Iowa: Cell phone laws, legislation
Last updated: January 27, 2010 · Print this report
Wireless device news: Gov. Chet Culver says he expects passage of text messaging legislation during 2010’s shortened session. Iowa’s Legislature rejected or ignored a half dozen bills in 2009 that would regulate handheld cell phone use and/or texting while driving.
Current prohibitions:
None.
2010 legislation:
Iowa House File 2020: Would ban all drivers from text messaging or using cell phones unless a hands-free accessory
HF 2021: Seeks to classify text messaging while operating a motor vehicle as reckless driving. Applies reckless-driving fines and jail time to text messaging violations. (Tjepkes)
Iowa Senate File 2032: Would prohibit people who are operating motor vehicles from text messaging. Fine of $100. (Bolkcom)
Senate Study Bill 3070: Would outlaw text messaging and related activities for all drivers in Iowa. Applies reckless-driving fines and jail time to text messaging violations. (Rielly)
Iowa cell phone legislation notes (2010):
The chairman of the Iowa House Transportation Committee expects the Legislature to outlaw texting and driving in 2010: “I think given the circumstances of what’s happened lately — what the media has been reporting and actual tragedies (as a result of texting while driving) — it’s a good probability that we’ll take something up that will prohibit that activity,” said Rep. Brian Quirk, D-New Hampton.
The 2010 legislative session has been shortened to 80 days. Budget matters could lock up most of the legislative channels, possibly leaving distracted driving legislation in limbo for another year. Iowa Gov. Chet Culver says he would sign a bill that seeks to ban text messaging for drivers, but agrees that the economy is the prime concern.
Rep. Dave Tjepkes, R-Gowrie, introduced HF 2021, a bill banning text messaging while driving on Iowa roads and highways. The former Iowa State Patrol trooper says of the shortened session: “I’m concerned with the time constraints.”
Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, says chances of passing a distracted driving bill by April are improving, with new interest from legislators.
Iowa parents overwhelmingly favor a statewide ban on text messaging while driving, according to a 2010 telephone poll. The University of Iowa/University of North Carolina survey found that 97 percent of parents favored a texting ban and 90 percent supported a ban on cell phone use while driving.
Dubuque is developing an ordinance prohibiting cell phone use and text messaging by drivers. “It’s way past time something gets done,” Mayor Roy Buol said in January 2010, noting a lack of state laws. “If we have to be the leaders, then we have to be the leaders.”
2009 legislation:
HF 9 — Would prohibit use of cell phones while driving unless a hands-free device or headset is utilized. In transportation committee. (Also HF 84) Appears dead.
HF 155: Seeks to ban all Iowa drivers from using handheld cell phones and from text messaging. Appears dead.
HF 17: Would ban use of cellular phones and any other wireless communication device by drivers under the age of 18. Appears dead.
HF 353: Prohibits use of cell phones by drivers with provisional licenses. Appears dead.
SF 190: Would prohibit use of cell phones while driving on Iowa’s roads, unless a hands-free device or headset is utilized. Appears dead.
2009 cell phone, texting legislation notes:
Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, D-Des Moines, introduced 2009’s HF 9. “My problem is those who try to dial or text-message while driving,” he said. The Iowa cell phone driving law would bring a $30 fine.
Previous cell phone legislation includes an attempt to mandate the assumption that a driver on a cell phone involved in an accident was at fault.
The 2008 session’s HB 2059 was sponsored by Rep. McKinley Bailey, D-Webster City, who says he was motivated by a fatal crash caused by a teenage driver who was using a cell phone. Bailey has said he might support an expansion to adult drivers. Rep. Swati Dandekar chaired a subcommittee session on the Bailey proposal.
Attempts to regulate drivers’ cell phone use in Iowa date back to the late 1990s.
I would personally like to see the bill pass, but I would like to see the penalties raised to the same as they are for drunk driving.
I do’t see that we need a new law. traffic code 321.277 reckless driving should already cover this.
Why don’t you have a bill, No eating in the car, no radio, no putting on make up, no shaving…
I think you need to make it a law NOW,,,to many people out on the road paying more attention to their phones and texting them. I myself have a daughter that 33 no matter how many times we go some-wheres shes on that phone from the time we get in the car till she gets me back home safely… Ialready told her you arent driving my car around the block… we have come to close to accidents which would of been her fault.. Needs to become a law before innocent people out not using a cell phone gets hurt or killed by people that dont Think they will hurt anyone using the cell phone thank you FOR LISTENING… JILL..
I DEFINITELY think it should be against the law to use a cell phone while driving, whether you are talking or texting. There have been too many accidents already due to this problem, and we need to put a stop to it before more innocent lives are taken. I can’t believe this has ever been allowed from day one!
We live in the U.S.. Anything is “allowed” until it proves dangerous. I myself have done it, but don’t anymore after finding out how much it affects driving. I agree, it should be law. If you have any doubts about that, take a look at this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDOmwjgKBcI. And, despite your sarcasm, you may be on to something Michelle- eating, makeup, and shaving are all things I’ve seen people do behind the wheel that are so dangerous they should be banned to. I haven’t heard radio is as dangerous, but I could be wrong. The thing that gets me putting the ticket price at $30. What good will that do to break a habitual texter? None. The ticket cost should reflect the danger more.
If the Idea is that being on your phone will distract you from the road, then the entire idea is stupid, you need your cell phone to drive safely and if you are on a bluetooth or something like it, you’re still going to be distracted from the road simply because you are having a conversation.
[...] Iowa. Iowa does not have a single law regulating the use of cell phones while driving. Several attempts have been made recently, but all were rejected under fierce [...]
I think it would be wise to make an example out of this. While I agree code 321.277 does cover this, the pervasiveness of the practice merits it being made an example of. I’ve been there and done that and agree that it is something that should be done. I would also add the use of other devices such as video making equipment as well. There is no shortage of individuals that take videos while driving where you can clearly see the steering wheel. I also would increase the fine to at least the same as drunk driving if not higher. 30$ isn’t enough for someone thats texting/talking with a handheld device while driving.