Police outline enforcement approach for Iowa's new hands-free driving law and THC open-container rule

Sergeant Kamschar summarized recent state legal changes that affect local traffic enforcement, telling the committee the new hands-free rule is codified under Iowa Code 321.276 and consolidates previous device-related violations. "So now all of the code is under 3 21 2 76, and the new law prohibits or states that you cannot hold any kind of electronic device while driving motor vehicle," he said.
Kamschar said the law is a primary-stop offense, meaning officers can stop a vehicle when they see a driver holding a device; the fine begins at $100 and a warning period is in effect from July 1 until 01/01/2026, during which officers may stop drivers but typically issue warnings rather than citations. "Currently, from July 1 till 01/01/2026 is a warning period," Kamschar said.
He also summarized an update to open-container rules prompted by THC- and hemp-infused drinks: those beverages are treated like alcoholic beverages if found open in a vehicle, citing Iowa Code 321.284 as the relevant provision. "If there's open can of 1 of those kind of beverages... then they would be cited with, 3 21, 2 84," he said, and noted that underage possession of THC drinks would be charged under underage-possession statutes.
Council members asked about enforcement volume and court impacts. Councilmember Villanorini and Vianney raised implementation concerns, including whether voice-command technology and vehicle equipment would be adequate for all drivers and how many warnings had been issued; Kamschar said officers are issuing warnings and that he personally had written about three warnings since July. "They are definitely being it is being enforced and warnings are being given," he said.
No committee vote was taken; the briefing described enforcement guidance and department practice.