Comparison

Iowa 511 vs SDDOT 511

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Iowa 511

This app provides real-time traffic and traveler information for Iowa's interstates, U.S. routes, and state highways. It offers hands-free audio announcements, a zoomable map with traffic event icons and camera views, and updates on road conditions, incidents, and closures.

Highlights
  • Hands-free audio announcements
  • Zoomable map with traffic icons
  • Real-time road condition updates
  • Trucker Mode
  • Personalized account for saved routes
  • Traffic camera images and video
  • Weather radar and alerts
Features
Read full description

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/

About

SDDOT 511

Access real-time traffic and traveler information for South Dakota. View current conditions, incidents, and construction on major routes. Utilize roadside cameras and receive weather alerts to plan your journey.

Highlights
  • Real-time traffic conditions
  • Incident and construction alerts
  • Roadside camera views
  • Weather information
  • Location tracking on map
  • South Dakota DOT Twitter feeds
Features
Read full description

The South Dakota 511 mobile application provides real-time access to traffic and traveler information supplied by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (South Dakota DOT). Maps depict current traffic conditions, as well as incident and construction events that can impact traffic on all Interstate, U.S., and State Routes. Alert, and weather information is also available. The map indicates the location of roadside cameras, which allow users to view current traffic conditions. As users move through the highway network, the app can keep track of their location on the map. South Dakota DOT's Twitter feeds are also accessible and provide information impacting traffic across the state's regions. Powered by ClearRoute™

Screenshots

Iowa 5114 screens
SDDOT 5114 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Iowa 511 at 3.5 against SDDOT 511's 2.3. Iowa 511 also leads on review sentiment (27% vs 6%) and ratings volume (602 vs 120). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Iowa 511 holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Iowa 511 has 602 ratings behind it against 120, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 27% of Iowa 511's written reviews are positive against 6% of SDDOT 511's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Iowa 511 ships an update every 2 months, SDDOT 511 every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and June 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Iowa 511 versus SDDOT 511: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIowa 511SDDOT 511
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.5 (602 ratings) — better2.3 (120 ratings)
Positive reviews26.7% of reviews — better5.9% of reviews
Number of ratings602 — better120
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.616.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB85 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIowa Department of TransportationIteris, Inc.

Customer experience

Iowa 511

All ratings602 ratings
Positive59.1%
Neutral6.5%
Negative34.4%
Written reviews75 reviews
Positive26.7%
Neutral6.7%
Negative66.7%

SDDOT 511

All ratings119 ratings
Positive24.4%
Neutral10.9%
Negative64.7%
Written reviews51 reviews
Positive5.9%
Neutral15.7%
Negative78.4%

Bugs and requests

Iowa 511

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Cameras not loading
  • Map not showing any information
  • App locking up when trying to use layers
  • Road condition data not updating in real-time

Requested features

3 requests
  • Include tow ban information with expiration times
  • Improve map legend and visibility of road conditions
  • Bring back old app design

SDDOT 511

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Iowa 511

No in-app purchases

None

SDDOT 511

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Iowa 511 free?
Iowa 511 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is SDDOT 511 free?
SDDOT 511 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Iowa 511 or SDDOT 511?
Iowa 511 is rated higher. Iowa 511 averages 3.5 out of 5 from 602 ratings, while SDDOT 511 averages 2.3 from 120 ratings.
Do Iowa 511 or SDDOT 511 have ads?
Neither Iowa 511 nor SDDOT 511 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Iowa 511 or SDDOT 511?
Iowa 511 ships an update every 2 months, and SDDOT 511 every 6 weeks. Most recently, Iowa 511 was updated on September 21, 2026 and SDDOT 511 on June 10, 2026.

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