Jaywalking and littering are indeed illegal in Iowa, though enforcement varies and many violations go unnoticed daily. These laws aim to protect traffic flow and public spaces, with fines applying even for small infractions like tossing a wrapper from a car.
Jaywalking Rules
Pedestrians must use crosswalks where available; crossing outside them (jaywalking) is prohibited under local ordinances and state traffic code, often a simple misdemeanor with fines around $90 plus court costs.
In cities like Des Moines, diagonal crossing or ignoring signals can lead to tickets, but police prioritize safety risks over minor cases.​
Rural areas have looser enforcement, but it’s still technically unlawful anywhere without a designated path.​
Littering Penalties
Iowa Code §321.369 bans throwing any trash, cans, or debris on highways, a scheduled misdemeanor with fines up to $625 for small items like cans or butts.
Illegal dumping (over 10 lbs or large items) starts at $1,000 fines, doubling per repeat offense, costing the state millions yearly in cleanup.
Cigarette butts make up 38% of roadside litter, often from vehicles, and enforcement requires witnesses or evidence like mail in trash.​
Other Daily Violations
- Public intoxication or “simulated” drunkenness, even pretending, is illegal.​
- Cedar Rapids bans palm reading, a holdover rarely enforced.​
- Oral sex was historically criminalized but largely overturned; check local codes for updates.​
These quirks persist from old statutes, but modern focus is on safety over trivia.
