Colorado has a law banning hand-held mobile devices while driving

In Colorado, roughly 36 crashes per day involve a distracted driver. In fact, in 2025, 71% of Colorado drivers admitted to using their phone while driving. It’s not hard to believe — it seems everywhere you look while on the road, a driver has their eyes and hands on their phone. But thanks to new legislation, that’s changing.

In a significant move to enhance road safety and reduce distracted driving crashes, last year, Colorado implemented a law that prohibits drivers in Colorado from 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.

If you get caught violating this law, you can have the charge dismissed if you show proof that you’ve purchased a hands free accessory. Exceptions to the law apply to individuals reporting emergencies, utility workers, code enforcement officers, animal protection officers, first responders and individuals in parked vehicles.

CDOT urges all drivers to acquire hands-free accessories such as dashboard mounts and car speakerphone systems to comply with the new law. Learn how to use your car’s Bluetooth system, invest in a dashboard cellphone mount or car speakerphone system, and review the penalties for violating the law at codot.gov/handsfreeco.