Governor Reynolds signed SF 22 into law today, a bill that requires Iowans to use Bluetooth or voice-activated ‘hands-free’ technology while driving. The new law will take effect July 1st, 2025. The Governor expressed strong support for this measure in her Condition of the State speech earlier this year. Iowa is now the 31st state in the country to have a hands-free law.
SF 22 will save lives and make Iowa’s roads safer for everyone – particularly cyclists and pedestrians. In 2024 alone, the Iowa DOT crash analysis tool reported 374 bike-related crashes, resulting in four fatalities, 51 serious injuries, and 194 minor injuries.
Joining the Governor at the bill signing were Iowans who have lost family members and loved ones to distracted driving, including the families of Roland Taylor, Kristina Collora Pearson, Jenny Buls-Vrba, and Ellen Bengsten. Also in attendance were law enforcement officers, members of the End Distracted Driving Coalition, Kevin Knape of the Tall Dog Bike Club, and Iowa Bicycle Coalition board members Larry Loss and Von Ketelsen.
Luke Hoffman, Executive Director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, said, “This legislation will save lives and make our roads safer for all Iowans. This was truly a team effort. We are grateful to Governor Reynolds for taking a stand against distracted driving this legislative session and promoting public safety on our shared roadways. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition was proud to work with Gov. Reynolds, Sen. Lofgren, Rep. Meyer, Rep. Young, and the other critical partners from our End Distracted Driving Coalition who all helped to get this legislation over the finish line.”
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition has been a strong advocate for this legislation along with their partners in the End Distracted Driving Coalition, a statewide group of more than 28 organizations including representatives from law enforcement, business, healthcare, labor, transportation, and insurance sectors. The coalition's mission is to reduce distracted driving by passing a comprehensive hands-free driving law in Iowa. By uniting diverse voices, the coalition raises awareness, promotes safer roads, and has helped pass this critical legislation during the 2025 Iowa legislative session.
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is a statewide nonprofit organization in Iowa that advocates for safe, enjoyable, and accessible bicycling in Iowa through education, events, better policy, and building a community of supporters. Our vision is that bicycling in Iowa is safe, enjoyable, and accessible for all. You can learn more at www.Iowabicyclecoalition.org