Iowa’s hands-free driving law, which took effect July 1st, 2025, prohibits drivers from holding or using a cell phone or other electronic device while driving, including while stopped at intersections, and allows only hands-free or single-touch use.
After a six-month warning period, full enforcement of the law began January 1st, with violations carrying fines starting at $100 and higher penalties in cases involving injury or death.
Through the first quarter of 2026, enforcement of that law in Sioux County has resulted in 285 citations and 290 warnings.
Statewide, more than 3,600 citations and 3,100 warnings have been issued over that same time period.
Through the first quarter of 2026 (January 1st through March 31st), those Sioux County totals break down across agencies:
Iowa State Patrol (Sioux County)
216 citations
Orange City Police Department
55 citations, 258 warnings
Sioux Center Police Department
10 citations, 15 warnings
Rock Valley Police Department
0 citations, 10 warnings
Hawarden Police Department
0 citations, 3 warnings
Sioux County Sheriff’s Office
4 citations, 7 warnings
These totals do not include all verbal warnings.
The breakdown shows the Iowa State Patrol accounting for the majority of citations in the county, while local agencies report more warnings.
Iowa State Trooper Kevin Krull says that the shift toward citations comes after months of education when the law first took effect.
Krull says distracted driving remains a major safety concern and compares phone use behind the wheel to briefly taking your eyes off the road.
He says enforcement is aimed at preventing crashes and saving lives, noting Iowa saw a decrease in fatal crashes in 2025, after the law took effect during the warning phase.
In Sioux County, local agencies say their approach looks a little different.
Sioux County Sheriff Nate Huizenga says his office is still taking an education-first approach as drivers adjust to the law, with deputies using discretion in how they handle violations — a strategy echoed by several local police departments.
He says that part of the difference comes down to the focus of each agency.
Sheriff Huizenga adds that while drivers are beginning to change habits, deputies are still seeing people using their phones behind the wheel.
Statewide, enforcement has continued into April as well, including a recent five-day campaign that resulted in 551 citations and 329 warnings.
