Governor Culver Signs Ban on Texting While Driving
Press Release
Governor Chet Culver today signed House File 2456, legislation that bans texting for all drivers and bans all cell phone use for drivers with restricted or intermediate licenses. The Governor was joined by state troopers and area police officers, state officials on public safety, transportation and public health, and Democratic and Republican legislators.
"As Governor, my top priority is public safety," Governor Culver said. "Distracted driving is a serious danger on Iowa's roads. This law will be an important tool for law enforcement in keeping the roads safe. It's a common-sense, bipartisan bill that will save lives, and keep Iowa drivers safe -- especially our young people.
The law has two main parts. First, it prohibits drivers with an instruction permit, restricted license or intermediate license (predominantly teenagers) from using a cell phone at all (texting or talking) while driving. Second, the law prohibits all drivers from writing, sending, or reading text messages unless the vehicle is pulled over off of the road.
The following actions are still allowed under the law: using a GPS device, dialing a phone number, turning a phone on or off, and reading texts concerning emergency, traffic or weather alerts. Public safety and health care professionals performing their official duties and responding to emergencies are exempted from the law. Also, devices that are built into vehicles or operated through a permanent part of a vehicle, such as electronics in cars or communication tools used by professional truck drivers, are exempt.
The law goes into effect on July 1, 2010. Law enforcement officers will only issue warnings during the first year the law is in effect, to allow for driver education and adjustment. Violation of these provisions is a simple misdemeanor, with a fine of $30. The penalties for violations that result in serious injury or death are a $500 fine/90-day suspension and a $1,000 fine/180-day suspension respectively. This applies to violations of both sets of provisions (those for all drivers and those for drivers with restricted/intermediate licenses).
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