Iowa 511 is the Iowa Department of Transportation's (DOT) official traffic and traveler information app for general travelers and commercial vehicle operators. The Iowa 511 app provides statewide up-to-date traffic information for interstates, U.S. routes, and state highways in Iowa. It does not include information for county roads or city streets.
FEATURES:
• Hands-free, eyes-free audio announcements of upcoming traffic events as you travel along your route
• A zoom-enabled map with tappable traffic event icons and surrounding camera views
• Near real-time updates on winter road conditions (including surrounding states), traffic incidents, construction, truck restrictions, and road closures
• Trucker Mode with resources specific to commercial vehicle operators
• Create and manage Your 511 personalized account including saved routes, areas, favorite camera views, and alerts via email and/or text.
• Travel time delays associated with traffic reports (look for the orange glowing icons)
• Current traffic speeds
• Traffic camera images and streaming video throughout the state. Sign up for an account to save your favorite cameras for easy access later.
• Snow plow camera images and locations
• "Towing not recommended" events for winter storms
• Real-time weather radar
• Weather stations with alerting for inclement weather
• Rest area locations statewide
• Weigh Station Locations
• Citizen reports via Waze
• Electronic Message Signs
NOTE: Continued use of GPS running in the background can decrease device battery life.
Distracted Driving
The primary responsibility of every driver is the safe operation of their vehicle. While traveling, mobile communication devices should be used only when the motor vehicle is at a complete stop off the traveled portion of the roadway. Do not text and drive (it's against the law) or use this app while driving.
We welcome your feedback on this app. Please email your suggestions, questions, or concerns to 511Feedback@iowadot.us.
The Iowa DOT's privacy policy can be found at https://iowadot.gov/policies-statements/privacy-policy
App developed by Castle Rock Associates https://www.castlerockits.com/
The old 511 app at least let you look at a glance-you knew what all the roads were like. then you could narrow down to the ones that you would be on-which would usually be a secondary road. now you don’t even have that option of looking and deciding which way to go-because all you get our main roads. At least, that is what I have found the last few days. The destination is nice;but even if you put it in the Fort Dodge hospital and it gives you an option to pick one address-it still says no. maybe I need to play with it more??
Developer Response
Hi, Are you talking about viewing the road conditions? If so, we had a bug that prevented road conditions to show up if you were zoomed out and had the Construction layer turned on. The fix was released in the app store on Wednesday (11/16). Let us know if that doesn't fix your issue. As far as the search issue, we're using Google Maps search in the app, and I'm seeing the same results on Google Maps. If you have more questions or need any help please reach out to us at 511feedback@iowadot.us.
Great App for driving
Rochester 296
I had Iowa511 on my old phone, didn’t put it on my new one. I lasted about two weeks, got bottled up in a traffic snarl yesterday and immediately loaded a new copy to the phone. It was a big help.By the way, I was a passenger and not the driver. I don’t text and drive…
Thank you!
I'mOutWanderingAround
This is one of the things I love about living in Iowa. Four seasons are wonderful, but the havoc that can be played by mother nature is sometimes terrifying. 511 takes the guesswork out of the dangers of driving during storms. The video cameras show real time footage of road conditions on all major thoroughfares. It's one thing too read that roads are partially covered, but it's another much better thing to actually see the condition of the road. A picture is worth 1000 words!
Thanks IA DOT!
mbqlove
Thank you all so much for this app! We have young drivers and it is so helpful to know when the roads are safe for everyone in our family. A lot of work has gone into this app and we really appreciate it!! I’ve seen many recommend it, on an ISU parent page as well, for students traveling back after winter break…lots of people praising the app! Thank you!
• Traffic Delay Disclaimer: Added a clear note explaining that delay info (those glowing orange events) is automatically provided by Google Traffic, not the DOT. Think of it as a gentle "don’t blame the messenger" if they're not accurate. ;-)
• Your511 Account Creation: The "Submit" button was hiding behind the on‑screen keyboard like it owed someone money. We moved it to a more responsible spot.
• Report an Issue - Voice Report Time Limit: Some of you were getting a little long‑winded… or forgot to stop your recording entirely. To save everyone from accidental highway podcasts, Voice Reports are now capped at 2 minutes.
• Bug Squashing: Routine clean‑up to keep the app running at its best.
Version 5.8.79
The developer, Iowa Department of Transportation, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
Seller
Iowa Department of Transportation
Size
41.3 MB
Category
Travel
Compatibility
Requires iOS 16.6 or later.
iPhone Requires iOS 16.6 or later.
iPad Requires iPadOS 16.6 or later.
Mac Requires macOS 13.5 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.
Apple Vision Requires visionOS 1.0 or later.
Location
This app may use your location even when it isn’t open, which can decrease device battery life.