Using a cellphone or mobile device while driving is now illegal in Colorado, with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reminding drivers that violations can result in fines and license suspension points. The state is enforcing this law to address distracted driving, which remains a leading cause of traffic crashes.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, there has been a significant increase in citations for using electronic devices while driving. Through September 30, 2025, troopers issued 701 such citations, a 188% rise compared to the same period last year when 243 citations were issued. At the same time, inattentive driving crashes are decreasing; troopers investigated 2,816 such crashes through the end of September, marking an 11% drop from the previous year.
Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, stated, “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. 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 encourages drivers to use hands-free accessories such as dashboard mounts or car speakerphone systems to comply with the new law. OtterBox is offering a 30% discount on hands-free accessories with the code “CDOTHANDSFREEFALL” until December 31. The code is valid for one use per customer.
Penalties for breaking the hands-free law start at $75 and two license suspension points for the first offense. First-time offenders may have the charge dismissed if they show proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory. Repeat violations carry higher fines and more points. More information on the law is available at codot.gov/handsfreeco.
A recent survey showed that 33% of Colorado drivers reported picking up their phone to read texts or social media messages in the past week, and 34% said they picked up their phone to make or receive calls. These figures are down about 20% from last year but remain concerning, especially among younger drivers aged 18 to 44, who reported higher rates of distracted driving compared to older motorists. Nearly half (49%) of younger drivers admitted to making or receiving phone calls while driving in the past week, compared to 20% of older drivers.
National data also shows high phone use among teenagers and young adults. A Gallup study found that teens spend nearly five hours daily on social media, and those aged 16 to 24 use their phones more while driving than older drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 7.7% of drivers aged 16 to 24 admitted to using their cellphone while driving.
Despite higher rates of phone use, younger drivers are more likely to be aware of features like Do Not Disturb While Driving, which blocks notifications when enabled or when connected to a car’s Bluetooth system. Seventy-five percent of younger drivers know about this feature, and nearly a third use it frequently.
Darrell Lingk, Director of CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety, said, “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. 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.”
