Iowa’s new hands free law went into effect on July 1, 2025.

Iowa State Patrol Trooper Shelby McCreedy says that to help ease into the new law, the state had a six month grace period where warnings were handed out instead of citations. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio that that grace period is over though with the start of 2026, and that drivers may want to make sure they are complying, before they’re handed a citation and fine.

“The base fine for the hands free violation is $100. And when you add on court costs and fees, it will be about $170. So this is not going to be a cheap violation if you are stopped and cited for the hands free law.”

McCreedy mentions that the new law states drivers cannot have their phone or other electronic devices in their hands while driving, and that if possible those items should be put into a hands free mode where you are discouraged from trying to touch them. She adds that it’s also very easy for law enforcement to tell who is not following this law, as it is not hard to see someone holding a phone or other device up to their head or face.