DES MOINES, Iowa – On July 1, a new law went into effect prohibiting the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

The hands-free legislation aims to limit the amount of distractions and keep Iowans focused on the road while driving. Drivers are not allowed to use electronic devices to scroll, view texts or videos, make calls, or enter an address into a GPS while driving. Drivers are also not allowed to hold their phones. Drivers can, however, use voice-activation to make calls and ask for directions.

Now, the Iowa State Patrol has released numbers showing the number of warnings issued since the law went into effect. Statewide, 4,569 warnings have been issued by state and local law enforcement for drivers being on their phones from July 1 to Aug. 31, and police say that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

“That’s a very small portion of the people who are continuing to text and drive and use those phones inappropriately. We’ve got to just educate the motorists and educate all people that are driving on the roads what the right thing to do is, and have people understand what truly is safe while operating a motor vehicle on our roadways,” said Sergeant Alex Dinkla with the Iowa State Patrol.

Breaking down the numbers, the Iowa State Patrol says they issued around 2,600 warnings in July and 2,000 warnings in August.

But there’s some good news from the Iowa Department of Transportation: a 13.5 percent decrease in traffic fatalities from this time last year. Something Dinkla says he hopes to see continue, saying, “Over the last year, the change in those fatalities, that is a large number. And we’re going to continue monitoring that through the end of the year. And hopefully, we see great success, and we can attribute the drop in fatalities to the new law.”

Currently, Iowans are receiving warnings for cell phone use behind the wheel, but starting Jan. 1, 2026, that’s going to change.

“There will be fines, but then also additional penalties if you choose to drive, if you get involved in a crash, if you hurt somebody, if you kill somebody. This is one of those laws that has enhanced penalties to it,” said Dinkla.

Drivers in Iowa will be fined $100 for violating the hands-free law. Drivers who cause serious injury while violating the hands-free law could face a $500 fine and possible suspension of their driver’s license.

To learn more and find ways to make your vehicle hands-free compliant, click here.

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