Colorado’s Hands-Free Law drives 135% increase in distracted driving citations

La ley ‘manos libres’ de Colorado incrementó en un 135 % las multas por manejar con distracciones

Statewide — Following the start of Colorado’s new distracted driving law, Colorado State Patrol has issued 94 citations to Colorado drivers who were using their cellphones or mobile devices while behind the wheel, more than half of the total number of citations issued in 2024. This accounts for a 135% increase in citations compared to the same time period last year. The counties with the highest number of citations so far this year were Jefferson, El Paso, Weld, Douglas and Adams.

The new law is resulting in safer driving behaviors. A recent finding from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) found a 3.3% reduction in cellphone use while driving among Coloradans since the hands-free law took effect. CMT estimates that 88 crashes and 49 injuries caused by distracted driving have been prevented, indicating a positive effect of the legislation. These estimates are based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's “The Economic and Societal Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes” report and distracted driving-related crashes.

As Distracted Driving Awareness Month begins April 1, the Colorado Department of Transportation is urging every Coloradan to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. Effective Jan. 1, 2025, using a cellphone or other mobile device for any reason while driving is illegal in Colorado, unless a hands-free accessory is used. The law prohibits touching or handling your cellphone or mobile device – including when at a stoplight or in traffic – when you’re behind the wheel.

According to CDOT’s Problem Identification Report, distracted driving is the third leading cause of traffic crashes in Colorado. Prior to Colorado’s ‘hands-free’ law, Colorado saw a 9% increase in cellphone usage while driving between 2022 and 2024, according to CDOT’s Driver Behavior Survey.

“Distracted driving causes far too many crashes and fatalities on our roads. The message is simple - always drive distraction-free,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “The new ‘hands-free’ law allows law enforcement to address reckless behaviors and is expected to help reduce distracted-related crashes in our state. Now is the time to stop using your mobile devices and pay attention to the road.”

According to CDOT’s 2024 Driver Behavior Report, 77% of Colorado drivers admitted to using their phones while driving, up from 75% in 2023, with 45% saying a hands-free feature in their car would stop them from using their phone. Of this group, 42% reported picking up their phone while driving to make or receive a call. In addition to cell phone use, drivers reported doing a range of distracting activities behind the wheel each week, including eating, texting and using social media. The survey also found that drivers who engaged in distracting behaviors also were more likely to speed or not wear a seat belt while driving.

“When drivers divert their attention away from the road — taking a bite of food, changing the radio station or answering a phone call — they risk the lives of everyone around them,” said CDOT's Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “That doesn’t just include other motorists, either. A distracted driver could hit pedestrians, bicyclists, children playing outside or people sitting on restaurant patios, for example. That’s a risk no one should feel comfortable taking.”

CDOT urges all drivers to acquire hands-free accessories such as dashboard mounts and car speakerphone systems to comply with the new law. The law includes exemptions for individuals reporting emergencies, utility workers, code enforcement officers, animal protection officers, first responders and individuals in parked vehicles. These exceptions ensure that critical communications are not hindered in emergency or essential service situations.

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

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