4 Tips To Help Iowans Quit Texting And Driving Before July 1

The new law will be in effect before we know it.

This legislative session, one of the new laws Governor Reynolds signed is one dealing with texting and driving.

It's already illegal to text and drive in Iowa, of course. But this one is an expansion of it. It bans drivers in Iowa from using phones while driving, unless it's in the hands-free or voice-activated modes.

Starting July 1st, officers in Iowa will issue warnings for violating the new law through the rest of the year. You could get actually fined for it ($100, to be specific) beginning January 1st, 2026.

If your texting and driving results in an accident, you could face a $500 fine. If it's an accident that causes a death, it could be a $1,000 fine.

You've probably texted while driving at some point. It can be an easy habit to let yourself slip into. If you can admit to yourself that this is a habit of yours, it's time to start working to break it. So here are some tips.

Identify Triggers

Where do you put your phone? Are you most likely to reach for it if it's in a cupholder? Do you hear it buzz more or do you catch it light up from the spot you sit it in? Experts say to keep your phone in your purse or out of your line of vision.

Send The Text Before You Drive

I do this one all the time. Before I back out of the parking space, with the car still in park, I'll respond to texts, emails, or whatever is blowing up my phone at the moment, then put the phone down and drive.

If you need to set up whatever maps app you use, it's best to get all of that situated before hitting the road.

Rely On Passengers

Besides being the road trip DJ, passengers are also good to be your designated phone person. Have them check the phone if it vibrates, tell them what to say to respond.

Remember How Unreal Risky It Is

You may think it's just a few seconds of sending a text, nothing can happen. But remember, people don't know how to drive and it doesn't take much time for accidents, fatal or not, to occur.