Starting in 2025, Colorado drivers could face fines for holding and using a phone while driving, expanding on the state’s existing texting ban. Under Senate Bill 24-065, signed by Governor Jared Polis in June, it will be illegal to hold a phone or pin it to your ear while driving unless you’re using a hands-free accessory. Previously, only drivers under 18 were subject to this restriction, but the new law will apply to all drivers in Colorado.
The law, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, is designed to reduce distracted driving incidents. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will launch awareness campaigns urging drivers to invest in hands-free accessories, such as dashboard mounts or speakerphone systems, to comply with the new regulation. Drivers caught holding a phone while driving will face a $75 fine and two license suspension points for a first offense, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses within a 24-month period.
Colorado State Patrol Chief Col. Matthew Packard emphasized that the new legislation will help officers proactively address distracted driving, which often leads to dangerous behaviors like swerving or delayed reactions at traffic signals. CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew also stressed the importance of the law in improving road safety for all users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Colorado will join 29 other states with similar hand-held phone bans, which have been shown to reduce distracted driving accidents.
