Reminder, drivers — phone use behind the wheel is illegal in Colorado

Recordatorio a los conductores: usar el teléfono detrás del volante es ilegal en Colorado

Statewide — Using a cellphone or other mobile device for any reason while driving is now illegal in Colorado, and the Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding motorists that penalties for violations include fines and license suspension points. Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of crashes in the state and drivers are urged to take advantage of tools like Do Not Disturb While Driving to help curb the temptation.

Through September 30, 2025, the Colorado State Patrol issued 701 citations related to using an electronic device while driving this year. This is a 188% increase over the same time period last year in which 243 citations were issued. In addition, crashes involving inattentive driving are decreasing, according to CSP. In 2025, troopers investigated 2,816 such crashes through the end of September. That is an 11% decrease from the same time period last year.

“Cellphones, smartwatches and other mobile devices make it very tempting to call, text and scroll while behind the wheel. These decisions, despite feeling harmless or second nature in the moment, increase the likelihood of a crash and put the lives of everyone on the road in danger,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of Colorado State Patrol. “Using a device behind the wheel is a 5-second blindfold for any driver. No text message, phone call or social media post is worth the risk.”

CDOT urges all drivers to acquire hands-free accessories such as dashboard mounts and car speakerphone systems to comply with the new law. To encourage Coloradans to comply, OtterBox is offering a 30% discount on all hands-free accessories with code “CDOTHANDSFREEFALL.” The code is valid through Dec. 31, and is valid for one redemption per customer.

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.

In Colorado, the 2025 Driver Behavior Survey reported that 33% of drivers in the state said they’ve picked up their phone to read a text or social media message in the past seven days, and 34% of drivers reported picking up a phone to make or receive a phone call. While both numbers are down about 20% from 2024, distracted driving behaviors remain concerning. Across all categories, younger drivers ages 18 to 44 reported higher percentages of distracted driving behaviors than their older counterparts. 49% of younger drivers said that they had picked up their phone while driving to make or receive a phone call in the past seven days, compared to 20% of older drivers.

Overall, phone use among teenagers and young adults is especially high. A 2023 Gallup study reported that teenagers ages 13 to 19 spend nearly five hours per day on social media. Additionally, teenagers and young adults ages 16 to 24 use their phones more while driving than motorists above the age of 24. A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 7.7% of drivers ages 16 to 24 admit to using their cellphone while driving.

However, younger drivers are also more likely to know about Do Not Disturb While Driving, a feature that blocks calls, texts and other notifications when connected to a vehicle’s Bluetooth system or when manually enabled. Seventy-five percent of people in this age range are aware of the feature, and 29% frequently use it.

“Do Not Disturb While Driving is a great tool available on most mobile devices that not enough drivers are using. If you can’t resist looking at a text message or social media notification, put your phone on Do Not Disturb,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Phone addiction and distracted driving are public safety issues in Colorado. Now is the time to create new habits, consider the safety of yourself and others on the road, and put your phone down while behind the wheel.”

Turning on Do Not Disturb While Driving on iPhone and Android devices takes only a few steps and can help deter cellphone use while driving. The instructions are listed below.

• On iPhone:
  • Open the Settings app.
  • Open “Focus.”
  • Open “Driving.”
  • Adjust settings to your preference, including setting a custom, automated response to text messages received while driving.
• On Android:
  • Open the Settings app.
  • Open “Sound & Vibrations.”
  • Select “Do Not Disturb.”
  • Select “Schedules.”
  • Either turn the toggle next to “Driving” to “On” or select “Add More,” click “Driving,” and turn it on.

Do Not Disturb can also help drivers comply with Colorado’s new hands-free law. To raise awareness of the new law and educate Coloradans on the dangers of using a cell phone while driving, CDOT has launched the “Heads Up, Phones Down, Colorado!” campaign. The campaign includes outreach on social media, paid ads and collaboration with key stakeholders such as AAAColorado, Colorado State Patrol, Bicycle Colorado, OtterBox and other safety partners throughout the state.

The hands-free 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.