Sheriff: hands-free law enforcement starts with warnings through Jan. 1; fireworks rules reiterated

Des Moines County Sheriff Kevin Martin Manning updated the Board of Supervisors on July 1 about enforcement of the new statewide hands-free law and county fireworks guidance ahead of July 3–4 celebrations.

Manning said the hands-free law took effect July 1 and that enforcement will start with warnings only through Jan. 1; officers may still stop drivers for violations and issue warnings during the initial enforcement period. He described the law as aimed at promoting safety and told residents to keep phones out of their hands while driving.

On fireworks, Manning reminded residents that local ordinances control where and when consumer fireworks can be used. He said consumer fireworks may be used on private property on July 3 and July 4 within city limits if they follow local ordinances; for county areas outside city limits, he said consumer fireworks are allowed until July 8 under the county code, and that use on roads, public property or another person’s property would be trespassing or prohibited.

Manning also provided a brief staffing update and noted that the jail population included 14 out-of-county inmates that morning; no further action was taken by the board on these items.