Iowa’s Hands-Free Law
Published June 2025
Iowa’s Hands-free Law
Starting July 1, 2025, Iowa drivers can no longer use handheld cellphones while driving. Phone must be in hands-free mode.
On April 2, Iowa became the 31st state to pass the Hands Free bill.
Penalties
Warnings were issued from July to December 2025.
Starting January 1, 2026:
- Standard violation: $100 fine
- Charge of simple misdemeanor
- Higher penalties apply if injury or death occurs
Few exceptions
- Some professions do not need to comply with the hands-free law.
- Police officers, emergency responders, and those operating farm equipment
- Law does not apply in emergency situations (e.g., weather alerts, reporting an emergency).
Protecting Iowans from distracted driving
This law is intended to reduce distracted driving crashes, injuries, and deaths.
Drivers can practice safe driving habits such as:
- Putting your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’
- Keeping your phone out of reach
- Pulling over to use your device
- Staying hands-free even at stops
- Letting a passenger help manage phone tasks
- Planning ahead and setting up GPS and music before driving