As 2026 begins, drivers in Iowa have even more reason to put down their phones while behind the wheel.

That’s because a law authored by state Rep. Ann Meyer, R-Fort Dodge, is now in full effect and law enforcement officers will be issuing tickets to anyone caught with a phone or other electronic device in their hand while driving.

The law, which Meyer had pushed for almost since taking office in 2019, actually went on the books on July 1, 2025. But it included a six-month grace period in which only warnings would be issued. That grace period is now over.

According to Meyer, about 1,000 warnings were issued.

“I think there’s a lot of warnings under people’s belts,” she said.

She said the public response to the law has actually been good.

“I have not heard any negative feedback at all,” she said.

Meyer was inspired to draft the legislation after hearing stories from constituents about crashes and near misses on the roads caused by drivers paying attention to their phones instead of paying attention to the road.

One of those crashes happened May 8, 2015, at Iowa Highway 175 and Samson Avenue in Webster County. Dave Castenson, of Harcourt, and his mother, Velma, were killed in that crash, which was caused by another driver who was texting.

Now, the use of a phone or any other electronic device while driving is illegal unless the device is in a hands-free mode.

The fine is $100 and it could be higher if the violator is involved in a wreck.

Using an electronic device while driving is classified as a moving violation. Anyone convicted of three moving violations in a 12-month period may have their license suspended.

The following are tips for safely and legally using electronic devices:

• Connect your phone to the vehicle’s Bluetooth system.

• Use the device’s speakerphone.

• Use voice-activated features like Siri or Google Assistant.

• Enter GPS addresses before starting to drive.

• Activate do not disturb or driving focus mode to minimize distractions.

Meyer said the bill was “a hard one to get across the finish line.” She added that the fact that Gov. Kim Reynolds mentioned it in her 2025 Condition of the State Address was very helpful.

Once the bill got to the floor of the House of Representatives, it passed by an 84-11 margin. It was approved by the state Senate by a 47-1 vote.

“Do I think it’s going to solve the problem entirely? No. We still have drunk drivers and drunk driving has been illegal for years. But I think it will definitely cut down on the crashes, deaths and injuries,” she said when Reynolds signed the bill into law last year.