Mobility & Curb Rules in Des Moines, IA (2026)
3 verified mobility & curb rules for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Bike Lane Rules
Cyclists must ride within marked bike lanes on Des Moines streets, and drivers may only enter one to park, cross it, or turn within 200 feet of an intersection.
Des Moines Bike Lane Riding Rules
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 114-688
(a)Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway, any person operating a bicycle upon the roadway moving in the same direction may ride within the bicycle lane.(b)Any person operating a bicycle within a bicycle lane may move out of the lane when overtaking and passing another bicycle, vehicle, or pedestrian within the lane or about to enter the lane if such overtaking and passing ca...
E-Bike Classes
Des Moines treats any pedaled e-bike with a motor of one horsepower or less as a legal bicycle, so it can use city streets, marked bike lanes, multi-use trails, and sidewalks under the same rules as a pedal bike.
Des Moines E-Bike Rules: Where You Can Ride
Light RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 114-677
Bicycle means either of the following: (1)A device having up to four wheels and having at least one saddle or seat for the use of a rider which is propelled by human power. (2)A device having up to four wheels with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of one horsepower or less.
Red-Light Cameras
Des Moines Municipal Code § 114-243 authorizes red-light and speed cameras at intersections the city manager designates, capturing rear license plates only and billing the registered vehicle owner a civil penalty by mail.
Des Moines Red-Light and Speed Cameras
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 114-243(b)
The City of Des Moines, in accordance with the police powers authorized it by the State of Iowa for governing safe traffic flow and pursuant to Iowa Code section 321P, may deploy, erect or cause to have erected an automated traffic enforcement system for making video images of vehicles that fail to obey red light traffic signals at intersections designated by the city manager or his designee or...
Looking for Polk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Moines city rules.
Mobility & Curb Rules in Polk County →