As of January 1, 2025, Colorado joined over two dozen states, including California, Idaho, and Washington, in enforcing hands-free driving laws. This change is a step toward safer roads, but it starts with you. Choose to drive responsibly. Put the phone down, focus on the road, and protect yourself and others.
Many drivers have shared how frightening it is to see others weaving through traffic with their eyes glued to their phones. Local business owner Anthony Rivera supports this law after his son was hit by a driver who was texting. "A couple of years ago, my son got hit by a girl who was texting while she was driving," Rivera told KOAA News5.
What are the penalties for distracted driving in Colorado?
This new hands-free law was introduced by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) in 2024 and went into effect at the beginning of 2025. It directly targets distracted driving to make roads safer for everyone. It’s no longer just about texting; any phone use behind the wheel now comes with consequences.
Violators of this law can expect to face a $75 fine and two license suspension points for the first offense. Repeat offenses bring even steeper penalties. Law enforcement can pull drivers over for holding a phone, even when stopped at a red light or stuck in traffic. The only time drivers can legally use a phone is when their car is parked.
Drivers can easily avoid fines by using hands-free options. CDOT recommends dashboard mounts, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or built-in car speaker systems. These tools help drivers stay connected without compromising safety.
What are the dangers of distracted driving?
In 2022, distracted driving led to 3,308 fatalities and approximately 289,310 injuries on U.S. roads, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, distracted driving isn’t just a statistic; it’s a real and dangerous threat that affects everyone on the road. It comes in three forms, and each one can turn an ordinary drive into a life-altering tragedy.
Each of these distractions affects drivers' ability to operate a vehicle safely. But when they happen together, like when texting and driving, the danger multiplies. It’s like driving blindfolded with no hands while thinking about something else. Distracted driving typically involves:
1. Visual distractions
Have you ever glanced at a text or checked your GPS while driving? That split-second decision might seem harmless, but it takes your eyes off the road. In that moment, you could miss a red light, a child crossing the street, or a car stopping suddenly ahead. At highway speeds, even a quick look away can lead to devastating consequences.
2. Manual distractions
Think about the times you’ve reached for something in the passenger seat or adjusted the radio. Taking even one hand off the wheel reduces your ability to react when something unexpected happens. Maybe a car swerves into your lane, or traffic stops abruptly. Without both hands on the wheel, a driver can easily lose control of their vehicle.
3. Cognitive distractions
Sometimes, your mind drifts while driving. Maybe you’re replaying a stressful conversation, making a mental to-do list, or just daydreaming. Even with your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, a distracted mind slows your reaction time. You might not notice a stop sign or realize how fast you’re going until it’s too late.
The Longo Firm holds negligent drivers accountable
Distracted driving is more than a dangerous habit—it’s a growing epidemic with devastating consequences. While Colorado’s new hands-free law is a critical step toward making roads safer, crashes caused by negligent drivers will still happen. When they do, the aftermath can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, and an insurance company that doesn’t have your best interests in mind.
At The Longo Firm, LLC, we are dedicated to helping crash victims get the justice they deserve. We’ve secured significant recoveries for our clients, including $525,000 for a policy limit claim, and we’re ready to do the same for you. From conducting in-depth investigations to standing up to insurance companies, we’ll handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing.
Don’t wait to take legal action if you've been injured in a crash — contact us online or call our Colorado Springs law office today to start moving forward with rebuilding your life.
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