How has Colorado’s new hands-free phone law changed distracted driving?
Since the implementation of Colorado’s new hands-free phone law three months ago, the state patrol has issued more than double the number of distracted-driving citations compared to all of last year.
With 94 citations issued so far this year, there has been a 135% increase in comparison to the same period last year, as reported by Colorado State Patrol. This translates to more than one citation per day in 2025.
The new law, effective since January, prohibits drivers from using their phones without a hands-free device except in emergencies. It also forbids drivers from touching their phones while driving, even when stopped at a red light or in traffic.
Despite the increase in citations, overall phone use among Colorado drivers has decreased by approximately 3.3%, according to a study by Cambridge Mobile Telematics.
This reduction is estimated to have prevented 88 crashes, 49 injuries, and $3.5 million in economic damages.
Distracted driving ranks as the third leading cause of accidents in Colorado, according to a 2024 report from the Colorado Department of Transportation. Prior to the implementation of Colorado’s hands-free law, phone usage while driving had increased by 9% between 2022 and 2024.
State patrol troopers primarily patrol unincorporated roads in Colorado, with data typically excluding incidents within city limits.
In a statement released on Monday, state patrol chief Col. Matthew Packard emphasized the dangers of distracted driving, stating, “Distracted driving causes far too many crashes and fatalities on our roads.” He believes the new hands-free law will help reduce distracted-related crashes in the state.
According to CDOT’s 2024 Driver Behavior Report, 77% of Colorado drivers admitted to using their phones while driving, up from 75% in 2023. The report also highlighted that drivers who use their phones are more likely to speed or neglect wearing a seatbelt while driving.
Jefferson, El Paso, Weld, Douglas, and Adams counties have recorded the highest number of distracted-driving citations from state patrol troopers this year.
Violating Colorado’s hands-free law incurs a $75 fine and two license suspension points, with repeat offenders facing higher fines and additional license suspension points, according to state patrol officials.
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