Starting next Tuesday, July 1st, a new hands-free driving law goes into effect statewide.
The goal of the law is simple: to reduce distracted driving and make Iowa’s roads safer. But what exactly does “hands-free” mean?
Under the new law, drivers cannot hold their phone in any way while behind the wheel. That means no texting, no scrolling, no typing, and no manually entering an address into GPS while you’re driving.
You also won’t be allowed to stream videos, make video calls, or view social media — not even if you use voice commands to start them. And unless you’re using a hands-free or voice-activated feature, you can’t call, text, or dial at all.
And it’s not just your phone. The law applies to tablets, laptops, PDAs, and gaming devices as well.
So, how can you stay hands-free and legal?
- You can use an auxiliary cable to connect your phone to your car’s speakers and control it with your voice or a single touch.
- A vehicle mount can hold your phone in place so you can use voice commands safely.
- Bluetooth® devices like earpieces or adapters are another option to stay connected without touching your phone.
- And remember, speakerphone is free — just set your phone in a secure spot and use voice commands.
Law enforcement will be watching, and this will be a primary offense — meaning officers can pull you over just for using a device illegally.
Again, Iowa’s hands-free law takes effect Tuesday, July 1st. Plan ahead, drive safely, and keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Transportation’s website.