Recently, several North American states have been revisiting their traffic laws to bring them closer to the current conditions on their streets and highways. From changes in speed limits to new ways of obtaining a driver’s license, the changes mostly reflect adjustments to drivers’ behavior, discouraging unsafe practices and encouraging good ones. Following the wave of changes promoted by other US states, this government has decided to change its law, and now a common behaviour behind the wheel may be punished with a fine of up to $1,000.
With the change, this state joins 30 others that have already decided to punish this behaviour
Traffic laws are specific to each North American state and reflect the behaviour of drivers in a given location. Through them, it is possible to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians who walk freely on the streets and highways of the area.
With people’s needs constantly changing, traffic laws need to be revised regularly. After a careful analysis, this state has decided to join 30 other states that have already banned a common practice among drivers, and it can cost up to $1,000 for those who do not comply.
No more electronic devices behind the wheel
The Senate File 22 signed by the Governor of the State of Iowa is a change that took years to be approved and put into practice. According to its texts, drivers are prohibited from using cellphones or any electronic devices while driving, except in hands-free or voice-activated mode. The law, signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds, takes effect by July 2025. As stated by the governor, the intention is to “make Iowa roads safer”. With the same intention, another state decided to implement a device to help reduce repeated offenders of the traffic laws.
In a statement made during the signing ceremony, Reynolds said that this change is capable of saving lives. “Thirty states across the country have passed hands-free legislation, and today Iowa becomes the 31st. And I am grateful, because this legislation will save lives”.
During the ceremony, Reynolds paid tribute to citizens who have been killed by distracted drivers. She also mentioned the families that were present at that moment: “I can not imagine how hard it has been to tell and retell your stories, but your courage will save lives”.
Find out everything you need to know about the new law
With the changes promoted by the new law, cellphones and other electronic devices are completely banned while driving unless they are in hands-free mode. If a driver were caught violating this law, they would be punished with a fine of up to $1,000. But the changes are even more severe in the case of possible injuries caused by a driver while using electronic devices. If someone causes a serious injury while driving and using electronic devices, they will receive a fine up to $500 and may have their driver’s license suspended. In case of death, the fine will increase to $1,000.
Besides being applied to all citizens, the law also has exceptions, including for public safety officials, health care workers responding to an emergency, utility workers, public transit workers, and some other specific cases.
With the change, Iowa aims to reduce the number of traffic fatalities
Taking effect on July 1, the law is a measure to reduce the number of deaths on Iowa’s roads, which were 354 in 2024. It is also a way to avoid fatalities like the ones shared by families during the process of signing the law. With the change, Iowa also joins thirty other states and Washington, D.C. that have banned handheld cellphone use while driving. With changes happening in many states, drivers should always remain aware of the traffic laws and signals, as these laws may change from state to state. In this particular case, a state decided to increase the speed limits on its streets, and this is the reason why it happened.