Speed Cameras in Cedar Rapids

Speed cameras Cedar Rapids: what operates now

Cedar Rapids has an automated traffic enforcement program, but Iowa now requires speed-camera permits from the Iowa Department of Transportation. The approved Cedar Rapids speed cameras are fixed speed sites on I-380 and Williams Boulevard SW, plus two approved mobile speed positions on 29th Street Drive SE.

The current approved Cedar Rapids speed camera locations are I-380 at Diagonal Drive northbound, I-380 at J Avenue northbound and southbound, I-380 at 1st Avenue southbound, Williams Boulevard at 16th Avenue SW northbound and southbound, and the 300 block of 29th Street Drive SE eastbound and westbound as mobile positions.

Several older or requested locations were denied for speed enforcement under the state review, including 1st Avenue at 10th Street E, 1st Avenue and L Street SW, Edgewood Road and 42nd Street NE, and Center Point Road at the Collins Road NE ramp. Treat posted signs and the current notice on any citation as controlling because locations can change only through the state permit process.

Red lights, school zones, work zones and average speed

Cedar Rapids Municipal Code section 61.138 authorizes automated citations for vehicles that fail to obey red light traffic signals at city-designated intersections and for vehicles that exceed speed regulations. A red-light automated citation is listed as a $100 civil fine under the city ordinance. Iowa DOT’s current automated traffic enforcement page, however, is specific to speed cameras and says Iowa has no laws relating specifically to red-light-running cameras.

No separate average speed camera program was confirmed for Cedar Rapids. Average speed enforcement normally measures travel time between two points, and the approved Cedar Rapids list is made up of fixed or mobile point locations rather than corridor-average systems.

No separate citywide school-zone speed camera program was confirmed from the approved list. Iowa law allows mobile speed systems only in limited circumstances such as neighborhoods, construction zones, school zones and difficult or dangerous enforcement areas. In Cedar Rapids, school-zone limits can be 25 mph when posted signs and flashing beacons are active. Work-zone camera fines use the higher state schedule when the violation occurs in a designated road work zone.

Hours, signs and local speed limits

Official sources do not publish a simple daily schedule such as 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for Cedar Rapids speed cameras. Fixed cameras should be treated as active whenever the equipment is operating and the required approach signs are in place. Iowa law requires signs for fixed speed cameras 500-1,000 feet before the camera approach, and mobile enforcement requires city-entry notice of mobile system use.

Local limits vary by road. In unposted areas, Iowa’s general limits include 25 mph in residential and school districts, while urban primary roads and urban interstate segments can be posted higher. In Cedar Rapids, many neighborhood and school-zone streets are 25 mph, larger arterials commonly post higher limits, and I-380 through the city is typically posted as an urban freeway segment. Always follow the posted sign on the specific block, especially around ramps, curves, schools and construction areas.

If you use the Speed Camera Radar Detector app, set alerts before driving and use it only as a planning aid. It does not replace posted signs, work-zone notices or police directions.

• Watch for I-380 curve and ramp speed changes
• Expect lower limits near schools and neighborhoods
• Work-zone limits may be temporary

Fines, delivery and how tickets are contested

Cedar Rapids automated speed fines now follow the state speed-camera tiers. A citation can be issued only for more than 10 mph over the posted limit. The civil fine is $75 for more than 10 mph and up to 20 mph over, $100 for more than 20 mph and up to 25 mph over, $250 for more than 25 mph and up to 30 mph over, and $500 for more than 30 mph over. In a road work zone, the corresponding fines are $150, $200, $500 and $1,000.

An automated speed citation is a civil infraction. Iowa law says it is not considered by the Iowa DOT for driver’s license sanctions and is not considered by an insurer for automobile insurance rates. Cedar Rapids’ ordinance also says an automated citation is not sent to the Iowa DOT or another state for addition to the vehicle owner’s driving record.

Before a notice goes out, a Cedar Rapids police officer or authorized reviewer must approve the recorded photo or video. The notice is mailed to the vehicle owner after owner information is obtained and must state the alleged violation, time, date, location, fine and challenge process. The owner has 30 days from the notice date to pay or challenge. A written challenge is reviewed by the city, or the owner may request that the matter be filed as a municipal infraction in small claims. If nothing is done, or if a challenge is unsuccessful, the city may seek voluntary payment or file a municipal infraction, which can add court costs, interest and judgment collection steps.