This week, the House Transportation Committee passed a bill that prohibits drivers from using a cell phone while driving. House File 75 passed the committee 18-2 and revises Iowa’s current texting-and-driving law to prohibit the use of an electronic device while driving. There is a 6-month grace period and then starting in January 2022, law enforcement will issue a $100 fine for those operating a phone while driving.
Hands-free and voice-activated use of your phone are allowed under the bill, and certain professions like public safety and health care are exempted in certain situations. This bill is hoping to combat distracted driving in Iowa. Although there are a wide variety of issues related to driver focus, the most common concern is the potential distraction caused by cell phones and other technology in the car.
