Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2337

Introduced
2/14/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to traffic violations and enforcement, including the use of an electronic device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode while driving and the use of automated or remote systems for traffic law enforcement, providing penalties, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 3016.)

Impact

The bill has significant implications for state traffic laws by designating violations related to the use of electronic devices while driving as moving violations, which can contribute to the administrative suspension of a driver's license and the establishment of habitual offender status. Furthermore, it increases the fine for such violations from $45 to $100, reinforcing the state's commitment to improving driving behavior and increasing safety on the roads. The change in classification also means that newly defined violations could be treated with more severity under the law.

Summary

Senate File 2337 addresses changes to traffic laws in Iowa, particularly focusing on the use of electronic devices while driving and the enforcement of traffic violations through automated systems. The bill broadens the existing prohibition on the use of handheld electronic devices to encompass any electronic device usage while driving. Exceptions are made for specific circumstances, including emergency situations and for individuals performing public safety duties. This new regulation aims to enhance road safety by reducing distractions for drivers.

Contention

A notable point of contention in Senate File 2337 is the prohibition of automated traffic enforcement systems, which are set to be invalidated after July 2025. Critics of this provision argue that automated enforcement enhances compliance with traffic laws and improves public safety by reducing human error in law enforcement. Proponents of the bill, however, contend that this is necessary to protect citizen rights and prevent overreach in enforcement practices. The discussion surrounding this aspect highlights the ongoing debate between convenience and accountability in law enforcement.

Companion Bills

IA SSB3016

Related A bill for an act relating to traffic violations and enforcement, including the use of an electronic device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode while driving and the use of automated or remote systems for traffic law enforcement, providing penalties, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2337.)

IA HSB668

Related A bill for an act relating to traffic violations and enforcement, including the use of an electronic device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode while driving and the use of automated or remote systems for traffic law enforcement, providing penalties, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.

Previously Filed As

IA HF827

A bill for an act relating to the use of an electronic device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode while driving, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HSB 64.)

IA SF22

A bill for an act relating to the use of an electronic device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode while driving, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable. Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HSB64

A bill for an act relating to the use of an electronic device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode while driving, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 827.)

IA SF2288

A bill for an act concerning speed-related driving violations, providing penalties, making penalties applicable, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SF 2030.)

IA HF764

A bill for an act relating to the collection of fines issued for excessive speed violations detected by an automated or remote system for traffic law enforcement, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HF 3.)

IA HF649

A bill for an act relating to human trafficking including services and prostitution, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 189.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HF741

A bill for an act relating to human trafficking including law enforcement intervention and victims, and making penalties applicable.

IA SF259

A bill for an act limiting the release of personal information for traffic violations observed by an out-of-state traffic camera, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SF 51.)

IA HF3

A bill for an act relating to the collection of fines issued for excessive speed violations detected by an automated or remote system for traffic law enforcement, and including applicability provisions.(See HF 764.)

IA SF2284

A bill for an act relating to the use of automated systems that detect traffic violations or registration plate information, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly SF 2034.)

Similar Bills

IA SF22

A bill for an act relating to the use of an electronic device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode while driving, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable. Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HSB64

A bill for an act relating to the use of an electronic device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode while driving, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 827.)

IA HF827

A bill for an act relating to the use of an electronic device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode while driving, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HSB 64.)

KS HB2467

Prohibiting past convictions or sanctions for failure to comply with a traffic citation that are more than five years old from being considered by courts and the division of vehicles in determining suspended or restricted driving privileges and eliminating certain notice requirements for the division of vehicles.

KS HB2654

Prohibiting past sanctions for failure to comply with a traffic citation that are more than five years old from being considered by courts or the division of vehicles in determining suspended or restricted driving privileges and eliminating certain notice requirements for the division of vehicles related to suspended or restricted drivers' licenses.

CA AB2261

Protective orders.

CA AB1889

Protective orders.

CA AB285

Criminal procedure: protective orders.