Victims join CDOT to launch “Heads Up, Phones Down, Colorado!” campaign

News Release

Dec. 6, 2025 - Colorado - New ‘hands-free’ law expected to reduce crashes

Víctimas de conductores distraídos acompañan a CDOT en el lanzamiento de la campaña “Manos en el volante, no en el celular” en español

Email [email protected] for media kit, to be finalized by 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6.

Statewide — Victims of distracted driving crashes are helping CDOT underscore the importance of Colorado’s new hands-free law. Effective Jan. 1, using a cellphone or other mobile device for any reason while driving is illegal in Colorado, unless a hands-free accessory is used. That includes making phone calls, texting or handling your phone in any way when you’re behind the wheel, requiring all drivers to use a hands-free device.

On Aug. 2, 2023, 10-year-old Oliver (“Ollie”) Stratton was hit and killed by a distracted driver while crossing the road on his bike in Larimer County. The driver who struck Ollie in the intersection was texting and driving at the time of the incident.

“Distracted driving is a silent epidemic that is claiming lives and devastating families. We miss our 10-year-old son Ollie dearly and grieve with those who have lost loved ones to this preventable crisis,” said Clarissa Stratton, the mother of Oliver Stratton. “Colorado’s new hands-free law is a crucial step toward safer roads. Let’s all work to prioritize road safety by committing to undivided attention when driving. I ask that you do it for our Ollie.”

Robye Nothnagel, another victim of distracted driving, was struck in Denver in 2017 as she crossed the street. The driver was an 18-year-old teen who was texting. As a result of the incident, her pelvis was broken in four places and her tibia was shattered. Roybe still faces struggles in her recovery, such as nerve damage and daily pain from her injuries.

“As the victim of a texting crash, I am thankful that we finally passed a law that it is against the law to hold a phone while driving,” said Robye. “Too many people die or are injured due to distracted drivers. Be safe out there.”

Studies show that using a mobile device while driving increases the risk of a crash by two to six times. In 2023, distracted drivers were involved in 10,333 crashes in Colorado. That is 28 crashes every day involving a distracted driver, on average.

To raise awareness of the new law and educate Coloradans on the dangers of using a cell phone while driving, CDOT has launched the “Heads Up, Phones Down, Colorado!” campaign. The campaign includes outreach on social media, paid ads and a collaboration with key stakeholders such as AAAColorado, the Colorado State Patrol, Bicycle Colorado, OtterBox and safety partners throughout the state.

“Driving is not a multitasking event — it requires your full attention. The rise of distracted driving and phone use behind the wheel has become a major safety concern,” said Shoshana Lew, executive director of CDOT. “The hands-free law is a critical step toward reducing the risk of crashes and protecting all road users. It's time for all drivers to put their phones down, keep their heads up and drive with both hands on the wheel.”

Penalties for violating the new law in Colorado start with a $75 fine and two license suspension points for the first offense. First-time violators can have the charge dismissed if they provide proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory. Repeat offenders face higher fines and more license suspension points. The law includes exemptions for individuals reporting emergencies, utility workers, code enforcement officers, animal protection officers, first responders and individuals in parked vehicles.

“Using your phone or any other device while driving is a distraction, even when you're stopped at a red light or sitting in traffic. The hands-free law applies at all times, and we are committed to enforcing it to keep everyone on the road safe,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.

Colorado drivers are encouraged to obtain a hands-free accessory to comply with the new law. These include dashboard/phone mounts, car speaker systems and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. CDOT has partnered with OtterBox, a Colorado-based phone case company, to promote hands-free accessories and offer discounts to drivers throughout the year.

A cellphone highlighted on a car mount. Text overlay reads “New CO law effective Jan. 1: No hand-held phones while driving. You must use a hands-free accessory.”

Email [email protected] for graphic.

Colorado joins 29 other states in prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving. States with similar laws have reported decreases in distracted driving crashes. In Michigan, a 2023 law banning hand-held cellphone use led to a 12.8% decrease in distracted driving crashes within the first year. In Ohio, fatal crashes involving a distracted driver declined by 19.4% following a ban on hand-held cellphone use.

For more information on the hands-free law, visit codot.gov/handsfreeco.

Also effective Jan. 1, 2025, Colorado’s child restraint system law has been updated. The changes include:

  • Booster seats: Children must now use a car seat or booster seat until they are 9 years old (previously under 8 years old)
  • Rear-facing car seats: Children under 2 years old and weighing under 40 pounds must be restrained in a rear-facing car seat in the rear seat if available (previously under 1 year old and under 20 pounds). Children under 2 years old but weighing over 40 pounds may use either a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat
  • Seat belt or car seat requirement ages: Children under 18 years old must now be properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint system (previously under 16 years old)
  • For more information on the updates to Colorado Child Passenger Safety Laws, visit CarSeatsColorado.com.

Finally, enforcement of weaving in and out of Express Lanes is being expanded, beginning Jan. 1, 2025:

  • Drivers who enter and exit Express Lanes outside of designated areas in the Central 70 (between I-25 and Chambers Road), I-25 South Gap (between Larkspur and Monument) and US 36 corridors will face $75 fines beginning Jan. 1.
  • Weaving in and out of the Express Lanes is extremely dangerous and increases the risk of a crash.

Crash Not Accident

Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident — they are preventable. We would appreciate you saying “crash” instead of “accident” when reporting.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!