Nearly 600 Hands-Free Violations Reported in Sioux County in First Quarter of 2026

Iowa's hands-free driving law has led to hundreds of citations and warnings in the first three months of 2026.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:05am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred, warm-toned shapes and colors representing drivers in their vehicles, conveying the hazy, unfocused nature of distracted driving.As Iowa's hands-free driving law aims to curb the dangerous habit of distracted driving, enforcement efforts continue to evolve across the state.Sioux Center Today

Iowa's hands-free driving law, which prohibits holding or using a cell phone or other electronic device while driving, has resulted in 285 citations and 290 warnings issued by law enforcement agencies in Sioux County, Iowa during the first quarter of 2026. Statewide, over 3,600 citations and 3,100 warnings have been issued over the same time period as enforcement efforts continue.

Why it matters

The hands-free law aims to improve road safety by reducing distracted driving, which remains a major concern. While some agencies are taking an education-first approach, the data shows a shift toward more citations as the law becomes more established.

The details

The Iowa State Patrol accounted for the majority of citations in Sioux County, while local agencies reported more warnings. Sioux County Sheriff Nate Huizenga says his office is still focused on education as drivers adjust to the new law, using discretion in how violations are handled.

  • The hands-free driving law took effect in Iowa on July 1, 2025.
  • Full enforcement of the law began on January 1, 2026 after a six-month warning period.
  • The data covers the first quarter of 2026, from January 1 through March 31.

The players

Iowa State Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that issued the majority of citations in Sioux County for hands-free driving violations.

Nate Huizenga

The Sioux County Sheriff who says his office is taking an education-first approach as drivers adjust to the new law.

Kevin Krull

An Iowa State Trooper who says distracted driving remains a major safety concern and compares phone use behind the wheel to briefly taking your eyes off the road.

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What they’re saying

“Distracted driving remains a major safety concern and compares phone use behind the wheel to briefly taking your eyes off the road.”

— Kevin Krull, Iowa State Trooper

“While drivers are beginning to change habits, deputies are still seeing people using their phones behind the wheel.”

— Nate Huizenga, Sioux County Sheriff

What’s next

Enforcement efforts are expected to continue in the coming months as agencies work to educate drivers and change behaviors around hands-free driving.

The takeaway

The hands-free driving law in Iowa has led to hundreds of citations and warnings in Sioux County as law enforcement agencies work to curb distracted driving and improve road safety, though some are taking a more education-focused approach as drivers adjust to the new rules.