Iowa law enforcement agencies are preparing for a statewide effort to crack down on distracted driving next month.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, along with the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force and law enforcement agencies across the state, will conduct a hands-free traffic enforcement project April 6th through April 10th. The effort coincides with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Officials say the goal is to educate drivers and increase compliance with Iowa’s hands-free driving law, which prohibits the use of electronic devices while driving unless they are in hands-free mode.
The law first went into effect in July of 2025 with a warning period, and full enforcement began January 1st of this year. Since then, more than 2,400 citations and over 1,900 warnings have been issued statewide.
Violating the law is now considered a moving violation, carrying a fine of 170 dollars.
State officials say there are several ways drivers can comply with the law, including using Bluetooth, speakerphone, voice commands, or phone mounts.
The enforcement project is part of a broader effort to reduce distracted driving and improve safety on Iowa roadways. Officials note that the hands-free law played a role in helping Iowa reach a historic low in traffic fatalities in 2025.
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, keep their hands on the wheel, and stay focused behind the wheel.