Speeding kills, yet many drivers treat fines as mere inconveniences. But what if the cost of speeding became too high to ignore? Iowa lawmaker and State Patrolman Joshua Meggers (R-54th District) is tackling this issue head-on with a bold proposal set to shake up the 2026 legislative session. His bill aims to drastically increase fines for excessive speeding and lower speed limits in school zones, sparking a debate that goes beyond dollars and cents.
Here’s the deal: Meggers’ bill redefines road safety by targeting reckless behavior. Excessive speeding—defined as driving 21 or more miles per hour over the limit—currently carries a base fine of $135, plus $5 for each additional mile. Meggers wants to nearly double the base fine to $285 for 21 MPH over, a $150 increase. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this about public safety, or is it a revenue grab? Meggers insists it’s the former, citing a chilling example from last summer when he pulled over a driver going 103 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. “This isn’t about money,” he says. “It’s about changing the mindset of drivers. We need to prioritize the safety of everyone on the road—drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.”
And this is the part most people miss: Meggers has seen firsthand how drivers shrug off speeding tickets, assuming the fines are negligible. By raising the stakes, he argues, drivers will think twice before flooring the pedal. The bill also proposes lowering school zone speed limits from 25 MPH to 20 MPH, a small change with potentially life-saving impact. After all, in 2025 alone, Iowa lost four bicyclists and 29 pedestrians to roadway accidents—a stark reminder of what’s at stake.
This isn’t Meggers’ first attempt. The bill passed the House and cleared a Senate subcommittee last year but stalled before becoming law. However, it’s gained momentum, earning priority status from the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. But here’s the question: Will higher fines truly deter speeding, or will they disproportionately burden lower-income drivers? And is lowering school zone speeds enough to protect vulnerable road users? Meggers believes this bill is a critical step forward, but the debate is far from over. What do you think? Is this the right approach to road safety, or does it miss the mark? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
