In the three months since Colorado’s new hands-free phone law took effect, state patrol troopers have already issued more than double the number of distracted-driving citations written by the agency in all of 2024.
The 94 distracted-driving citations issued so far this year is also a 135% increase from the same three-month period last year, according to a news release from Colorado State Patrol. That’s more than one citation per day this year.
Colorado’s new law, which took effect in January, bans drivers from using their phones without a hands-free device unless it’s an emergency. The law prohibits drivers from touching their phones while behind the wheel, including when at a stoplight or in traffic.
While citations are up, overall phone use among Colorado’s drivers is down roughly 3.3%, according to a study from Cambridge Mobile Telematics.
The study estimates the reduction prevented 88 crashes, 49 injuries and $3.5 million in economic damages.
State patrol troopers generally cover unincorporated roads in Colorado. The agency’s data typically excludes anything that happens in a city.
Distracted driving is the third leading cause of crashes in Colorado, according to a 2024 report from the Colorado Department of Transportation. Before Colorado’s “hands-free” law took effect, the state saw a 9% increase in phone usage while driving between 2022 and 2024.
“Distracted driving causes far too many crashes and fatalities on our roads,” state patrol chief Col. Matthew Packard said in Monday’s news release. “The new ‘hands-free’ law allows law enforcement to address reckless behaviors and is expected to help reduce distracted-related crashes in our state. Now is the time to stop using your mobile devices and pay attention to the road.”
According to CDOT’s 2024 Driver Behavior Report, 77% of Colorado drivers admitted to using their phones while driving, up from 75% in 2023. Drivers who used their phones were more likely to speed or not wear a seatbelt while driving, according to the report.
Jefferson, El Paso, Weld, Douglas and Adams counties have the highest number of distracted-driving citations from state patrol troopers so far this year, according to the agency.
Penalties for violating Colorado’s hands-free law start with a $75 fine and two license suspension points, according to state patrol officials. Repeat offenders face higher fines and more license suspension points.
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