Colorado Hands-Free Law
The facts about the new cellphone ban while driving
In a move to enhance road safety and reduce distracted driving crashes, a new Colorado law will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, that prohibits drivers from using a mobile electronic device while driving, though hands-free accessories are permitted. The new law expands the ban on using cellphones beyond just texting. It now includes holding or manually using a phone or other mobile device for voice calls or any other reason, requiring all drivers to use a hands-free device.
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. First-time violators can have the charge dismissed if they provide proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory. Hands-free accessories include Bluetooth headsets, dashboard mounts, CarPlay and Android auto and car speaker phone systems.
The law includes exemptions for individuals reporting emergencies, utility workers, code enforcement officers, animal protection officers, first responders and individuals in parked vehicles. The law also does not apply to an individual with a commercial driver's license operating a commercial vehicle. These exceptions ensure that critical communications are not hindered in emergency or essential service situations.
Hands-Free Accessories
Hands-free accessories help drivers keep their focus on the road while allowing them to stay connected. There are several options available for hands-free driving accessories, including:
- Dashboard/Phone Mounts: These secure your phone in a visible but safe position, enabling the use of navigation or hands-free calls without holding the device.
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Built-in or aftermarket systems that integrate your smartphone with your vehicle’s display, allowing you to control your phone through voice commands or your car’s interface.
- Built-in Car Speaker Systems: Many cars come equipped with Bluetooth-enabled speaker systems that allow hands-free communication and audio navigation. If your car does not have Bluetooth, there are plug-in devices for purchase that enable the feature through your vehicle’s existing stereo system.
By using one of these devices, you can avoid penalties and help keep Colorado’s roads safe.
Promotional Resources
CDOT has pre-drafted social media posts, newsletter articles and downloadable graphics that are available for repurposing. Access the hands-free social media and website toolkit.
Additionally, CDOT created a print-ready poster* for promotion inside your organizations or businesses. The file will print best on an 18 x 24 sheet of paper.
*Limited quantities of pre-printed materials are also available. Please email [email protected] for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
A driver may not hold or handle their cellphone at any time while driving. Only hands-free calls are permitted. Handling the phone to initiate a call must be done before entering the roadway. No touching or handling of cellphones while driving is permitted, including while stopped at traffic signals.
Headphones - In Colorado, it is illegal to drive with headphones or earbuds in both ears, as it can impair your ability to hear important sounds, such as sirens or horns.
Cupholders - Putting your phone in the cupholder while using it for navigating is not recommended. A cup holder does not securely cradle the phone, meaning it could easily fall or fly out with sudden braking or sharp turns. This creates an added distraction of picking up a phone that has fallen to the floor of the vehicle.
Holding phone to ear - This is a violation. Your phone cannot be in your hands, held to your ear, or pinned between your ear and shoulder while driving.
No. The law still applies, even if you are stopped in traffic or at a stoplight.
Yes, the law applies to all phone use while driving, including using GPS apps. You must use a hands-free accessory or have the phone mounted in a secure manner to avoid a citation.
The law includes exemptions for individuals reporting emergencies, utility workers, code enforcement officers, animal protection officers, first responders, and individuals in parked vehicles. The law also does not apply to an individual with a commercial driver's license who is operating a commercial vehicle.
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. First-time violators can have the charge dismissed if they provide proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory.
Law enforcement can pull over drivers if an officer witnesses an individual driving carelessly or imprudently while holding a device. Some examples are a driver holding a cellphone while driving through a construction zone or looking at a phone while traveling 75 mph on a highway.
No, but fines for the first offense will be waived if proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory is provided.
Yes. The new law expands upon Colorado’s existing distracted driving law, which already prohibits texting or any manual data entry and transmission on a cell phone while driving. Beginning in 2025, drivers will also be prohibited from holding or manually using a cell phone for voice calls, watching videos or any other purpose unless they are using a hands-free accessory. In short, avoid holding your phone for any reason while driving.
