications, it is generally recommended to address speeding tickets promptly. This could involve paying the fine, attending driver improvement school, negotiating with the court for reduced fines or community service, or hiring a traffic law attorney to help you navigate the legal process and mitigate the consequences.

While it may be tempting to ignore a speeding ticket, especially if you weren't the one driving, taking proactive measures to address the issue is generally the best course of action. Each case is unique, so be sure to carefully review your ticket, understand your rights, and consider seeking legal advice if necessary.

How do I pay?

If you have received a speeding ticket in Iowa, you may be able to pay your fine online, by mail, by phone, or in person. Check your ticket or contact the relevant IA traffic court for specific instructions.

Online

Most drivers can pay their traffic ticket fines online as long as they don't have to appear in court. To pay your fine online, follow these steps:

• Visit the Iowa Courts website and select "Pay Fines Online".
• In the "Case Type" dropdown, select "Traffic Ticket".
• In the "County" dropdown, choose the county where you got the ticket.
• Enter your name or case number to find your ticket.
• Click on the Case ID number and follow the directions to pay your fine.

By Mail

You may also be able to pay your fine by mail. Check your ticket or contact the relevant traffic court to see if this option is available to you.

By Phone

In some cases, you may be able to pay your fine by phone. Contact the court handling your ticket to see if this is an option for you.

In Person

Depending on your traffic court, you may be able to pay your fine in person. Contact the court for more information on this payment method.

Where are the cameras located?

The locations of speed cameras in Iowa vary across different cities and towns. Here is a list of some of the locations where you may find speed cameras:

Cedar Rapids:

• Three signalised intersections on the primary highway system
• Four locations along United States Interstate 380 (I-380)
• Intersection of 42nd Street and Edgewood Road NE
• Intersection of Center Point Road and Collins Road ramp (north side of Highway 100)

Des Moines:

I-235

LeClaire:

Two speed cameras on I-80 (one each for east and westbound traffic)

Newton:

I-80, on the south side of the city

Grinnell:

Plans to install cameras and a mobile unit by spring 2024

Prairie City:

Cameras in the town and on Highway 163

It's important to note that the presence of speed cameras in these locations may change over time, and there may be additional locations with speed cameras not mentioned in this list. Additionally, some users on Reddit have mentioned receiving speeding tickets from other locations in Iowa, but the specific locations were not confirmed.

Frequently asked questions