Multiple States Dial-up Crackdown on Cell Phone Use While Driving
Most states have strict laws in place to prevent distracted driving through cell phone use, and Iowa and Louisiana are the latest to join this effort. Since July 1, Iowa drivers have been prohibited from using a phone while driving, except for hands-free operation. Louisiana's new distracted driving law imposes the same rules, but takes effect on August 1.
Sgt. Alex Dinkla, public information officer for the Iowa State Patrol, explained that drivers don't need to buy a new smartphone to comply with the state's new law via platforms like Apple CarPlay. Instead, he recommended Bluetooth, auxiliary cables, and phone mounts as ways that more drivers can comply with the latest enforcement, IPR reports. Iowa police will issue warnings for the first months of enforcement so motorists can adjust their habits. However, starting January 1, the state's police can give $100 citations. Iowa's new law outlines exceptions for emergencies and certain employees, including those in public safety and public transit. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, over 900 crashes occurred last year due to drivers being distracted by their phones or other electronic devices.
Iowa state line sign —
Source: Getty
Louisiana's new law also provides exceptions for emergencies and certain employees in addition to calls for reporting traffic collisions. Officials in Louisiana passed the law as part of the state's effort to lower high auto insurance costs, as fewer distracted drivers naturally pose less risk for insurers. Louisiana lawmakers made efforts before this year's legislative session to ban cell phone use while driving except for hands-free operation, but progress stalled over concerns that police would use the rule as an excuse to perform traffic stops and vehicle searches. The law eventually passed when Louisiana legislators added a provision preventing police from conducting searches or making arrests based solely on a cell phone use violation, according to the Louisiana Illuminator. Drivers who violate Louisiana's new distracted driving law face a fine of up to $100, but this amount increases to a $250 maximum citation if the offense occurs in a school or construction zone.
Pennsylvania preceded Iowa and Louisiana's laws
On June 5, Pennsylvania also started enforcing a ban on handheld use of a cell phone, tablet, or any other electronic device while driving, including at a red light. Iowa's law allows for handheld cell phone usage if a car is stationary, but the vehicle must be off a traveled portion of the road. Conversely, Louisiana's new legislation appears to permit handheld cell phone use if a car is stationary at a stoplight. Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation reported 9,950 crashes caused by distracted driving last year, which resulted in more than 6,000 injuries and 49 fatalities, according to Pennsylvania Capital-Star. The warning period for Pennsylvania's enforcement extends further than Iowa or Louisiana, with fines of up to $50 starting in June 2026.
Louisiana State Trooper car —
Source: Getty
Final thoughts
Currently, 31 states, along with the District of Columbia, outlaw handheld cellphone use while driving. While Louisiana, Iowa, and Pennsylvania's new bans aim to increase road safety, Louisiana stands out with its desire to also use the legislation as a way to reduce car insurance costs. Insure.com rates Louisiana as the most expensive U.S. state for auto insurance, with an annual cost of $2,883 for a full coverage policy.
About the Author
Cody Carlson View Profile
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
4 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Billy Joel closing beloved motorcycle shop amid 'scary' brain disorder health battle
is preparing to part ways with a major passion project as he continues to navigate a serious health condition. The legendary musician, 76, will shut down his Long Island motorcycle shop, 20th Century Cycles, in late September and auction off his extensive collection of bikes later this year, his representative Claire Mercuri confirmed to the Associated Press. The decision comes months after Joel revealed he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a neurological disorder that affects balance, vision, and hearing. Joel first disclosed his diagnosis in May, sharing that symptoms had been 'exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance.' Under medical guidance, he has been undergoing physical therapy and has been advised to step away from performing. As a result, all of his scheduled shows through July 2026 have been canceled. According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH occurs when excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates inside the skull and puts pressure on the brain. The condition primarily impacts older adults and is typically treated by surgically implanting a shunt to drain the fluid. Joel's shop in Oyster Bay opened in 2010 and quickly became a destination for motorcycle enthusiasts and tourists alike. The facility served not only as a workshop for restoring and customizing bikes but also as a gallery showcasing his personal collection — which includes more than 75 motorcycles spanning decades and brands such as Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Indian, and BMW. Among the most notable pieces is a rare 1952 Vincent Rapide, a model that can command tens of thousands of dollars at auction. In a 2013 YouTube video filmed at the shop, the singer explained his motivation for opening the space. 'It's basically promoting an aesthetic here. I like older style. I like the automotive style from the '30s to the '60s. I wanted to collect a whole bunch of those kinds of bikes, put 'em in one place and let people see what that era of bike looked like. Because it's starting to be a lost aesthetic,' he told fans. Joel added that the venture was also a way to boost the local economy in Oyster Bay, the upscale waterfront community where he grew up just miles away in Hicksville. 'I've been living in this community for a long time,' he said in the video. 'I actually grew up not far from here. And I'd like to get a little interest going into the town and the village.' The town has embraced him in return. In 2023, part of the street where 20th Century Cycles sits was renamed Billy Joel Way. Joel's passion for motorcycles stretches back decades, though it has not been without risk. In 1982, he was badly injured on Long Island when a car ran a red light and struck his bike, leaving him with a dislocated wrist and an injured thumb. He recovered after a month in the hospital and remained an avid rider, often using motorcycles to participate in charity events supporting causes such as 9/11 first responders and breast cancer research. While Joel has been spending more time in South Florida, he still maintains homes on Long Island, including a Centre Island estate currently listed for $29.9 million. A date for the auction of his motorcycles has yet to be announced. Billy's illustrious career as a musician began back in the mid-1960s, which led to the release of debut studio album, Cold Spring Harbor (1971). But it failed to gain any real traction until after the success of his follow-up, Piano Man (1973), that peaked at number 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Adult Contemporary singles chart. Now an established name on the musical landscape, Joel became a million seller with the release of Streetlife Serenade (1974), but his commercial breakout making him a bonafide star came with the release of The Stranger (1977), which featured the hit singles Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), Just The Way You Are, She's Always a Woman, The Stranger, and Only The Good Die Young. He would go on to release a 13th album - Fantasies & Delusions (2001) - that features classical compositions from Joel, a first for him during his career. With over 160 million records sold worldwide, Billy Joel is one of the world's best-selling musical artists, and the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States.
Auto Blog
33 minutes ago
- Auto Blog
This Is The Cheapest V8-Powered SUV You Can Buy Right Now
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. View post: This Might Be The Most Beautiful Aston Martin DBS We've Ever Seen View post: Amazon Has an 'Excellent' Cordless Drill for 40% Off, and It's 'Simple to Operate' Only three invite-only units of the Gunther Werks GWX will be built, blending bespoke 993 styling with a 440-hp flat-six goodness. A tariff fight has left Hyundai's Santa Cruz stranded, leaving dealers empty-handed and customers waiting for trucks parked just a few hours away. Accessible V8s are rare, but here's one of them In recent months, the V8 engine has had a bit of a revival. Dodge's CEO hinted that the Hemi V8 would be returning to the new Charger, while Jeep will be expanding the availability of its V8 across its range. Before that, Ram reintroduced the V8 engine option for its 1500 pickup. What hasn't changed is that the average V8-powered vehicle is pretty pricey to buy. That brings us to the subject of this piece: If you want a practical SUV but are desperate for the roar of a V8, what's the cheapest model you can buy, and how much is it? 2026 Dodge Durango GT Is The Cheapest V8 SUV Dodge just announced that the Hemi V8 engine is now standard across the entire 2026 Durango lineup, replacing the previous V6 on lower trims. With an MSRP of $42,495, that makes the 2026 Dodge Durango GT the cheapest V8-powered SUV you can buy right now—pictured above is the 2025 Durango GT, as Dodge hasn't yet shared images of the updated GT. By providing your email address, you agree that it may be used pursuant to Arena Group's Privacy Policy. We may receive compensation. The GT has a slightly detuned version of the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, but it still packs a punch with 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque; that's 22% more power and 50% more torque than the previous V6. Not only does it sound a lot better, but the 0-60 time drops from 7.4 to 6.2 seconds. For even more power, the Durango R/T produces 475 hp and 470 lb-ft from its Hemi V8, and still costs under $50,000. Nothing else in the segment comes close to that kind of power. Most three-row rivals have turbo-fours or V6s making under 300 hp. Mazda will sell you a 340-horsepower I6 version of its CX-90, but that costs over $50k. A Practical SUV With Cool Styling Source: Stellantis Not only is the base Durango GT quicker than its rivals, but it's also practical and not boring to look at, despite how long it has been around. It has 33.5 inches of third-row legroom, which is not class-leading but fine for kids. The cargo area behind the third row measures 17.2 cubic feet, rising to 43.3 cubic feet behind the second row. Dodge hasn't yet released the full specification sheet for 2026 Durangos, but it should at least match the 2025 model. For the GT, expect LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels. The 2025 model had a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, three-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating, and the user-friendly UConnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Dealer orders for the cheapest 2026 Durango (and the SRT Hellcat with 710 hp) have already opened, and these models will arrive at dealerships in the fourth quarter. Orders for the R/T will open later in the year. Final Thoughts Source: Stellantis The cheapest Dodge Durango is not the best vehicle in its class. If you want something more luxurious, get a Mazda CX-90. Models like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Kia Telluride are more practical and come with a more generous list of features, while incorporating more modern interfaces. But none of these three-row rivals are nearly as fun or refreshingly old-school as the Durango GT V8. That Hemi V8 adds a level of driver appeal and performance that's largely missing in this segment and at this price point, and as long as you're okay with the relatively high fuel bills, the 2026 Durango is easily the enthusiast's choice in this class. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Michael Jordan's ugly legal battle with NASCAR presses on as judge rules on 'falsifying documents' claim
A judge denied a motion filed by NASCAR in a legal battle between the stock car racing circuit and two of its race teams - including one owned by NBA icon Michael Jordan. Jordan's 23XI Racing joined forces with Front Row Motorsports (FRM) to file a lawsuit against NASCAR last October - alleging that the governing body's actions violate anti-trust laws. The lawsuit accuses NASCAR and the France family (which has owned and operated the league since inception) of monopolizing American stock car racing. The family has denied this claim. The ongoing suit has been brutal and is set for trial proceedings to begin on December 1. On Monday, a judge in North Carolina passed down an important ruling in the case. NASCAR demanded that the court issue an order to show cause - forcing 23XI, FRM, and their lawyers to explain why sanctions shouldn't be imposed against them for presenting 'manufactured evidence'. On Monday, the court denied the racing organization's motion for an order requiring the two teams to show cause. In the motion, NASCAR's attorneys accused the plaintiffs of making false statements in declarations made in December 2024 - as well as manufacturing evidence which was submitted to support a second motion for a preliminary injunction. The racing circuit presented messages from the agent of 23XI owner and current Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin, 23XI president Steve Lauletta, 23XI drivers Bubba Wallace and Corey Heim, FRM owner Bob Jenkins, and FRM general manager Jerry Freeze. NASCAR also accused one of the plaintiff's attorneys of writing emails which 'were false' and were relied upon to grant an injunction which has since been vacated after an appeal from the racing organization. 23XI and FRM's lawyer, Jeffrey Kessler, dismissed NASCAR's claim as 'another baseless distraction intended to try to divert the Court's attention from the overwhelming evidence that demonstrates that Jim France and NASCAR have been operating an unlawful monopoly that has hurt not just my clients, but all of stock car racing.' The suit filed against NASCAR accuses the league of monopolizing American stock car racing by owning a majority of the tracks NASCAR races on, imposing exclusivity deals on NASCAR-sanctioned tracks, acquiring its biggest competitor (ARCA), preventing teams from participating in any other stock car races, and forcing teams to buy parts from single-source suppliers chosen by the racing organization. Also central to the suit is the 'charter system' - where teams pay tens of millions of dollars per car for the right to a guaranteed starting spot and a share of a preferred purse. While locking down that starting spot is important in the search for sponsorships, the cost of charters have fluctuated through the years. It's believed to have cost about $30m per charter this year. FRM and 23XI are the only two teams who declined to sign a new charter arrangement which runs from 2025 to 2031. Tyler Reddick (L) is currently the lead driver in the points standings for 23XI Motorsports Speaking on the suit last season, Jordan said, 'Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor, and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track. 'I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans. Today's action shows I'm willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.' Both FRM and 23XI are still racing in NASCAR for the 2025 season. 23XI has four drivers: Tyler Reddick (7th in driver's standings), Wallace (10th in standings), Riley Herbst (35th), and Burt Myers (42nd). FRM's three drivers - Zane Smith, Todd Gilliland and Noah Gragson - are 27th, 31st, and 33rd respectively.
