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Hands-free driving: Safety and the law

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Summary

A new law passed in Iowa highlights the dangers of using cell phones while driving.

Read about hands-free driving and the law

A new hands-free driving law went into effect in Iowa on July 1, 2025, highlighting the legal aspects of safe driving.

Iowa’s law is similar to those in other states and prohibits drivers from using electronic devices unless the device is in a hands-free setting. The statute bars drivers from holding their phone, which includes:

  • Typing
  • Scrolling
  • Entering GPS coordinates
  • Streaming video
  • Viewing content
  • Making calls unless voice activated

State officials are allowing an initial warning period through the end of 2025.

“Iowa’s new hands-free law marks a pivotal moment in our fight against distracted driving; it’s an unprecedented opportunity to fundamentally change driver behavior,” Brett Tjepke, chief of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, said in a press release  . “By embracing this change, we can drastically reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our roads, making Iowa safer for everyone.”

Safe driving

Not using a phone while driving is not only the law in many states, it’s also a good safety practice.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports   that 3,275 people died in distraction-affected crashes in 2023.

While more than 30 states have laws related to driving and cellphone use, companies can take the extra step of addressing the matter in company policy.

SFM provides a sample cellphone policy CompTalk in our resource catalog. The example policy prohibits any use of phones while driving for work, regardless of an employee’s use of hands-free devices. It requires employees pull over and stop before calling, answering, or texting using a cellphone.

Other safe driving resources:

Hands-free laws in other states

Minnesota

Minnesota’s hands-free law went into effect in 2019  .

Accessing or posting on social media, streaming videos, searching a website or otherwise using a phone is prohibited. For repeat offenders, the fine can be $300 or more, including court fees.

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, its law went into effect in 2017   and is slightly different from those in Iowa and Minnesota:

  • Texting while driving is against the law for all drivers
  • Hand-held or hands-free cell phone use is prohibited for any driver with a probationary license or instruction permit, except to report an emergency
  • No driver may use a hand-held mobile device when driving through a road work zone, except to report an emergency

Conclusion

Safety-conscious employers should review the laws in their state regarding cellphone use and driving, and ensure employees understand the dangers of distracted driving.

This is not intended to serve as legal advice for individual fact-specific legal cases or as a legal basis for your employment practices.

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