Distracted driving has unfortunately become a norm in Colorado. It’s not hard to believe — it seems everywhere you look while on the road, a driver has their hands on their phone. But thanks to new legislation passed earlier this year, that’s about to change.
On Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, Colorado will enforce a new law making it illegal for drivers in Colorado to use a mobile device of any kind while driving, unless they use a hands-free accessory. Penalties for violating the law start with a $75 fine and two license suspension points for the first offense. Repeat offenders face higher fines and more license points.
Studies show that using a mobile device while driving increases the risk of a crash by two to six times. Distracted driving is not just a statistic – it’s a reality that affects us all. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation’s 2024 Driver Behavior Report, 77% of drivers statewide admitted to using their phones while driving. Distracted driving is the third cause of traffic-related crashes in Colorado, with 698 Coloradans losing their lives to distracted driving from 2013-2023.
As the January 2025 deadline approaches, it’s important to learn to use your car’s Bluetooth system, invest in a dashboard cellphone mount, and review the penalties for violating the law at codot.gov/handsfreeco.
Let’s start the new year with a resolution we can all get behind: safer roads for everyone. Drive hands-free and make Colorado’s roads a safer place for all travelers.