Hands-Free Driving Law and New Age Requirement for Intrastate CDL HazMat Drivers Effective July 1

Hands-Free Driving Law and New Age Requirement for Intrastate CDL HazMat Drivers Effective July 1

Today, Iowa’s new hands-free driving law will take effect. For years, FUELIowa members CDL drivers have operated commercial motor vehicles while complying with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations hands-free requirement for electronic communication devices. With the implementation of Iowa’s new hands-free driving requirement, members of the public will now be subject to similar requirements under state law. FUELIowa was proud to support Iowa’s hands-free driving law during the 2025 Iowa Legislative Session. We believe the implementation of Iowa’s hands-free driving law will make the roads safer for our drivers and the general public alike.

Additionally, July 1 marks the date on which the age requirement for intrastate CDL HazMat drivers is officially lowered from 21 to 18 for drivers operating intrastate and within a 150 air-mile radius of their business. FUELIowa applauds the Iowa Legislature for their support in passing this critical piece of legislation. For years, FUELIowa and other industry groups have advocated for policies focused on expanding the eligible pool of CDL drivers. By lowering the age by which a CDL holder can obtain a hazardous material endorsement, Iowa is opening the doors to a career in driving to an untapped pool of adults seeking to enter a skilled trade. FUELIowa was proud to support this critical piece of legislation, and we believe it will have a lasting impact on Iowa’s fuel distribution network.

For more hands-free resources, please visit https://dps.iowa.gov/hands-free-law-materials or DriveSmartIowa.com.