Using a mobile phone while driving in Iowa (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A person may not use an electronic device, including holding, viewing or manipulating it, while driving unless stopped off the travelled roadway; voice-activated or hands-free mode is allowed. The scheduled fine is USD 100. A violation is a moving violation.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $100.00 per offence [2] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Banned for all drivers: holding, viewing or manipulating a phone while driving is prohibited unless it is used by voice command or a single touch. Reading a message or notification never counts as hands-free use, so reading texts on the screen is banned too. [1] |
Notes
- "Use" includes holding, viewing or manipulating a device. Exceptions include public safety members, health care professionals in an emergency, reporting an emergency and receiving safety alerts. From 1 January 2026 officers no longer have to issue a warning instead of a citation.
- Voice-activated or hands-free mode means verbal commands or a single touch to activate or deactivate. It does not include non-navigation video, video calls, streaming, gaming or reading a message or notification.
- Scheduled fine of USD 100 for a violation of section 321.276.
- Section 321.276(4)(b) makes the violation a moving violation; the number of points is set in the Department of Transportation rules, which were not read.
Sources
- Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 2026, section 321.276 - Use of electronic device while driving (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 2026, section 805.8A - Citations in lieu of arrest (scheduled fines) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Iowa and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Illinois | Banned | Allowed (hands-free or one-button) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minnesota | Banned | Voice/hands-free mode only, device not held | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Missouri | Banned | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nebraska | No (texting/reading banned) | Calls not restricted | USD 200 | 3 points |
| South Dakota | No (calls allowed) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Wisconsin | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, Work zones: Banned in work zones | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Iowa
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: No
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 20 mph business, 25 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, a bicycle · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (consumer fireworks) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Only an offence if used in a crime · Locking or one-handed knives: Ballistic knife: class D felony; switchblade listed
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour (or federal if higher)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.