LEE COUNTY – A bill that was signed today by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds puts motorists on notice to not be distracted by cellphones while driving in the state.
Iowa now joins 30 other states across the country that have banned cellphone usage unless engaged in hands-free or voice-activated modes.
Lee County Sheriff Elliott Vandenberg called the signing “a huge win for Iowa.”
“I think it’s a huge win for Iowa as a whole, and for law enforcement based on what I’ve seen in my career,” Vandenberg said.
“We’re seeing lots of accidents happening with cellphone usage by drivers. This is a win for the citizens of Iowa.”
The new law goes into effect on July 1, but only allows for warnings until Dec. 31. Citations can be issued starting Jan. 1, 2026 starting at $100. If cellphone usage is identified in accidents, the fine can increase to $1,000 based on the severity of the accident.
Iowa lawmakers sent Senate File 22 to the governor’s desk last week. Reynolds had indicated in her Condition of the State address that she wanted to see legislation on distracted driving this year.
Current law prohibits writing or texting on a phone, but Vandenberg said that was hard to enforce.
“We were seeing it all the time, but it was difficult. Were they using GPS or what were they doing? We can stop you for texting and driving now, but there are always loopholes. With the new law, if we see you on your phone, we can stop you,” he said.
“As a law enforcement officer it’s always our priority to keep everybody safe. The most dangerous thing most people do on a daily basis is get behind the wheel. Having laws like this in place will help us keep people safe.”
The new law allows for a few exceptions to include utility workers, transit employees, and farm livestock operators, along with public safety officials, and healthcare workers responding to an emergency.
The House passed the bill onto the governor’s office on an 84-11 vote.
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