By Olivia West
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The default speed limit on most of Iowa’s two-lane state highways and rural paved roads increased from 55 mph to 60 mph on July 1, 2026, under Senate File 378 signed by Governor Kim Reynolds.
It’s estimated a total of 1,800 signs will be updated, but not all 55 mph roads will change. Factors such as curve radius, number of driveways and stop sign spacing can determine whether a road is upgraded to a higher speed limit. Some counties, like Woodbury, have voted to temporarily keep the 55 mph speed limit until paved sections of the roads are approved and costs are covered.
The Legislative Services Agency estimates $825,000 statewide for signage and related work to changing the signs. Around 3,500 signs may need changes with some counties using temporary stickers to delay full compliance due to budget concerns.
Despite the law going into effect on the first, the new speed limit only applies where the signs are updated. Officials urge the public to obey the posted speed limits and watch for warning chevrons, recalculated passing zones and guardrail extensions as part of safety upgrades.
