Idaho is now a ‘hands free while driving’ state

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

Idaho joined Indiana and South Dakota on July 1 to become the 22nd state in the U.S. to prohibit hand-held cell phone use while driving.

The law passed the Idaho Legislature earlier this year, and took effect July 1, requiring that all electronic devices be in hands-free mode while driving — even when stopped at a red light or stop sign. Activation of GPS, voice-to-text and making or receiving calls will now be permitted only with voice command in hands-free mode.

Included in the bill, introduced by Rep. Joe Palmer, R-Meridian, was a stipulation that prevented any city or county from passing their own local laws addressing the issue, according to the Idaho Statesman.

ISP told the Statesman that law enforcement officers will issue warnings until Dec. 31 to educate drivers about the new law. Citations will be issued starting Jan. 1, 2021.