April 14, 2026
DES MOINES, Iowa - For Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) partnered with the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force (CITSTF), and law enforcement agencies across the state to enforce Iowa's Hands-Free Driving Law. Taking place April 6-10, this dedicated project was part of a national distracted driving enforcement wave and was conducted with the goal of educating drivers about the importance of driving distraction-free.
Over the project period, law enforcement across the state issued 551 hands-free citations and 329 hands-free warnings for a total of 880 hands-free driver violations.
Since the citation period began on January 1, 2026, more than 3,600 citations and 3,100 warnings have been issued. The law prohibits the use of electronic devices beyond a single touch while driving unless they are used in a hands-free mode. The passing of this law is a key factor that contributed to the historic low number of traffic fatalities recorded in 2025.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce death and injury on Iowa roads using federally funded grants.
ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes seven divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state, and federal government agencies and the private sector to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service, and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Professional Development and Support Services Division, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E. 7th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
215 E 7th St
Des Moines, IA 50319