Iowa's New Driving Laws for 2026: Hands-Free Rule and 60 MPH Limit
What changed in Iowa driving law in 2025 and 2026?
Since July 1, 2025, one hands-free law covers every Iowa driver. Officers gave warnings until December 31, 2025, and citations began January 1, 2026, with a $100 scheduled fine. On July 1, 2026, the default speed limit rose from 55 to 60 mph. Since July 1, 2024, the special minor's restricted license (SMRL) has replaced the minor school license.
Where the Iowa law facts come from
The hands-free rules come from Iowa Code 321.276 and Code 805.8A, with dates from the Iowa Department of Public Safety release of June 25, 2025, its release of March 25, 2026, and the Governor's release of April 2, 2025. The speed limit rules come from Senate File 378 (Acts 2026, chapter 1132). The teen and SMRL facts come from Acts 2025, chapter 14, Acts 2024, chapter 1166, Code 321.194 and 321.191, the Iowa DOT fee table, the Iowa DOT intermediate license page and the Iowa Driver's License Manual (July 2026). The 2027 notes come from House File 2598, Senate File 2187 and Senate File 2426. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Iowa DOT (iowadot.gov) before you drive.
Iowa driving law changes from 2024 to 2027
| Change | Date it applies | Who it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Special minor's restricted license replaces the minor school license | July 1, 2024 | Teens ages 14 to 18 |
| Hands-free law starts (signed April 2, 2025), with warnings only | July 1, 2025 | All drivers |
| Warning period ends and citations begin | January 1, 2026 | All drivers |
| Default speed limit rises from 55 to 60 mph | July 1, 2026 | All drivers, where no other limit applies |
| New rules for commercial license applicants and for license or ID applicants without proof of U.S. citizenship | March 1, 2027, or earlier | Commercial drivers and some license or ID applicants |
Iowa hands-free law dates and the $100 fine
Governor Reynolds signed Senate File 22 on April 2, 2025, and the law took effect on July 1, 2025. Until December 31, 2025, officers had to give a warning instead of a citation. Citations began on January 1, 2026. By March 25, 2026, officers had issued over 2,400 citations and over 1,900 warnings. A violation is a simple misdemeanor and counts as a moving violation. The scheduled fine in Iowa Code 805.8A is $100.
What Iowa drivers cannot do with a phone while driving
- Hold, look at or operate a phone, tablet or other electronic device, unless the vehicle is at a complete stop off the traveled part of the road.
- Type, scroll or enter GPS coordinates by hand.
- Watch video that is not navigation, stream video, make a video call or use gaming data.
- Read a text or other electronic message, or a notification.
- Use the device beyond a single touch, unless you use voice commands.
Is this phone use legal in Iowa?
Teen drivers and phones follow the same Iowa law
On July 1, 2025, Senate File 22 removed the separate teen phone rules from Code 321.180B (instruction permit and intermediate license) and Code 321.194 (special minor's restricted license). Code 321.276 now applies to every driver at any age, with the same $100 scheduled fine. The Iowa DOT intermediate license page and the July 2026 Iowa Driver's License Manual still tell teens not to use a phone while driving. A ticket can also affect a teen's license, as our guide to Iowa teen driver penalties explains.
Iowa's default speed limit is now 60 mph
Iowa Code 321.285(3) sets the default speed limit for all traffic where no other rule sets a different limit. Senate File 378 raised it from 55 to 60 mph. The Governor approved the law on June 1, 2026, and it took effect on July 1, 2026. Always follow the posted limit, because a sign or another rule can set a different speed. Test yourself with a practice question on the default speed limit.
Iowa speed limits after July 1, 2026
| Road type | Limit | Changed in 2026? |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate highways | 70 mph | No |
| Other fully controlled-access, divided highways with several lanes | 65 mph | No |
| Residence or school districts | 25 mph | No |
| Default limit where no other limit applies | 60 mph | Yes, from 55 mph |
Speed sign stickers and small speeding tickets after July 1, 2026
Where the limit went up, road agencies may put DOT-approved stickers or overlays on old speed limit signs until the signs are replaced. An insurance company in Iowa cannot use your first two speeding tickets in a 12-month period to set your rate or to cancel your policy when each ticket was for 10 mph or less over the limit in a zone with a limit between 34 and 61 mph. For tickets on or after July 1, 2026, this range covers 60 mph zones.
The special minor's restricted license (SMRL) since July 1, 2024
- Senate File 2109 replaced the minor school license with the SMRL on July 1, 2024. Our SMRL guide has the full rules.
- A teen aged 14 to 18 can apply after holding a permit for at least six months.
- Trips are limited to 25 miles of driving distance. A public school student who lives in that school district may drive between home and school at any distance.
- A broken restriction, an at-fault crash, or one traffic conviction other than parking brings a three-month suspension.
- The fee in Iowa Code 321.191(6) is $8. The Iowa DOT fee table shows $16 for 4 years, so confirm the fee with the Iowa DOT before you pay.
Iowa laws that start in 2027
Three 2026 laws have rules that apply from March 1, 2027, or from an earlier date if the Iowa DOT announces that its new records system is ready. House File 2598 adds a human trafficking prevention course for people who apply for a first commercial driver's license. Senate File 2187 makes the DOT check the citizenship or immigration status of license and ID applicants who do not show proof of U.S. citizenship. Senate File 2426 adds an English language test for people who apply for or renew a commercial driver's license or permit. These laws do not change the hands-free or speed rules.
Key takeaways
- Iowa has one hands-free law (Code 321.276) for all drivers. Citations began January 1, 2026, and the scheduled fine is $100.
- Voice commands, Bluetooth, speakerphone and a single touch are allowed. Holding, typing, scrolling, reading messages and video are not.
- Teens follow the same law. Iowa DOT pages still tell teens not to use a phone while driving.
- The default speed limit is 60 mph from July 1, 2026. Interstates stay at 70 mph.
- Next step: practice the Iowa rules on our free Iowa Class C practice test, which is in English only.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my phone for GPS while driving in Iowa?
Yes, in hands-free mode. You may use a phone mount, voice commands and a single touch to start or stop navigation. You may not hold the phone or enter GPS coordinates by hand while you drive. A navigation system built into the vehicle is not covered by the law when you set the destination before you drive.
Can I hold my phone at a red light in Iowa?
No. The law allows you to hold or use a phone only when your vehicle is at a complete stop off the traveled part of the road. At a red light you are still on the road, so stay hands-free until you pull off the road and stop.
Can I get a ticket for reading a text message while driving in Iowa?
Yes. Hands-free mode does not include reading a text, another electronic message or a notification, so reading one while you drive breaks the law. Citations began on January 1, 2026. The scheduled fine is $100, and the ticket counts as a moving violation.
Can a teen with a permit or intermediate license use Bluetooth in Iowa?
Under the law, yes. Since July 1, 2025, the same hands-free rule applies to every driver, and voice-activated or hands-free use such as Bluetooth is not a violation. The Iowa DOT intermediate license page and the July 2026 driver's manual still tell teen drivers not to use a phone while driving, so ask the Iowa DOT if you are not sure.
What is the speed limit on Iowa interstates after July 1, 2026?
It is still 70 mph. Senate File 378 changed only the default limit, from 55 to 60 mph. Other fully controlled-access, divided highways with several lanes stay at 65 mph, and residence or school districts stay at 25 mph. Always follow the posted limit.
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