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Branstad Signs Texting-While-Driving Bill, Defends Effort to Ban Hand-Held Phones

Joyce Russell/IPR
Governor Branstad flanked by supporters of new stronger law banning texting while driving

Governor Branstad today signed what’s being called one of the strongest anti-texting laws in the country.  

It’s part of a broader effort to combat distracted driving, which is contributing to an increase in traffic fatalities in Iowa.

We did what we could. -Gov. Branstad

The bill will make texting while driving a primary offense so law enforcement can pull over a driver for looking at a hand-held screen for texts or social media or e-mail.   

In January, Branstad called for a ban on hand-held devices, but he did not sponsor a bill to do that.  

“We did what we could,” Branstad said.   “This is a legislative process that has to have bipartisan support, but there just weren’t enough votes to pass the hands-free bill.”  

With the bill, Iowa becomes one of the last states in the country to make texting while driving a primary offense.  

The new law bans using your phone for anything but navigation or a phone call. 

Credit Joyce Russell/IPR
Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds

Critics say enforcement of the new texting ban will be difficult, but Branstad says the hand-held ban is still a good idea.   

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds said she will work next year to get a ban passed on all hand-held devices.  

“We need to collect the data and continue to bring people on board,” Reynolds said.   “That would be the ultimate goal for me also.”

But a key state lawmaker said that won’t be easy.

“I doubt that we come back at it next year,” said Rep. Gary Worthan (R-Storm Lake), who agreed the votes were not there for passage this year.

The governor also signed legislation enhancing penalties when texting causes a fatal crash.   That bill will also crack down on first-offense drunk drivers.

“Together these two bills, which passed with strong bipartisan support, will make an impact on improving highway safety in our state,” Branstad said.