Is Colorado a Hands-Free State?
Beginning January 1, 2025, Colorado’s updated hands-free driving law prohibits most drivers from holding or manually using a mobile device while operating a vehicle. The new law expands previous restrictions—once limited mainly to texting—to cover nearly all physical interaction with a phone or other electronic device while behind the wheel. This applies to drivers 18 years and older, as younger drivers were already subject to stricter no-device rules.
The 2025 legislation was designed to reduce distracted driving crashes by eliminating the common but dangerous behavior of manually handling a phone while driving. Under the new rule, any activity that involves holding a device, tapping the screen, or typing is unlawful while the vehicle is moving. Whether the driver is reading a message, browsing an app, or changing a playlist, physical interaction is considered a violation. The only broad exceptions are emergency calls to law enforcement, fire, or medical services. This hands-free mandate aligns Colorado with many other states that have adopted comprehensive bans on manual device use to improve road safety and reduce collisions.
What Qualifies as Hands-Free?
The law permits drivers to use mobile devices only if they are operated in a truly hands-free manner. Devices that connect via Bluetooth or that integrate into the car’s audio system in a way that allows voice-activated control are allowed. Using a virtual assistant to send a text, answer a call, or access GPS navigation is allowed, as long as it doesn’t require the driver to physically touch the device while driving.
Drivers may use dashboard mounts to secure their phones, as long as they set the navigation or audio settings before driving or initiate commands through voice control. Steering wheel buttons and other built-in systems that control mobile functions are also legal.
What remains prohibited includes holding the phone to talk, tapping or scrolling on the screen, dialing a number by hand, or manually entering navigation details while the vehicle is in motion. Even briefly glancing down to pick up the phone or change a setting by hand is a violation. The goal is to keep drivers’ hands on the wheel and their attention on the road at all times. While stopped at a red light or in traffic, physical interaction with a phone is still discouraged and may be subject to enforcement depending on the circumstances.
Can I Use My Phone at a Red Light in Colorado?
No. According to the Colorado State Patrol, you’re still operating a motor vehicle even when stopped at a light. For that reason, the restrictions on cell phone use still apply. While you can use your hands to make or receive a telephone call, you cannot use them to text or engage in other “manual data entry and transmission.” Even taking out your phone to check a text message at a stop light could theoretically land you in trouble in Colorado.
What is the Cell Phone Law for Minors While Driving?
Colorado cell phone driving laws are different for minors than for adults. It doesn’t matter whether a minor wears a headset or uses voice commands. Using a mobile device in virtually any capacity while driving is illegal for minors in Colorado. Texting, making phone calls, emailing, and manually entering data are prohibited.
Are There Exceptions to Colorado’s Cell Phone Laws?
Yes. There are certain situations in which a driver may use a cell phone, even if they have to use their hands. They include:
- When a driver fears for their safety or has reason to believe they or another person may be the victim of a criminal act
- When they need to make a call to report a fire, serious traffic collision, significant road hazard, medical emergency, or an emergency involving hazardous materials
- When a driver needs to make a call to report an unsafe motorist
Never use a phone while driving unless you truly have to. For example, when reporting an emergency, try to pull over or find a place to park first. We have law offices in every major city across Colorado and Texas. Contact our Denver car accident lawyer today.
What Are the Penalties for Using My Cell Phone While Driving?
Drivers who violate the hands-free law face escalating penalties depending on the number of offenses. A first-time violation typically results in a fine of $75 and two points on the driver’s license. Second offenses increase to a $150 fine and three points, while third and subsequent offenses may carry a $250 fine and four points. In addition to fines, you could also face an increase in your insurance premiums with each violation.
For first-time offenders, there is an option to have the ticket dismissed by providing proof of purchasing a hands-free device and affirming that it is now being used. This incentive is designed to promote compliance and safer driving habits.
The police also have the power to pull you over if they notice you driving with a phone in your hand. This is different from other jurisdictions who can only make a stop for a moving violation and then add on a hands-free charge to that. Although enforcement may vary, officers are trained to recognize signs of distraction and will pull you over if they see you texting.
Compensation Available for People Injured in an Accident Caused by a Distracted Driver
It’s also worth noting that using a cell phone while driving can result in a crash for which the distracted driver could be held liable. If you suffered injuries in an auto accident caused by a texting driver, you could demand they compensate you for the following:
- Medical expenses – Costs for past and future medical treatment resulting from the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical care
- Lost wages – Compensation for lost income due to time off work for recovery, which also covers loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job or work at the same capacity
- Property damage – Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident
- Pain and suffering – Money for physical pain, discomfort, and suffering you endured due to the crash
- Disfigurement and disability – Compensation for permanent physical damage, scarring, or disability resulting from the accident
Contact a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer
Obeying Colorado cell phone driving laws doesn’t just help you avoid fines — it could also help you stay safe on the road. However, you can’t control the decisions of other drivers. Perhaps you’ve been hurt in a wreck because someone else was careless.
If so, you deserve compensation for what you suffered. An experienced Colorado car accident lawyer with The Wilhite Law Firm can help you pursue compensation for your losses, focusing on your case while you concentrate on recovering from your injuries. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a member of our experienced legal team.
