Iowa has no specific law banning cursing or swearing while driving. Claims of such a “weird law” appear to be urban myths or misattributions, with no supporting statutes in state code.​
Driving Regulations
Iowa enforces strict distracted driving rules, including a hands-free cellphone law effective July 2025, prohibiting holding devices while operating a vehicle (fines start at $100 from January 2026). Texting has been illegal since 2010, upgraded to primary enforcement in 2017.
Public Nuisance Laws
General disorderly conduct (Iowa Code § 718.4) covers abusive language that provokes violence or breaches peace, but this applies anywhere—not uniquely to driving—and requires intent to provoke. Road rage involving profanity could fall under reckless driving if it endangers others, but verbal cursing alone isn’t criminalized while driving.
