In the 2025 Iowa Legislative Session, a significant step towards road safety was taken as lawmakers passed a bill regulating hands-free and distracted driving, which was promptly signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds. This new legislation aims to facilitate easier enforcement of hands-free driving for law enforcement officers by prohibiting drivers from manually interacting with their phones while driving. Instead, drivers are allowed to make calls using Bluetooth or vehicle systems, and utilize navigation apps—but only if they are set up before the vehicle is in motion.
Iowa State Patrol Trooper Shelby McCreedy emphasized that a grace period will be implemented from July 1, 2025, until January 1, 2026. During this time, drivers will be stopped for violations but will receive educational warnings rather than fines. This approach is intended to inform the public about the new regulations and encourage safe driving behaviors.
From 2018 to 2022, approximately 54 percent of fatal injury crashes in Iowa were attributed to distracted driving, highlighting the urgent need for such legislation. The Iowa State Patrol has been an advocate for this bill for several years, expressing relief and gratitude for its passage. Research from neighboring states that have adopted similar laws indicates a promising trend: a reduction in traffic accidents and fatalities linked to distracted driving.
This legislation not only aims to improve road safety but also builds community awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. The proactive educational approach demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that drivers adapt effectively to the new rules, ultimately contributing to safer roads for everyone in Iowa.