Starting July 1, 2025, Iowa drivers must comply with a new hands-free driving law aimed at reducing distracted driving. The law prohibits holding or manually interacting with electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, and gaming devices, while operating a vehicle.

Under the law, drivers cannot stream videos, make video calls, view texts, scroll social media, type, or manually enter GPS addresses. Calling, texting, or dialing is permitted only through hands-free methods, such as voice activation or one-touch controls. Violating these rules could result in penalties, though specific fines are not outlined in the provided guide.

To stay compliant, drivers can use affordable hands-free solutions:

• Auxiliary Cable ($3–$7): Connects a phone to a car’s audio system for voice commands or one-tap control.

• Vehicle Mount ($5+): Secures a phone to a vent or cup holder, allowing voice or single-tap use.

• Bluetooth Devices ($10–$20): Wireless speakers, earpieces, or adapters enable hands-free operation.

• Speakerphone ($0): Activate speakerphone and place the phone in a secure spot.

Drivers can also leverage voice commands by pressing a voice button, waiting for a prompt, and speaking clearly to call or navigate. For added safety, enabling “Drive Focus” mode on smartphones—found under “Modes and Routines” on Android or “Focus” on iPhone—can minimize distractions by limiting notifications while driving.

Iowa’s hands-free law reflects a growing emphasis on road safety, urging drivers to adopt these simple tools and habits to stay focused behind the wheel. For more details, refer to the state’s official hands-free guide.

---