Beginning today, Iowa’s default speed limit has increased from 55 to 60 miles per hour on many rural roads across the state.
The change is the result of Senate File 378, approved by the 2026 Iowa Legislature and signed by Governor Kim Reynolds. The new law raises the default speed limit on two-lane paved roads made of asphalt or concrete where no other speed limit has been established through engineering studies or local ordinance.
In Henry County, the Road Department says crews will spend the next several weeks placing 60 mile-per-hour overlays on existing 55 mile-per-hour speed limit signs on eligible county roads. As time permits, crews will also review other traffic signs that may need to be updated because of the higher speed limit.
Officials stress that posted speed limits remain the legal speed limit until signs have been updated. While most eligible roads will eventually change to 60 miles per hour, some roads currently posted at 55 may remain at that speed following engineering and safety reviews.
Drivers are also reminded that the posted speed limit is the maximum legal speed under ideal conditions—not the speed they are required to travel. Motorists should continue to slow down when weather, traffic, visibility, or road conditions make it necessary.
When asked about the speed limit change, Henry County Sheriff Rich McNamee said, “Speed is still a major cause of injuries on our roads in the USA. Hopefully this will not have a major negative impact. Time will tell.”
The Iowa Department of Transportation expects to update most affected signs on the state highway system within about a week, while counties are responsible for updating signs on county roads.