Iowa's Camera Tickets: Do You Have To Pay?

Traffic cameras are a divisive topic in Iowa, with some people referring to them as big brother. While some people choose to pay their camera tickets, others do not. So, do you have to pay camera tickets in Iowa? The answer is not straightforward. While some sources claim that there are no consequences for ignoring camera tickets, others suggest that there can be repercussions, such as the city placing a civil lien against your license plates, affecting your state tax return, or taking civil action. The Iowa House has recently passed a bill to regulate the use of Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATEs), which includes increasing the speed threshold for receiving a ticket and allowing owners who weren't driving to contest the citation. However, the bill still needs to be approved by the Iowa Senate.

What happens if you don't pay?

While traffic camera tickets in Iowa are civil infractions and not actual traffic code violations, it is still recommended that you pay them. If you do not pay a traffic camera ticket in Iowa, several things could happen. Firstly, the city where you received the ticket can place a civil lien against your license plates, so you will have to pay the penalty when you try to renew your registration. There are also several other civil remedies available to the city to collect the fine.

Some people have reported that they have received collection calls for unpaid tickets, while others have had to pay the accumulated fines when they were pulled over again. In some cases, the fines may be taken out of your state tax return. However, it is important to note that these tickets will not affect your insurance rates or your driving record, and they will not impact your ability to renew your license plates or registration.

It is also worth noting that the consequences of not paying a traffic camera ticket may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the location where the ticket was issued. While some people have reported no repercussions for not paying, others have faced various consequences.

While it may be tempting to ignore a traffic camera ticket, it is generally advisable to handle it appropriately. If you believe you have been wrongfully ticketed, you may be able to contest the ticket through the appropriate channels. Each city or county may have its own process for contesting tickets, so it is important to research the specific procedures for the location where you received the ticket.

Will it impact your insurance?

While traffic camera tickets in Iowa are considered civil infractions, they will not impact your insurance. According to Black Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson, these citations are treated as civil code or municipal/city ordinance infractions, not Iowa Traffic Code Violations. As a result, they won't go against your DOT record or driver's license and won't affect your insurance rates.

However, it's important to note that if you don't pay the fine, the city can take several civil remedies to collect it. For instance, they can place a civil lien against your license plates, so you'll have to pay the penalty when renewing your registration.

While your insurance company won't be notified of the ticket, you'll still have to pay the fine. It's worth mentioning that most states treat camera tickets as non-moving violations, similar to parking tickets or tickets for expired registration. These tickets usually don't go on your driving record and won't result in any points on your license, so your insurance rates remain unaffected.

Can you contest a ticket?

In Iowa, motorists who receive traffic tickets can choose to pay the fines or fight the citation. While some people have reported ignoring camera tickets without any repercussions, others have noted that the city can come after you for the fine.

If you decide to contest a ticket, instructions on notifying the court may be indicated on the citation. The process of contesting a ticket differs from county to county, but typically involves first informing the court of your intention to fight the ticket. The deadline for response, the appropriate court to contact, and how to do so (in person, via phone, or by mail) should be outlined on the citation.

At the district court, the accused may be informed of the time and address for the arraignment. Once the driver’s plea (not guilty) is recorded, the judge usually sets the trial date. At the trial, the defendant may be allowed to question the officer who issued the citation. If the officer fails to show up in court, the defendant’s attorney can file a motion to have the case dismissed.

If the court's judgment is not in the defendant's favour, they may opt to appeal in a higher court.

How much are fines?

Fines for speed camera tickets in Iowa have been standardized under a new law. The fines are:

• $75 for driving 11-20 mph above the speed limit
• $100 for driving 21-25 mph above the speed limit
• $250 for driving 26-30 mph above the speed limit
• $500 for driving more than 30 mph above the speed limit

Speeding in a work zone will cause the fine to double. For example, driving 11-20 mph above the speed limit in a work zone will result in a fine of $150.

Recipients of a citation in Des Moines can choose to contest their violation in one of two ways:

• Request an administrative proceeding in which a hearing officer will review the violation and the reason for disagreement
• File a municipal infraction case in court

If you don't pay a speed camera ticket in Des Moines, the city can pursue recovery through civil action. Similar processes are in place in Cedar Rapids and Davenport.

If you ignore a ticket, you may end up paying more in the long run. At least three cities in Iowa that use automated traffic enforcement cameras say those who fail to pay what they owe or contest the citation may end up paying more.

Where does the money from fines go?

In Iowa, traffic cameras are used to monitor and enforce speed limits and traffic signals. These cameras can result in tickets and fines for drivers who are caught violating traffic laws. While some people may question the legitimacy of these cameras, failing to pay the associated fines can result in consequences.

So, where does the money from these fines go? In the case of Iowa traffic camera fines, the money goes directly to the city where the violation occurred. For example, if a speeding ticket is issued in Cedar Rapids through a traffic camera, the fine is paid to the city of Cedar Rapids. This allows the city to collect the fine and utilize the funds as they see fit.

In general, the money collected from fines can be used to support various government initiatives and programs. Fines can serve as a source of revenue for local or state governments, contributing to the overall budget. This money may be allocated to different areas, such as infrastructure improvements, public safety, education, or social services. The specific allocation of funds can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the policies in place.

In some cases, the money from fines may be directed towards specific purposes related to the violation. For instance, fines collected from traffic violations might go towards road safety initiatives, improvements in traffic management, or funding for law enforcement agencies. This approach aims to utilize the funds to address issues directly related to the violations and promote safer roads.

Additionally, there are instances where fines are directed to general government funds. For example, in the United States, federal fines collected by certain agencies are typically deposited into the U.S. Treasury for general use. This means the money is not earmarked for a specific purpose but becomes part of the overall government budget, which is then allocated by Congress for various expenses and initiatives.

It is worth noting that the distribution of funds from fines can vary depending on the type of violation, the issuing agency, and the applicable laws and regulations. Different levels of government, such as local, state, or federal, may also have their own procedures for handling fine revenue.

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