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Iowa enacted a hands-free driving law to promote safer roads and reduce distracted driving. Texting and driving causes accidents, injuries, and death to passengers, other cars, pedestrians, and cyclists.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 3,275 fatalities involved distracted drivers in 2023 alone. It said that texting is the most dangerous type of distracted driving because it involves a combination of visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.
Since January 1, 2026, law enforcement has been issuing fines for violations of Iowa’s hands-free driving law. Now, offenders can be charged with a simple misdemeanor and be fined between $100 and $850.
What Is an Electronic Device?
Iowa Code 321.238 restricts the use of electronic devices while driving. What is considered an electronic device? Some examples in the Iowa statute are
- Cell phones
- Personal digital assistants
- Computers
- Gaming devices
- “Any similar portable device that is used to initiate, store, or receive electronic communication, information, or data.”
The law has an exception for devices that are “physically or electronically integrated” into the vehicle, such as a GPS system.
What Does It Mean to Use an Electronic Device While Driving?
Iowa Code 321.238 says that use includes, but is not limited to, doing things with an electronic device, like
- Holding
- Viewing
- Manipulating
What Use of Electronic Devices Is Permitted?
Iowa still allows the use of a voice-activated or hands-free mode on an electronic device, such as a cell phone. This means using verbal commands or a single touch to activate the device, such as pressing a button on the dashboard to accept a call and then talk hands-free. However, this does not allow access to any video content, including video calls, via voice commands or hands-free mode.
You can also use an electronic device if the car is at a complete stop off the “traveled portion of the road” or as far away from this as possible. That means pull off onto the shoulder as far from oncoming traffic as you can before responding to a text.
The law also has exceptions for workers, such as transit operators or emergency personnel.
This article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have been charged with a violation of Iowa’s criminal laws, you can call us to schedule a consultation.
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