Highway Code for Iowa Drivers
Driving on the roads requires knowledge of the rules, many of which are based on common sense and courtesy. However, just because you know the rules in your state doesn't mean you know them in everyone else. If you are planning to visit or move to Iowa, you need to make sure you know the traffic rules listed below as they may differ from those you follow in your state.
Driving licenses and permits
The legal age for obtaining a study permit is 14 years.
The study permit must be issued within 12 months. A driver must be free of violations and accidents for six consecutive months before being eligible for an interim license.
Persons aged 16 and over can become licensed drivers.
A full driver's license is available when the driver is 17 years of age and meets all requirements.
Drivers under the age of 18 must complete a state-approved driving course.
Failure to comply with your driver's license restrictions, such as requiring corrective lenses, can result in a fine if you are pulled over by law enforcement.
Moped licenses are required for those aged 14 to 18 who plan to ride them on the roads.
Cell Phones
Sending or reading text messages or emails while driving is illegal.
Drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use mobile phones or any electronic devices while driving.
right of way
Pedestrians have the right of way to cross pedestrian crossings. However, drivers are required to give way, even if they cross the road in the wrong place or cross the road illegally.
Pedestrians are obliged to give way to vehicles if they do not cross the road at the appropriate pedestrian crossing.
Drivers and pedestrians must give way if failure to do so could result in an accident or injury.
Seat belts
All drivers and passengers in the front seats of all vehicles are required to wear seat belts.
Children under the age of six must be in a child seat that is appropriate for their height and weight.
Fundamental rules
reserved tracks - Some lanes on the roadway have signs indicating that these lanes are reserved for buses and carpools, bicycles or buses and carpools for four people. The movement of other vehicles on these lanes is prohibited.
School buses - Drivers must stop at least 15 feet from a bus that is stopped and has red lights or a stop lever flashing.
Oven - Drivers may not park vehicles within 5 feet of a fire hydrant or 10 feet of a stop sign.
dirt roads - The speed limit on dirt roads is 50 mph between sunset and sunrise and 55 mph between sunrise and sunset.
Unregulated intersections - Some rural roads in Iowa may not have stop or yield signs. Approach these intersections with caution and make sure you are ready to stop if there is oncoming traffic.
Headlamps - Turn on your headlights whenever wipers are needed due to inclement weather or whenever visibility is impaired by dust or smoke.
Parking lights - It is forbidden to drive only with the side lights on.
Window tinting — Iowa law requires the front side windows of any vehicle to be tinted to let in 70% of the available light.
Exhaust systems - Exhaust systems required. Silencers with bypasses, cutouts or similar devices are not permitted.
Understanding the rules of the road in Iowa will help you follow them when driving on roads and highways throughout the state. If you need more information, be sure to check out the Iowa Driver's Guide.
