Even When Stopped The Iowa Hands-Free Driving Law Can Result In Fines

Starting January 1, 2026, not only can you be pulled over in Iowa for using your phone while driving, but you will also receive a $100 fine.

But what if you aren't driving?  What if you are sitting at the longest light ever in the Quad Cities?  Or if there is an accident and traffic is at a standstill?  Then can you use your phone to tell someone you'll be late or send that all-important status update?

The new hands-free driving law is long and strict, with one odd loophole.

Iowa Hands-Free Driving Law For 2026

Take out the coffee and the makeup, and it's still illegal with fines starting January 1, 2026, when you are on your phone while driving.

However, there are some odd exceptions:

1. Using a GPS device.  So getting confused by maps is still allowed.
2. Sending text messages using voice commands.  Get ready for a lot of odd misread text messages.
3. You may read messages about safety-related information such as Amber Alerts, weather alerts, and traffic alerts...thus creating more traffic alerts.
4. Entering a number to place a phone call.

That is the head scratcher.  First off, who still manually enters a number to make a phone call?  And second, I feel like that would be harder to do than sending a text message saying "sup".  I can do that without looking at my phone.  I don't even know if I can get to the phone number pad to manually make a call.

Can You Use Your Phone While Stopped?

So you just hit the light at 5 points.  You have enough time to listen to an entire Tool song.  Can you grab the phone and post a selfie, read the latest news, text your mom, and check the latest scores?

No.

Unless the car is at a complete stop and off the roadway, you can't be on your phone.

Part of me thinks this is dumb for the reasons listed above.  You are stopped.  You are waiting.  Do what you need to then, so you don't do it while driving.

Part of me gets this cause we've all been stuck behind the bafoon that doesn't see the light turn green.  Then you honk.  They get mad.  Road rage ensues.

So anything you have to do on your phone, do it before you start driving.  Like turning on our app to listen to us and only us for your entire drive, and you never get distracted changing the channel.  Be safe.