(Des Moines) During the 2025 Legislative session, Iowa Lawmakers introduced a law to expand Iowa’s 2017 texting-and-driving ban, aiming to make roadways safer for everyone. The new hands-free law officially took effect on July 1. The new law makes it illegal for drivers to hold a phone while operating a vehicle, and officers only need to see a device in a driver’s hand to conduct a traffic stop.
Iowa State Patrol Trooper and District #4 Public Information Officer Shelby McCreedy says they are two months into the hands-free legislation. According to the statistics, a total of 4,569 warnings have been issued across all law enforcement agencies in the state of Iowa during July and August. The Iowa State Patrol issued 43 percent of those warnings. Trooper McCreedy says motorists are adapting. For example, in July, law enforcement issued 2,662 warnings, but in August, the number dropped to 1,900.
Beginning January 1, violators will be subject to a $100 fine plus additional fees. The hands-free law prohibits drivers from using electronic devices while driving unless the device is in a hands-free setting…