(Des Moines) The Iowa State Patrol wants to remind drivers about the state’s new hands-free law. Authorities say the new law makes it illegal for drivers to hold a phone while operating a vehicle and that officers only need to see a device in a driver’s hand to conduct a traffic stop. Lawmakers introduced the law to expand on Iowa’s 2017 texting-and-driving ban to make roadways safer for everyone. The new hands-free law officially took effect on July 1. Beginning January 1, violators will be subject to a $100 fine plus additional fees.
According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic crashes. A 2024 GTSB survey of over 1,300 Iowans from nearly every county revealed that 90% of respondents considered using a cell phone while driving to be extremely dangerous, even though 50% admitted to driving with a phone in their hand.
The hands-free law prohibits drivers from using electronic devices while driving unless the device is in a hands-free setting. This means drivers cannot hold their phone, type, scroll, enter GPS coordinates, stream video, view content, or make calls unless voice-activated. Drivers can use several options to stay hands-free: phone mounts, auxiliary cables, speakerphone features, Bluetooth, and other voice command systems.
