The Iowa Senate Transportation Committee advanced Senate File 330 unanimously on Thursday. The bill would make it illegal to use an electronic communication device while driving unless in hands-free or voice-activated mode.
There are a number of exceptions within the bill, however, it does adjust the punishment for violating Code Section 321.276. The bill would change it to a moving violation, which could be considered for administrative suspension of a driver’s license or to establish a habitual offender status.
“I think we all understand it, we all recognize that this distracted driving is a problem in the state of Iowa,” said Sen. Ken Rozenboom. “And it continues. Every one of us that drives to Des Moines on Monday and goes home on Thursday sees it probably every trip we make.”
Great, another law that our awesome LEOs will find difficulty enforcing. I’m all for people dropping the phones while driving, but is the penalty appropriate?
It’s about time our legislators pass a law like this. Making it a moving violation when caught using your phone might wake some people up. If they make the choice to continue using hand held devices then they deserve to lose their license. But the law wont work if it isn’t enforced 100%.