New Iowa 'hands-free' law bans drivers from holding cell phones

Jul 01, 2025

As Iowa's new law banning handheld cell phones while driving takes effect July 1, the Iowa State Patrol has a very simple message for drivers.

"We need the phone out of people’s hands," said Sgt. Alex Dinkla.

After years of efforts, Iowa joins 30 other states in banning drivers from using cell phones or other electronic devices, except in hands-free or voice-activated mode.

Iowa law already banned texting while driving, but Dinkla said the old law was difficult to enforce because it wasn't always clear if a driver was texting.

"This new law, it really cleans a lot of that up," he said. "It says take the phone out of the hand and in a nutshell, we know this is going to save lives in Iowa."

Here's what to know about the new law:

In addition to cell phones, the law bans drivers from using tablets, laptops, PDAs, electronic gaming devices and other similar portable devices — so no typing, scrolling or streaming behind the wheel.

A car's built-in GPS navigation system does not count as a prohibited device, meaning drivers can use their car's integrated system — as long as they enter their destination before the car begins moving.

Yes. Drivers are allowed to use cell phones if they are in hands-free or voice-activated mode. However, you can't swipe or scroll.

Dinkla said there are several cheap ways to comply with the law, such as buying a phone mount to attach to the car's dashboard, buying an auxiliary Bluetooth if the car doesn't have its own system built in or putting the phone on speaker mode and setting it down.

"They can still use their GPS navigation tool on their phone," he said. "They just need to make sure that they enter that address where they’re going before they start to drive, put that unit up on the dash in the mount and they’re good to go."

For the first six months, police will only issue warnings for violating the law.

Dinkla said the Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau has printed 30,000 cards with information on how to comply with the new law that officers will hand out to drivers when they make traffic stops.

The education campaign will also include billboards, radio and television ads and outreach to media, Dinkla said.

"We are going to make sure that we do tons of education this first six months," he said.

Iowa saw 355 traffic fatalities in 2024 and 379 in 2023, according to the Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau.

Beginning in 2026, someone who violates the law will receive a fine of $100, up from $45 for violating the current texting-while-driving ban.

Someone who causes a serious injury will be subject to a $500 fine and and possible suspension of their driver's license, while someone who causes a death will receive a $1,000 fine.

Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller.