Iowa’s hands-free driving law is now fully in effect, following the end of a six-month warning period.
As of January 1st, drivers can no longer hold a phone or electronic device while behind the wheel, even for calls or videos. Hampton Police Chief Mark Morrison tells RadioOnTheGo News the change is aimed at reducing distractions and improving roadway safety.
“And now it’s time that tickets start getting issued. People are starting to learn. And what it means to be hands-free is you can’t hold your phone, you can’t scroll, type on your phone, you can’t use your GPS as far as typing an address on the phone, you can’t stream videos, you can only use your phone if it’s in hands-free mode or using Bluetooth or speakerphone, things like that.”
Even for drivers with older vehicles, there are still legal ways to stay connected without breaking the law. Morrison says hands-free options are widely available, even without built-in Bluetooth.
“Yeah, you can use mounts you can buy anywhere from your local stores, any your cell phone dealers. And they also sell Bluetooth adaptive devices to help you also with that to make it hands free. Most of your newer cars, you can just hook them up, link them Bluetooth, and it’s done. But you do need an aftermarket part for any older vehicle.”
Morrison says it’s important for drivers to know the law covers all electronic devices.
“A reminder is it’s not just cell phones, it’s also your tablets, laptops, electronic devices. So, it’s not just your phone. I know it says hands free for your phone, but it’s all those things included.”
With the warning period now over, drivers who violate Iowa’s hands-free law face real consequences. Fines start at $100 and can climb to $1,000 if a distracted driving incident results in a fatality.
Full interview below
