Iowa Texting Ban Effective From Thursday On

Posted & filed under Auto Safety, distracted driving, Iowa Car Insurance.

Drivers in Iowa will be forced to reduce their in-car distractions on Thursday.

A new law banning adults from writing, reading, or sending text messages while they’re operating motor vehicles goes into effect beginning on July 1st. The law also restricts drivers under the age of eighteen from any kind of electronic communication while behind the wheel – including merely talking on cell phones.

Supporters of the new law say that behind-the-wheel texting is on part with driving while intoxicated, when ranking the types of distractions drivers face.

Under the terms of the ban, violators will be fined a minimum of $30, though that amount will increase if police determine that use of a cell phone contributed to an accident that caused injuries. Legislators are giving Iowa motorists a chance to adjust to the new strictures, however: for the first year, police will merely issue warnings.

Source: The Insurance Journal