Texting while driving in Iowa is now a primary offense. That means you can be stopped for sending or receiving a text message even if the officer has no other reason to stop you. “Siri–send a text message to my wife,” and “Siri–read my new text messages,” are still permitted, as Iowa’s new law (effective on July 1st) makes an exception for “voice-operated or hands-free devices” which allow the user to write, send, or view an electronic message “without the use of either hand except to activate or deactivate a feature or function.” Iowa’s tougher new laws go one step further to keep the roadways safe, making use of a cell phone to text while driving “prima facie evidence that the person was driving the motor vehicle in a reckless manner with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” What does this mean for Iowa drivers? You better make Siri your BFF–if you injure or kill another person due to texting while driving, it will be much easier for prosecutors to send you to prison! For more information, click here.