Iowa’s Hands-Free Driving Law: Everything You Need to Know About SF 22
Iowa has officially transitioned from educating drivers to strictly enforcing its hands-free driving legislation. After a six-month warning period, law enforcement agencies across the state are now issuing citations to drivers who use electronic devices although behind the wheel. This shift aims to curb distracted driving and reduce the number of fatalities on Iowa’s roadways.
What is Iowa’s Hands-Free Law?
Governor Kim Reynolds signed bill SF 22 into law on April 2, 2025, making Iowa the 31st state to enact such legislation. The law officially went into effect on July 1, 2025. To allow drivers time to adjust their habits, the state implemented an initial warning period that lasted through December 31, 2025.
As of January 1, 2026, the grace period ended, and full enforcement began. State and local law enforcement agencies have already issued more than 3,600 citations in the first three months of 2026 alone.
What is Prohibited While Driving?
The rule is straightforward: drivers cannot hold their phones or use electronic devices unless the device is in a hands-free setting. Specifically, the law prohibits the following actions while driving:
- Holding a phone in your hand.
- Typing or scrolling.
- Entering GPS coordinates.
- Streaming video or viewing content.
- Making phone calls that are not voice-activated.
Drivers are limited to just “one touch” when interacting with their devices. The hands-free requirement applies any time a driver is in the travel portion of the road, which includes being stopped at a red light.
How to Stay Compliant
To avoid citations, drivers must use voice-activated systems or specialized hardware. The Iowa State Patrol suggests several legal options to keep your hands on the wheel:
- Phone Mounts: Securing the device to the dashboard or windshield.
- Bluetooth Systems: Connecting phones to the vehicle’s integrated system.
- Speakerphone: Using the device’s speaker function without holding it.
- Auxiliary Cables: Hard-wiring the device to the car’s audio system.
- Steering Wheel Controls: Using integrated one-call buttons.
The Cost of a Violation
Ignoring the hands-free law is expensive. Violators face a total cost of $170. According to Iowa State Patrol Lieutenant Nick Albrecht, this total is broken down as follows:
- Base Fine: $100
- Surge Charge: $15
- Court Costs: $55
Impact on Road Safety
The push for hands-free driving is driven by critical safety data. A 2024 survey by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) involving over 1,300 Iowans found that while 90% of respondents viewed cell phone use while driving as extremely dangerous, 50% admitted to doing it anyway.
Early data suggests the law is working. Lieutenant Nick Albrecht reports a “dramatic decrease” in drivers using cell phones and notes that Iowa has seen a historic low in fatalities—dropping below 300 for the first time in 90 years.
Key Takeaways for Iowa Drivers
- Full Enforcement: Citations began January 1, 2026.
- Total Fine: $170 per violation.
- Red Lights: You are still subject to the law while stopped at a traffic signal.
- The “One Touch” Rule: Interaction with devices is strictly limited.
- Legal Alternatives: Use Bluetooth, phone mounts, or voice commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone if I’m stopped at a stoplight?
No. The hands-free requirement applies whenever you are in the travel portion of the road, including when you are stopped at a red light.
When did the warning period end?
The warning period ended on December 31, 2025. Law enforcement began issuing citations on January 1, 2026.
What is the fastest way to make a call legally?
The safest and most legal methods include using voice-activated commands, Bluetooth, or the one-call button located on your steering wheel.
By eliminating the temptation to hold a device, Iowa aims to fundamentally change driver behavior and ensure safer roads for all motorists and pedestrians.