Colorado’s new hands-off cell phone law doubles distracted driving citations in first few months

Enacted just three months ago, Colorado’s hands-free driving law has already boosted distracted driving citations past 2024 totals.

The law prohibits drivers from touching or handling a cell phone, even at stop lights and in stopped traffic, though exemptions are outlined for individuals reporting emergencies and individuals in parked vehicles. It went into effect on Jan. 1, making it illegal to use a mobile device while driving except when using hands-free accessories.

Since the law’s introduction, Colorado State Patrol has issued 94 citations to drivers violating the hands-off cell phone law — more than half of the total number of citations issued in 2024 and a 135% increase compared with the same time period last year, according to a news release.

Distracted driving is the third leading cause of traffic crashes in Colorado. Roughly 77% of Colorado drivers admitted to using their phones while driving in 2024, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation’s 2024 Driver Behavior Report.

Colorado is the 30th state in the U.S. to ban handheld device use while driving​.

In a February analysis, Massachusetts-based Cambridge Mobile Telematics reported a 3.3% reduction in cell phone use by drivers in Colorado since the hands-free law took effect. Based on data from the National Highway Traffic Administration, the same report estimated that the Colorado law was responsible for preventing approximately 88 crashes and 49 injuries over the span of two months, in addition to averting nearly $3.5 million in economic damages.

Penalties for violating the new law start with a $75 fine and two license suspension points for the first offense, with higher penalties for repeat offenders.