A number of new laws take effect Saturday, including Iowa’s texting and driving ban.
The new law makes texting and driving a primary offense, meaning you can be pulled over just for being on your phone. It also applies to gaming and browsing the web. Drivers may still use GPS.
The Iowa State Patrol says they will have extra patrols out this holiday weekend, looking not only for drivers using their phones, but also for drunk drivers.
The new law will come with a $30 citation, but you’ll also incur $70.50 in court fees and surcharges, making the total penalty $100.50.
Enforcement of this law comes after Iowa saw it’s highest traffic fatality numbers in four years, with 405 deaths on Iowa’s roads last year, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Iowa becomes the 47th state to enact a texting and driving ban.
Also going into effect Saturday is an update to the homicide by vehicle statute. If someone dies in a crash you cause because you were using your phone, you can now face up to 10 years in prison.