UK tourists using hire car in USA warned over new rules from January 2025

A new speeding rule for UK tourists in the USA is being pushed through in January. Des Moines will reactivate its mobile speed cameras next week after installing new signs required by state law, UK tourists heading out of the European Union and using hire cars in the US have been warned.

"Cars that are driving really fast, definitely going over 25 mph. I've seen cars go as fast as 50 mph on the street," Megan Rapp, a Des Moines homeowner, said. Des Moines mobile speed cameras have been out of action for months due to a new state law requiring DOT approval for their locations.

The state has approved about a dozen locations for the cameras across the city, including the 4300 block of Ingersoll. Des Moines police have new signs to place at these spots to alert drivers of the traffic enforcement cameras.

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"We just don't have the resources to put a cop on every corner. We don't have the resources to stick a cop in front of every park or every school," Sgt. Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police said. "So this is us working smarter and using the technology to our advantage. And hopefully, we'll get that compliance that we're looking for so that the kids are safe when they ride their bikes or walking to school."

"And it is really scary when you have cars going really fast. And, it's just like a parent's worst nightmare to think about what could happen there," Rapp said. "So I would love to see better speed enforcement on the street."

Parizek, spokesperson at Des Moines Police, explained the update allowed officers to “use technology” to boost “compliance” and make the streets safer. There will be a one month grace period with leeway given from December until January.