Iowa Truck Driver Phone Law
The federal hand-held ban binds you in Iowa, and as of 2025 the state caught up. Iowa's hands-free law bans holding a phone for every driver as a primary offense (Iowa Code 321.276); full citations began January 1, 2026 after a warning period. The scheduled fine is $100 (about $170 once the state surcharge and court costs are added), jumping to $500 if your use causes serious injury and $1,000 if it causes a death. Federal and state now align: mounted, voice or one touch, no holding even at a red light.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Iowa’s rule for all drivers
The federal hand-held ban binds you in Iowa, and as of 2025 the state caught up. Iowa's hands-free law bans holding a phone for every driver as a primary offense (Iowa Code 321.276); full citations began January 1, 2026 after a warning period. The scheduled fine is $100 (about $170 once the state surcharge and court costs are added), jumping to $500 if your use causes serious injury and $1,000 if it causes a death. Federal and state now align: mounted, voice or one touch, no holding even at a red light.
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: Hand-held use, including texting, banned for all drivers, primary enforcement (Iowa Code 321.276). The expanded hands-free law took effect July 1, 2025; officers issued warnings through Dec. 31, 2025 and citations from Jan. 1, 2026.
- Fine: $100 scheduled fine (about $170 once the state surcharge and court costs are added); $500 if your use causes serious injury, $1,000 if it causes a death (Iowa Code 321.276 and 805.8A; enhanced penalties 321.482A).
- Points: Iowa uses no traditional driver point system, but a conviction is a moving violation on your record. Federally it is a CSA serious violation: two in 3 years disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three for 120 (49 CFR 383.51).
Iowa Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Iowa?
What is the phone fine in Iowa?
Is texting while driving illegal in Iowa?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/805.8A.pdf. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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