DRIVERS could face hefty fines for using their cellphones from July 1, as the 31st US state enacts new law.
Iowa is about to become the next state to introduce a hands-free driving law, as enforcement says its preparing for a big change.
Iowa will join the 31 other states that have introduced hands-free driving laws[/caption]
Drivers could face fines of up to $100[/caption]
New law bans drivers from using cellphones
The law bans cellphones and other devices from being used while driving, unless they are in hands-free mode.
The new hands-free cellphone law goes into effect from July 1, with a six month grace period when law enforcement will hand out warning tickets.
However, from Jan 1, 2026 fines will be $100.
Ankeny police sergeant Trevor McGraw told KCCI: “It’s a change for good.
“Law enforcement will be able to stop you if you are violating the hands-free law.
“However, you will be receiving a written warning and some education on the new law.”
Police sergeant breaks down new hands-free driving law
The new law considers phone usage as holding the device, watching something on it, or scrolling while driving.
McGraw explained that even if you are not holding your phone but watching something on a car mount, that could be considered a violation.
Drivers will be monitored through the use of body cameras and car cameras.
McGraw said the law allows for what is called a one-touch activation.
McGraw said: “If your phone is on a mount in the car, you can reach over, activate it, and accept the call if you will.
“However, you can’t just be holding or manipulating your phone beyond that one touch.”
McGraw anticipates that it will take both drivers and law enforcement time to adjust, but believes the law will help reduce distracted driving.
He concluded that it is all about safety and reducing the amount of traffic related injuries and deaths.
Hands-free driving laws introduced across the US
From July 1, Iowa will join the 31 other states that have already imposed hands-free driving laws.
These so-called touch laws prohibit drivers across the US from holding or using electronic devices for activities like talking, texting, or browsing.
In New York, for example, holding a device while temporarily stopped is considered illegal, with repeated offences resulting in escalating fines of up to $450.
HANDS OFF
Currently, there are 31 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands, where drivers are prohibited from using hand-held cell phones while driving.
Across these states, law enforcement officers can generally ticket a driver for using a hand-held cell phone without any other traffic offense taking place.
Some states, however, don’t have a complete ban on hand-held devices, but may instead have restrictions for specific groups – like novice drivers or school bus drivers.
What’s more, most states ban texting while driving.
The aforementioned 31 states are:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
