DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- It's now illegal for drivers younger than 18 to use a cell phone while behind the wheel and for older motorists to send or read text and e-mail messages.
Gov. Chet Culver signed the restriction into law Thursday, about a week after the Legislature approved the measure.
The new law will require that younger drivers not use cell phones for any purpose while driving. Drivers older than 18 could use phones but couldn't read or write text or e-mails.
The law takes effect this year but officers only will issue warnings until July 1. Violators would face a $30 fine, with that cost increasing in cases involving serious accidents.
Iowa becomes the 21st state to enact a texting-while-driving ban.
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