If you have been hurt in a car accident in Iowa, a new law could play a large role in your case, especially if the other driver was distracted by a phone.
As of July 1, 2025, Iowa’s hands-free driving law makes it illegal to hold a phone while driving. That means no texting, no scrolling, and no calls unless you are using voice commands or a hands-free device. While the goal is to reduce distracted driving and keep our roads safer, it also raises important questions about liability after an accident.
In this article, we’ll break down how the new law works, how it may affect fault and liability, and what steps you should take if you are injured by a distracted driver. If you were injured in a car accident by a distracted driver, don’t hesitate to contact Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, LLC, today to schedule a free case review.
The Dangers of Using a Phone While Driving
According to a survey done by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB), 90 percent of Iowans asked said that they think using a cell phone while driving is extremely dangerous. However, 50 percent admitted to driving with a phone in their hand.
Here are some reasons why driving while using a phone is so dangerous:
- It takes your eyes off the road: Looking at a text for just 5 seconds at 55 mph has been likened to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed
- It distracts your mind: Even hands-free calls can take your attention away from driving decisions
- It delays reaction times: Drivers on their phones are slower to brake, swerve, or respond to certain road hazards
- It leads to more serious crashes: Distracted drivers often don’t slow down before impact, resulting in higher-speed collisions and more severe injuries
Why Was There a Need for a New Hands-Free Law in Iowa?
Iowa lawmakers have discussed stricter driving laws for years, especially as smartphones became a growing cause of car crashes. Prior to this law, texting while driving was banned in Iowa, but the ban had some loopholes. Drivers could still legally hold their cell phones to make calls, scroll through social media, or program GPS, as long as they were not texting.
This made it very difficult for the police to enforce the law. Officers couldn’t tell what someone was doing on their phone, which meant many distracted drivers went unpunished.
Safety advocates, law enforcement, and families of crash victims pushed hard for change. After years of debate and growing concern over traffic fatalities, the hands-free law was finally passed.
Iowa’s New Hands-Free Law Explained
Under Iowa’s new law, drivers are not allowed to hold or use a cell phone or another electronic device while operating a vehicle, unless they’re using it in a hands-free manner.
What is prohibited
The following are not allowed while driving:
- Holding a phone while driving – even at stoplights or in traffic
- Texting, scrolling on social media, or watching videos
- Making phone calls without using speakerphone or Bluetooth
- Watching videos
- Playing games
- Using video calls
What is allowed
The following are things that are allowed under the new law:
- Using voice commands like Siri or Google Assistant to send texts or make calls
- Hands-free calling via Bluetooth, speaker phone, or built-in car systems
- Navigating with GPS apps, as long as the phone is mounted or not being held
- Calling 911 in an emergency, even if you are holding the phone
What Are the Penalties for Not Following the New Law?
Iowa is serious about enforcing the new law, and you can be pulled over if you are seen using an electronic device while driving.
Potential consequences of violating the hands-free law include:
- A $100 fine
- Increased fines for repeat offenses
- Possible license suspension or revocation for repeat or severe violations
- Criminal charges and civil lawsuits if the distracted driver caused a crash
Is Anyone Exempt From the New Iowa Hands-Free Driving Law?
Yes, there are a few important exemptions in Iowa’s hands-free law.
The following individuals may still use a handheld phone while driving under certain circumstances:
- Police, firefighters, and other emergency responders, while performing official duties
- Commercial drivers using a federally approved device
- Drivers reporting an emergency, such as a crash, road hazard, or medical emergency
- Licensed radio operators
Why the Iowa Hands-Free Driving Law Matters
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes in Iowa. In 2024 alone, 933 crashes were caused by drivers using phones or electronic devices.
This law helps reduce those risks by:
- Encouraging drivers to focus on the road
- Making it easier for law enforcement to stop unsafe drivers
- Protecting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians
What You Should Do After a Car Accident If You Suspect a Driver Was Using a Device
If you suspect that the driver who hit you was distracted by a phone or another device, take these steps:
- Call 911 and report the accident: Always call the police to report the crash. Make sure to tell the officer if you believe the other driver was using a phone.
- Look for signs of distracted driving: Had the other driver been looking down? Was his or her phone visible in the car? Was the driver slow to brake? These are signs the officer can include in his or her police report.
- Get the witness statements: Ask any people nearby if they saw the driver on his or her phone. Witnesses can be critical in proving fault.
- Take photos and videos: Document the scene, vehicle damage, and anything else that seems relevant, like an unlocked phone in the driver’s seat.
- Request the police report: The police report may note whether the driver admitted to using a phone. It will also indicate whether the driver was cited under the hands-free law.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney: A lawyer can help gather evidence, such as phone records or surveillance footage, and guide you through your claim.
How the Hands-Free Law Affects Car Accident Victims
When someone causes a car accident due to being distracted by his or her phone, the results can be catastrophic. The hands-free law helps strengthen the case for liability when a distracted driver causes a crash.
Here’s how:
- Proving fault is easier: If the at-fault driver was caught holding or using a phone while driving, that is now a clear violation of Iowa law. This can help prove they were negligent, which is a key part of any personal injury claim.
- Police reports can be stronger evidence: Since the law is stricter, police officers are more likely to document distracted driving in accident reports. This adds weight to your case.
- Insurance companies may be more willing to settle: If a driver broke the hands-free law, his or her insurance company may see it as clear liability and be more likely to offer a fair settlement without a long fight.
- Higher damages in some cases: In cases of more serious recklessness, like someone live-streaming while driving, victims may be able to pursue punitive damages. This additional compensation is meant to punish the driver and deter others from similar reckless behavior.
How an Iowa Car Accident Lawyer Can Help If You Were Injured by a Distracted Driver
If you were hurt by a distracted driver, hiring a car accident lawyer can make a difference in your physical and financial recovery. Taking this step means strengthening your case, because your lawyers will do the following on your behalf.
Investigate and gather evidence
To prove the other driver was on his or her phone at the time of the crash, an experienced attorney can help:
- Request phone records
- Review police reports
- Speak to eyewitnesses
- Gather video surveillance or dashcam footage
Prove fault and build a strong claim
Distracted driving is a form of negligence. A car accident lawyer can connect the dots between the illegal phone use and your injuries to prove liability and fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Deal with insurance companies
Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your injuries or shift blame. A car accident lawyer, though, can protect your rights, handle negotiations, and make sure you don’t settle for less than you need to recover fully.
Fight for full compensation
That includes money for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical treatment needs
Injured by a Distracted Driver? Schedule a Free Case Review Today
Were you or a loved one hurt by someone texting or holding a device while behind the wheel? If so, Iowa’s hands-free law gives you more power to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Distracted driving cases can be complex, but our legal team is here to help. The Iowa car accident lawyers at Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop are here to explain how the law applies to your case and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Our law firm takes all car accident cases on contingency. This means you pay no out-of-pocket costs or fees. Call us at (402) 241-5020 or complete the contact form today to schedule a free case review.
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