(Spirit Lake)– If you’re used to fumbling around with your cell phone while at the same trying to drive, listen up. Some new laws take effect July 1st in Iowa that pertain to cell phone usage while driving.
Vince Kurtz of the Post Six Office of the Iowa State Patrol tells KUOO news one makes it illegal for drivers 17 or under or anyone with a restricted license to use a cell phone for any purpose while driving. That includes making or receiving calls and writing or reading text messages while driving.
The other makes it illegal for ALL drivers to write or read text messages while driving. In order to do that, Kurtz says you must be pulled over on the side of the road.
Kurtz says while cell phone usage ranks high among driver distractions, there are many others as well. He says it’s important drivers focus on the road when they’re behind the wheel.
