New Colorado Hands-Free Law: January 1, 2025
A new Colorado Hands-Free Law went into effect on January 1, 2025. This law prohibits anyone from using a mobile electronic device while driving unless they use a hands-free accessory, like Bluetooth or a mount. Penalties for violating the law start with a $75 fine and two license suspension points for the first offense. A driver may not hold or handle their cellphone at any time while driving. Only hands-free calls are permitted. Handling the phone to initiate a call must be done before entering the roadway. No touching or handling of cellphones while driving is permitted, including while stopped at traffic signals.
- Learn more about the Colorado Hands-Free Law and FAQs.
Leading causes of motor vehicle crashes
The leading causes of motor vehicle crashes and fatalities include:
- Speeding.
- Speeding was the top cause of fatal crashes in Colorado in 2023. (Colorado Department of Transportation website)
- Impaired driving.
- Distracted driving.
- Not using seat belts.
- Aggressive driving.
Impaired driving
- Shift into Safe
- The Colorado Department of Transportation's Shift into Safe campaign encourages all people in Colorado to actively change their mindset and make a conscious decision to pay attention and be safe behind a wheel.
- Shift into Safe English video. (YouTube)
- Shift into Safe Spanish video. (YouTube)
- The Colorado Department of Transportation's Shift into Safe campaign encourages all people in Colorado to actively change their mindset and make a conscious decision to pay attention and be safe behind a wheel.
- Colorado Task Force on Drunk and Impaired Driving
- The mission of the Colorado Task Force on Drunk and Impaired Driving is to support the prevention, awareness, enforcement, and treatment of drunk and impaired driving in Colorado through strong partnerships with public, private and non-profit organizations.
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)
- CDOT Programs. (CDOT website)
- CDOT Rules. (CDOT website)
Car Seats Colorado's mission is to provide an environment in Colorado where every child is properly secured in an approved and appropriate restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle.
- Updates to Colorado Child Passenger Safety Laws
- Learn more about how Colorado’s child passenger safety law is changing on January 1, 2025.
Seasonal and high altitude tips for driving in Colorado.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes and fatalities in Colorado. Any behavior that takes your focus away from the road is dangerous. That includes:
- eating
- texting
- talking on the phone or to a passenger
- looking after children or pets
- reading
- watching videos
The Shift into Safe campaign encourages all people in Colorado to actively change their mindset and make a conscious decision to pay attention and be safe every time they get behind a wheel.
- Shift into Safe English video. (YouTube)
- Shift into Safe Spanish video. (YouTube)
1 out of every 3 traffic deaths in Colorado involved an impaired driver.
DUI and DWAI
- Even after only one or two drinks, some people may be close to or exceed Colorado’s DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) limits.
- If you are impaired while driving, even as a medical cardholder, you are at risk of getting a DUI.
- Learn more about impaired driving:
- CDOT impaired driving FAQs. (CDOT website)
- Learn more about impaired driving:
Drugged driving
- THC is proven to slow reaction time, reduce focus, and temporarily weaken problem-solving skills. Learn more about cannabis-impaired driving.
- Information and resources about safe bicycling and walking are available on the CDOT website.
- Colorado Bike Month events. (CDOT website)
- Colorado Bike to Work Day. (CDOT website)
- In the Spring of 2024, CDOT kicked off an update to its Statewide Active Transportation Plan.
- CDOT motorcycle safety information and campaigns. (CDOT website)
- CDOT seatbelt safety, laws and FAQs. (CDOT website)
Data resources
- Injury in Colorado, 2012-2014. (PDF)
- Colorado Child Fatality Prevention System. (CDPHE webpage)
Resources
Pedestrian, bicycle, and motorcycle safety
- Learn about pedestrian, bicycle, and motorcycle safety.
Distracted driving
- Learn about the types of distracted driving and the impact they have.
Tribal road safety
- Explore proven strategies to reduce motor vehicle injuries and deaths among tribal communities.
Seat belts
- Learn how seat belt use can prevent injuries and deaths.
Impaired driving
Global road safety
- Learn more about global road safety.
CDOT Shift Into Safety Newsletter (CDOT website)
Colorado Safe Driver is a joint initiative of the Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado State Patrol Family Foundation which seeks to reduce motor vehicle crashes and their resulting injuries and fatalities by promoting safe driving practices through education and public awareness efforts.
The Colorado Department of Transportation’s Office of Transportation Safety provides funding opportunities each year for local communities to address the above motor vehicle safety issues.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s Counter Measures That Work is intended to be a reference guide for State Highway Safety Offices to help select effective, science-based traffic safety countermeasures to address highway safety problem areas in their States.