Avoid Camera Tickets: Tips For Des Moines Drivers

Iowa's traffic cameras are a controversial topic, with some citing safety benefits and others calling them a 'racket'. The City of Des Moines uses traffic cameras to issue citations to vehicles travelling over 71 mph on eastbound I-235. While these tickets won't impact insurance rates, failure to address them can lead to financial consequences. This article will explore the implications of traffic camera tickets and provide strategies for avoiding them in Des Moines, Iowa.

Know the speed limit and stick to it

To avoid a camera ticket in Des Moines, Iowa, it is imperative to know the speed limit and adhere to it strictly. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with just that:

Des Moines, like many other cities in Iowa, uses automated traffic enforcement cameras to monitor and enforce speed limits. These cameras are placed at various locations, including Interstate highways, such as I-235, and other major roads. The speed limits can vary depending on the area, so it is crucial to pay attention to the posted speed limit signs.

Iowa has strict speeding laws, and exceeding the speed limit can result in a ticket. The speed limit on I-235, for example, is 60 mph, and vehicles travelling at 71 mph or higher will trigger a ticket from the camera. The fines for speeding violations vary depending on how much you exceed the speed limit. For instance, speeding between 11 to 15 mph over the limit will result in a $65 fine, while speeding 16 to 20 mph over the limit will cost you $75. Speeding 21 mph or more over the limit will cost you $80 plus $2 for every mph over 21 mph.

To avoid a ticket, always be mindful of the speed limit and adjust your speed accordingly. Use cruise control, if available, to maintain a constant speed, especially on highways. Additionally, be extra cautious when driving through school zones or residential areas, as the speed limits are typically lower in these areas, and the presence of children or pedestrians warrants extra caution.

It is also worth noting that speeding in a work zone will result in higher fines. For example, driving 11-20 mph over the speed limit in a work zone will incur a fine of $150. So, always be vigilant and slow down when approaching construction or work zones.

By adhering to the speed limit and being mindful of your surroundings, you can significantly reduce the chances of receiving a camera ticket in Des Moines, Iowa. Remember, your safety and the safety of others should always be the top priority.

Fight the ticket in court

If you've received a camera ticket in Des Moines, Iowa, you have the option to fight it in court. Here's what you need to know about the process:

Fighting the Ticket in Court:

• Understand the Violation: Review the citation and the evidence against you, which may include photos or videos captured by the automated traffic enforcement camera.
• Know Your Options: In Des Moines, you have two options to contest a camera ticket. You can request an administrative proceeding, where a hearing officer will review your violation and listen to your side of the story. Alternatively, you can file a municipal infraction case in court, especially if you're unsatisfied with the outcome of the administrative proceeding.
• Act Within the Timeframe: Citations in Des Moines require a response within 30 days. Failure to respond or take action within this timeframe may result in additional consequences and the city pursuing recovery through civil action.
• Prepare Your Case: Gather any evidence or arguments that support your claim. For example, you may argue that there were extenuating circumstances, such as an emergency or a mistake in vehicle ownership.
• Appeal Process: If you choose to file a municipal infraction, be prepared for potential court costs and a filing fee, which could be around $85 or more. The appeal process may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case and the city's procedures.
• Present Your Case: During the hearing, present your evidence and arguments to the judge or hearing officer. You may also have the opportunity to view the footage or evidence of your alleged infraction.
• Outcome: After presenting your case, the judge or hearing officer will make a decision. If found responsible, you will be required to pay the fine and any associated court costs. If your appeal is successful, the citation will be dismissed.

It's important to note that fighting a camera ticket in court may be time-consuming and may not always be successful. However, if you believe you have a valid case and are willing to put in the effort, it is your right to contest the ticket through the appropriate legal channels.

Check your driving record

If you've been caught speeding by a traffic camera in Des Moines, Iowa, it's natural to worry about the impact on your driving record. While a ticket from a speed camera is not an Iowa Traffic Code Violation, it is a civil code infraction. This means that while it won't go on your driving record, if you don't pay the fine in time, you could face other consequences.

In Iowa, your certified driving record is maintained by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) Customer Services Bureau. This record contains your comprehensive driving history for the last five years or more, including any license suspensions or revocations due to operating while intoxicated (OWI). An OWI will stay on your record for 12 years.

To check your driving record, you can order it directly from the Iowa MVD or Iowa DOT. Here's how to do it:

Ordering Your Iowa Driving Record

You can order your own certified Iowa driving record in person, by mail, or online. If you are ordering someone else's driving record, you can only do so by mail or in person, and you must provide proof of their written consent.

In Person or By Mail

To order your driving record in person, go to your local Iowa DMV office and submit the following:

• A completed Privacy Act Agreement For Request of Motor Vehicle Records (Form 431069). You only need to fill out Sections A and D if you are requesting your own record.
• Your Iowa driver's license or non-driver identification card.
• Proof of written consent if you're requesting someone else's record.
• A $5.50 fee, payable by check or card.

If ordering by mail, send the above to:

Customer Services Bureau

Iowa Department of Transportation

P.O. Box 9204

Des Moines, IA 50306

Online

To order your driving record online, visit the Iowa myMVD website and provide the following information:

• The last five digits of your Social Security number (SSN).
• Your Iowa driver's license or identification card number.
• A credit or debit card for the $5.50 fee, plus a $1.50 service charge.

It's important to note that a speed camera citation won't impact your insurance rates or result in driver's license sanctions. However, keeping your driving record clean can help you avoid future traffic tickets and maintain lower insurance premiums.

Take a defensive driving course

Defensive driving courses are a great way to improve your driving skills, brush up on the rules of the road, and become a safer driver. They can also help you save on your car insurance policy. While taking a defensive driving course will not get you out of a ticket, it can help you avoid getting one in the future.

In Des Moines, Iowa, there are a number of options for taking a defensive driving course. DefensiveDriving.org offers a list of local defensive driving schools, which can be found with a quick online search. GEICO also offers online defensive driving courses that are approved in Iowa and can help you save on your car insurance.

When choosing a defensive driving course, it is important to make sure that it is approved by the state of Iowa and that you meet the eligibility requirements. For example, some courses may only be available to drivers over 50 years of age. Additionally, you must complete the course voluntarily, not as a result of a court order.

Defensive driving courses teach safe driving techniques to help prevent car accidents. By adopting defensive driving techniques, such as maintaining a safe distance between cars and limiting the force of impact, you can make the roads a safer place.

Know the location of the cameras

To avoid a camera ticket in Des Moines, Iowa, it is crucial to be aware of the locations of the speed and red-light cameras. These cameras are typically installed at key intersections, school zones, and areas with a history of accidents or speeding violations. Here is a detailed breakdown of the camera locations in Des Moines:

I-235 Speed Camera:

The I-235 speed camera is located on the eastbound I-235 between 56th Street and Polk Boulevard, near Waveland Golf Course. This camera was reactivated in June 2024 and issues citations to vehicles travelling at least 71 mph in the 60 mph zone. This particular camera has caught tens of thousands of speeders each year and has generated millions of dollars in revenue.

Other Speed Camera Locations:

In addition to the I-235 speed camera, there are several other speed cameras in Des Moines. These cameras are typically located on interstate highways and major roads. Here are some specific locations:

• East 15th Street at East University Avenue
• 2nd Avenue at Euclid Avenue
• 1st Avenue at 10th Street East
• 1st Avenue at 10th Street West
• West Broadway at 35th Street
• West Broadway at 16th Street

Red-Light Camera Locations:

Red-light cameras in Des Moines are usually positioned at busy intersections to catch drivers who run red lights. These cameras do not issue tickets for speeding but monitor traffic flow. While their exact locations are not always public knowledge, you can identify them by their placement on the side or corner of an intersection.

It is worth noting that the locations of these cameras may change over time due to legal rulings, road construction, or changes in local legislation. Therefore, it is advisable to stay informed about any updates or adjustments to camera locations in Des Moines. Additionally, remember that the most effective way to avoid camera tickets is to adhere to posted speed limits and obey traffic signals.

Frequently asked questions