Speed limits on two-lane state highways increasing on July 1

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Starting July 1, drivers will be able to legally drive 60 miles per hour on rural two-lane state highways - a change from the decades-long 55 mph speed limit.

The Iowa Department of Transportation said the default speed limit change will impact some U.S. highways, state numbered highways and county roads.

Major Chris Smith with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office said he doesn’t anticipate driver behavior changing much.

“I’m hoping we’ll see a drop in those people that are ten miles an hour over now and they’ll just continue to do that rather than kick up another five miles an hour,” said Smith. “But we’ll have to wait and see what it brings.“

Dick Rose from Mount Vernon drove to Cedar Rapids Wednesday and spoke with TV9 - saying he typically goes about 60 on straightaways.

“On windy roads I go down to 55 or even lower sometimes. Some people go crazy and pass me,” he said. “I don’t think it’s going to make a huge difference, really, in the way people drive.“

Rose said he thinks the change might be more noticeable when school starts back up for the fall due to cars slowing down for school bus stops.

Major Smith says to not just assume your area will bump up the speed limit, as some localities may keep it at 55 due to road conditions or safety concerns.

He emphasized that keeping up with traffic flow is the key for law enforcement and it is up to officer discretion to stop drivers.

“By us stopping a car in the middle of that [speeding] traffic, we’re creating more of a hazard,” he said. “Sometimes allowing the public to drive a little bit faster makes it safer not only for them, but for us as well. But don’t get me wrong, we will be out there and enforcing the changes.”

He said higher speeds can mean more dangerous situations - advising common sense and caution.

“If you have an accident, the faster you’re going the greater the chance of injuries,” said Smith. “Just because you can now go 60 doesn’t mean you should go 70.“

The DOT anticipates changing up to 1,800 signs at a total cost of about $270,000. A DOT spokesperson said county governments are responsible for changing signs on county highways.