A 3-minute lesson from the Iowa course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Anything that pulls your eyes, hands, or mind away from driving is a distraction, and many common tasks hit more than one category. Iowa now requires electronic communication devices to be used hands-free while driving.
You may not use a mobile phone or other hand-held device to write, send, or view an electronic message while driving. Before texting, emailing, or posting, come to a complete stop off the traveled portion of the roadway.
Drivers under 18 with an instruction permit, intermediate license, or special minor restricted license may not make or receive calls or talk on the phone while driving unless stopped completely off the traveled roadway.
Distracted driving is a primary offense—an officer can pull you over for it. A conviction can bring fines and suspension or revocation of your license or permit.
You're 17 with an intermediate license and your phone rings while driving. Let it ring, or pull completely off the road and stop before answering—even a hands-free call isn't allowed for you while driving.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Under Iowa's hands-free law, which of these is still allowed while driving?
Calling hands-free by voice activation
Manually typing a text message
Entering an address into GPS
Watching a video while stopped at a red light
Answer: Calling hands-free by voice activation
Hands-free calling or dialing via voice activation is allowed; manual interaction, typing, and video are not.
A 17-year-old with an intermediate license wants to answer a phone call while driving. What must they do first?
Use speakerphone while still moving
Slow below 25 mph first
Come to a complete stop off the roadway
Nothing; minors can answer calls hands-free while driving
Answer: Come to a complete stop off the roadway
Drivers under 18 with an instruction permit, intermediate license, or special minor restricted license must be fully stopped off the roadway to talk on the phone.