DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Public Safety is seeking to ban the use of mobile phones for drivers in moving vehicles.
Under a new bill that will be introduced in the Iowa Legislature, a person shall not an electronic communication device while driving a motor vehicle unless the motor vehicle is at a complete stop off the traveled portion of the roadway.
A person would not violate this law by using a global positioning system or navigation system or by using an electronic communication device in a hands-free or voice-activated mode. Also, persons in law enforcement or public safety would be exempt. The new law does not authorize
a peace officer to confiscate a portable an electronic communication device from the driver or occupant of a motor vehicle.
The 2015 legislative session begins January 12, and this is one of many bills being filed ahead of time.
In 2014, the the Iowa House – controlled by Republicans – failed to advance a bill that would’ve banned texting while driving.