Distracted driving continues to claim thousands of lives across America, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reporting 3,275 deaths and 324,819 injuries from distraction-related crashes in 2023 alone. In response to this growing crisis, Colorado has taken decisive action.
Senate Bill 24-065, Colorado’s new hands-free driving law, took effect on January 1, 2025, significantly expanding restrictions on mobile device use while driving. This isn’t just another traffic regulation—it’s a comprehensive effort to save lives on Colorado roads. Understanding exactly what this law requires is essential for every driver to stay safe, legal, and avoid costly penalties.
Understanding Distracted Driving Under the New Law
The law recognizes that distracted driving involves any activity that diverts attention from safe driving. This includes three main categories:
Visual Distractions: Taking your eyes off the road to look at phones, GPS devices, or other objects
Manual Distractions: Removing your hands from the steering wheel to operate devices, eat, or reach for items
Cognitive Distractions: Mental focus on activities other than driving, such as intense conversations or complex problem-solving
Under the new law, any manual interaction with mobile electronic devices while driving is now prohibited—not just texting.
Colorado’s New Hands-Free Law: What You Must Know
What’s Prohibited While Driving
- Holding a phone to your ear for calls
- Texting, emailing, or messaging of any kind
- Manually dialing phone numbers
- Using social media apps
- Taking photos or videos
- Reading or browsing content on devices
- Playing games or using entertainment apps
- Any manual interaction with electronic devices
What’s Still Allowed
- Bluetooth headsets and earpieces
- Dashboard or windshield phone mounts (phone must remain mounted)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems
- Built-in car speaker systems with voice activation
- Voice-activated controls without touching the device
- Emergency calls to 911 or other emergency services
Penalties and Consequences
The law includes escalating penalties designed to change behavior:
- First offense: $75 fine and 2 license points
- Second offense: $150 fine and 3 license points
- Subsequent offenses: Up to $300 fine and 4 license points
- Relief option: First-time violators can have charges dismissed by providing proof of purchasing hands-free accessories
Who’s Exempt from the Law
Certain situations and individuals have exemptions:
- Emergency situations: Calling 911 or reporting emergencies
- First responders: Police, fire, EMS personnel on duty
- Utility workers performing emergency services
- Parked vehicles: Law doesn’t apply when legally parked
- Commercial drivers: Those with CDLs operating commercial vehicles
Busting Common Myths About “Safe” Phone Use
The new law clears up many misconceptions about acceptable phone use while driving:
Myth: “I can quickly check my GPS at a red light.”
Fact: Manual interaction with your phone is prohibited while driving, including at traffic lights and in stop-and-go traffic.
Myth: “Holding my phone on speaker is hands-free.”
Fact: Simply using speaker mode while holding your phone still violates the hands-free requirement. The device must be mounted or voice-controlled.
Myth: “I can touch my mounted phone to answer calls.”
Fact: Once mounted, you should only interact with your phone through voice commands or steering wheel controls.
Myth: “The law doesn’t apply on highways or outside city limits.”
Fact: Senate Bill 24-065 applies statewide on all public roads, regardless of jurisdiction.
Practical Steps to Stay Legal and Compliant
Before You Start Driving
- Set up hands-free systems: Install phone mounts, pair Bluetooth devices, or set up CarPlay/Android Auto before your trip
- Program destinations: Enter GPS locations and adjust all settings while parked
- Adjust vehicle controls: Set mirrors, seat position, climate controls, and radio stations before driving
- Secure loose items: Store anything that might tempt you to reach while driving
While Driving
- Use voice commands: Learn your phone’s voice activation features (“Hey Siri,” “OK Google”)
- Let technology work: Allow calls to go to voicemail and respond using voice-to-text when safely parked
- Pull over when necessary: If something truly requires immediate attention, find a safe place to stop and park
- Ask passengers for help: Let others handle navigation changes, music selection, or urgent communications
Choosing Hands-Free Technology
Phone Mounts: Look for secure dashboard or windshield mounts that don’t obstruct your view
Bluetooth Devices: Invest in quality headsets or upgrade to vehicles with built-in Bluetooth systems
Voice Assistants: Practice using Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa to handle calls, texts, and navigation
Car Integration: If purchasing a vehicle, prioritize models with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or advanced voice control systems
Enforcement and What to Expect
Colorado law enforcement agencies are prepared to enforce the new hands-free law consistently. Officers can issue citations for handheld device use as a primary offense, meaning they can stop drivers solely for this violation.
Important reminders:
- Police cannot search your phone during a traffic stop for this violation
- You’re not required to unlock your device for officers
- The law focuses on observable behavior—holding and manually operating devices
Making Compliance a Habit
The most effective way to avoid violations is to develop automatic hands-free habits:
- Always mount your phone before starting the engine
- Practice voice commands until they become second nature
- Treat your phone like it’s hot —avoid touching it entirely while driving
- Plan ahead for calls, texts, and navigation needs
Your Responsibility on Colorado Roads
Senate Bill 24-065 represents Colorado’s commitment to safer roads, but compliance requires every driver’s participation. The law provides clear guidelines and reasonable alternatives to handheld device use. By embracing hands-free technology and developing compliant driving habits, you protect yourself from penalties while contributing to safer roads for everyone.
Remember: the goal isn’t just avoiding fines—it’s preventing the devastating crashes that result from distracted driving. Every time you choose hands-free operation over manual phone use, you’re making Colorado roads safer for all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Mile High Driver Training is a family-owned business that has been serving Colorado families since 2006, with locations in Denver, Northglenn, and Lakewood. We are committed to helping drivers understand and comply with Colorado’s traffic laws while developing safe driving habits that last a lifetime. Contact us at (303) 922-1000 to learn more about our driver education programs.