SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Local and state law enforcement believe the new hands-free driving law will reduce the number of accidents on Iowa roads.
The new law, which went into effect July 1, prohibits the use of a cell phone for any reason while a car is in motion; this includes answering phone calls or using GPS.
Find more of the new laws impacting the Siouxland states here
Iowa previously had a law prohibiting texting and driving, but an Iowa State Patrol Officer said it was too difficult to enforce. Trooper Karey Yaneff of the Iowa State Patrol said, “It was always so hard to prove just to say ‘okay, they were texting’ unless they admit it. And most of them said they were using their GPS. Now, with the new law, it’s simply black or white. If you have your cell phone in your hand, it’s a violation.”
Law enforcement will only be issuing warnings for drivers violating the new law through the end of the year. Tickets will not be issued until 2026…