A new age of driving legislation
While it may come naturally to some, it is technically illegal in most states to hold and handle your phone. As of July 1st, Iowa joined over 30 states that have outlawed drivers holding their phones while driving.
The Iowa State Patrol even went so far as to post on Instagram, reminding everyone that distracted driving is a killer. Their slogan? Short and simple: if you are driving and you have a phone in your hand, and you get caught by an officer, it’s a reason to pull you over.
No more phone-in-hand driving
So what does this new “touch” law do? In brief: no handheld phones when your vehicle is in motion.
You will need to use hands-free devices like:
- Bluetooth connections
- Car audio equipment
- Devices installed that allow one-touch for use
There are some exceptions under the statute. You may use your telephone if your car is stationary or parked completely, if you’re calling in an emergency, or if you’re utilising navigation or sound programmes—but if you’re not holding the device.
Why this change
Workers say this legislation is simpler for the police. Police officers previously had to prove a driver was distracted. Now, it’s simple: if they catch a glimpse of a phone in your hand, that’s enough.
Simplifying life for police isn’t the end goal, however. Of greater importance is safety. Distracted driving has created lots of wrecks, and putting phones out of hand is a means of preventing more wrecks.
As quoted by the Iowa State Patrol, “Law enforcement is committed to raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.”
The $100 surprise in school zones
There’s a new law about driving, not this one alone, that’s been causing a stir. In Virginia, another $100 fine is getting drivers’ attention.
James City County Police initiated on September 8th a new school zone safety initiative to help children stay safe in school zones. Utilising cutting-edge radar and camera technology, or Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE), police officers are now capable of issuing tickets to speeding motorists even when they’re not around.
If you’re going more than 10 mph over the limit through a school zone with flashing lights, you’ll get a $100 ticket in the mail.
How the school zone program works
This is how the new system keeps the drivers in check:
- ASE cameras catch and take photos of vehicles speeding through school zones.
- The system takes the car photo, clocks the speed, and logs the infraction.
- A notice is sent to the vehicle’s registered owner—even if it wasn’t them driving.
The citation will include pictures of the violation, the speed at which it was clocked, and instructions on how to pay or contest the fine.
What this means for drivers
Both of these new policies—the hands-free law and school zone fines—are a lot to take in, but both are designed to create safer roads.
For drivers, the message is clear:
- Don’t drive and dial. Mount it, use voice commands, or use hands-free.
- Slow down in the school zones. Blinding lights are your signal, and now cameras watch too.
- It may be difficult, but the motive is to cut down on accidents, save the children, and get them all home alive.
The road ahead
It’s not about turning the wheel anymore—it’s about being connected, being present, and being responsible. With technology in every pocket, it’s tempting to take that sneaky glance at your phone or fly through that deserted school zone. But all those “little” violations have enormous consequences.
So the next time you drive, just remember: keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road, and your speed down. It could save you $100—or better still, a life.
Read this later:
Good news for home buyers: mortgage rates are tumbling – fast
Lowe’s bets big on tech, offering six-figure salaries for IT talent
How to land $250 from CapitalOne: open this account and meet these simple requirements
$10,000 for cost-saving ideas: Treasury and GSA launch cash rewards for federal workers
