The problem of distracted driving in Colorado is severe. In 2020 alone, over 10,000 crashes involved distracted drivers, leading to 1,476 injuries and 68 deaths. Despite these grim statistics, more than 90 percent of Colorado drivers admit to driving distracted. Nationally, texting while driving is six times more dangerous than drunk driving. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) emphasizes that distracted driving encompasses more than just phone use; it includes any activity that takes a driver’s eyes or mind off the road, such as eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers.

Key Provisions of the New Hands-Free Law (Effective January 1, 2025):

No Handheld Device Use: Drivers will no longer be permitted to hold or manually operate a cellphone or similar device while behind the wheel, regardless of whether they are making a call, texting, checking directions, or Browse.

Hands-Free Requirement: All device use must be hands-free, utilizing technologies like Bluetooth, a dashboard mount, or car-integrated systems such as CarPlay or Android Auto.

No Manual Typing, Texting, or Emailing: Manual typing, texting, emailing, or scrolling on a device is strictly prohibited for all drivers.

Rules for Drivers Under 18: For drivers under the age of 18, the rules are even more stringent: they are not allowed to use a phone at all while driving, even hands-free, unless it’s an emergency.

Exceptions to the Law:

Drivers are permitted to use their phones in emergency situations, such as reporting a fire, serious accident, road hazard, medical emergency, or criminal activity. Additionally, the following individuals are exempt while performing official duties:

• Utility workers
• Emergency responders
• Animal protection officers
• Code enforcement officials
• Commercial drivers operating commercial vehicles (specific regulations may apply)

The law also does not apply when a vehicle is parked and not in motion.

Penalties for Violations:

The penalties for violating the new law vary depending on the type of violation and the driver’s age:

• General Violations (Adult Drivers): A $75 fine and two points on your license for the first offense. Repeat violations will incur higher fines and more points.
• First-Time Dismissal: A first-time citation may be dismissed if the driver provides proof of purchasing a hands-free device after the ticket. This offers drivers an opportunity to comply without facing long-term penalties.
• Minor Drivers (Under 18): A $50 fine and one point for a first offense, and $100 and one point for subsequent offenses.
• Class 2 Misdemeanor Traffic Offense (Adults): Using a phone to manually send or read text messages is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, carrying a $300 fine and four license points.
• Serious Consequences: If the distracted driving leads to injury or death, it becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

CDOT’s “Shift into Safe” Campaign:

CDOT is actively promoting behavior change through its “Shift into Safe” campaign, featuring local voices like Dr. Molly Thiessen and Triny Willerton. The campaign highlights the dangers of distracted driving through relatable scenarios, such as Willerton’s experience nearly hitting cyclists because a driver was distracted by unwrapping a sandwich. These stories underscore how quickly a moment of distraction can lead to life-altering consequences.

By implementing this comprehensive new law and continuing public awareness campaigns, Colorado aims to significantly reduce distracted driving incidents and create safer roads for everyone.

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