Using a cellphone or other mobile device while driving is now illegal in Colorado, according to a reminder issued by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The department emphasized that penalties for violations include fines and points on a driver’s license. Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in the state.
The Colorado State Patrol reported issuing 701 citations for electronic device use while driving through September 30, 2025, marking a 188% increase compared to the same period last year. However, the number of crashes involving inattentive driving has decreased by 11% in the same timeframe.
“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,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of Colorado State Patrol. “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 recommends drivers use hands-free accessories such as dashboard mounts and car speakerphone systems to comply with the law. OtterBox is offering a 30% discount on hands-free accessories with the code “CDOTHANDSFREEFALL” until December 31, limited to one redemption per customer.
Penalties start at a $75 fine and two license suspension points for a first offense. First-time violators can have their charge dismissed if they show proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory. Repeat offenses result in higher fines and more points. More information about the law can be found at codot.gov/handsfreeco.
The 2025 Driver Behavior Survey in Colorado found that 33% of drivers admitted to picking up their phone to read texts or social media messages in the past week, and 34% said they had used their phone to make or receive calls. Both figures are about 20% lower than in 2024, but distracted driving remains an issue, especially among younger drivers aged 18 to 44. In this group, 49% reported making or receiving calls while driving in the past week, compared to 20% among older drivers.
Teenagers and young adults are especially likely to use phones while driving. A 2023 Gallup study found that teens aged 13 to 19 spend nearly five hours daily on social media. Additionally, drivers aged 16 to 24 are more likely than older drivers to use phones behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7.7% of drivers aged 16 to 24 admit to using their cellphone while driving.
Younger drivers are also more aware of features like Do Not Disturb While Driving, which blocks calls and notifications when enabled. Seventy-five percent of people aged 16 to 24 know about this feature, and 29% use it frequently.
“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,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “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.”
