State Driving Law Legislation

A person shall not operate a motor vehicle on a highway while using a wireless telecommunications device to write, send, or read a text=based communication.

Iowa – House File 2099

A person under eighteen years of age shall not operate or use a cellular telephone while operating a motor vehicle on a street or highway unless the cellular telephone is used in a hands=free mode.

A person under eighteen years of age shall not use a wireless handset to write, read, or send a text message while operating a motor vehicle.

Explanation

This bill prohibits a person under 18 years of age from  operating or using a cellular telephone while operating a motor vehicle on a street or highway unless the cellular telephone is used in a hands=free mode.

The bill also prohibits a person under 18 years of age from using a wireless handset to write, read, or send a text message while operating a motor vehicle.

The bill defines “hands=free mode” as the use of a cellular telephone by way of an internal feature or function, or  an attachment or addition, by which the user engages in a conversation or communication without the use of either  hand.

“Text message” is defined as a text=based electronic communication transmitted using the short message service (SMS), a wireless telephone service, or an electronic communication network.

“Wireless handset” is defined as a  handheld portable electronic or computing device capable of  transmitting data in the form of a text message.

The term includes a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant.

The prohibitions do not apply to a person under 18 years  of age who has a full driver’s license obtained under the graduated driver licensing program.

In addition, an exception or wireless handset is used by a driver to call 911 or to contact law enforcement authorities or an emergency response agency.

The bill does not prohibit a driver from using any cellular telephone or wireless handset when the motor vehicle is at a complete stop off the roadway.

A violation of the bill is a simple misdemeanor punishable by  a scheduled fine of $30.

Pursuant to current law, a young driver with a restricted  license, an instruction permit, an intermediate license, or  a special minor’s license may be subject to remedial driver improvement actions or license sanctions upon conviction for a moving violation.