By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle crashes, and electronic devices are a common cause for those distractions. Because of this, Iowa is now one of more than 30 states that have implemented laws to address the use of electronic devices while driving.
On April 2, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Iowa Senate File 22 into law, effective July 1, 2025. The new law, commonly known as Iowa’s “hands-free driving law,” aims to make our roadways safer by prohibiting drivers from using electronics while driving, unless the device is used hands-free.
The main devices causing distracted driving are cell phones, but the law also covers the use of laptops, tablets, gaming devices and PDAs (personal digital assistant devices).
Under the law, drivers may not hold a phone, type, scroll, enter GPS coordinates, stream video, view content, or make calls unless voice activated. Options to stay hands-free include phone mounts, auxiliary cables, speakerphone features, Bluetooth and other voice command systems.
One commonly misunderstood part of the new law stipulates that, even while stopped at a red light or a train crossing, drivers are prohibited from holding or using electronic devices. Therefore, if a driver needs to interact with such a device, the law requires the vehicle to be stopped and off the traveled portion of the roadway.
Law enforcement officers will give warnings on violations through 2025 with fines set to begin Jan. 1, 2026.