On July 1st of this year, Iowa’s “Hands-Free Law” went into effect. This law prohibits Iowa drivers from holding any electronic device while driving.
Iowa is currently in the warning phase of the law. Meaning officers are only allowed to issue warnings and not give fines.
In a Facebook post by the Iowa State Patrol on Tuesday, they updated the public on the number of warnings that have been issued. From July 1st through August 31st, there were 4,569 warnings issued statewide. The post also states, “It’s important for everyone to work together to ensure the safety of our roads.”
To comply with the law, people must make calls, send texts, or get directions using their device’s voice activation feature. Using a phone mount and Bluetooth can help keep your device hands-free. Drivers must also set up their GPS before driving.
The Iowa State Patrol says they are “committed to raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.”
Violators of the “Hands-Free Law” will be given fines starting on January 1st, 2026.
