Using a cellphone or mobile device while driving is now illegal in Colorado, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The department is reminding drivers that breaking this law can result in fines and license suspension points. Distracted driving remains a leading cause of crashes in the state, and officials are encouraging drivers to use features like Do Not Disturb While Driving to avoid distractions.
Data from the Colorado State Patrol shows a significant increase in enforcement. By September 30, 2025, troopers had issued 701 citations for electronic device use while driving, which is a 188% increase compared to 243 citations during the same period last year. At the same time, inattentive driving crashes have decreased by 11% in 2025, with 2,816 incidents investigated through September.
“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.”
To help drivers comply with the law, CDOT recommends using hands-free accessories such as dashboard mounts and car speakerphone systems. OtterBox is offering a 30% discount on all hands-free accessories using the code “CDOTHANDSFREEFALL” through December 31. The code can be used once per customer.
The penalties for violating the law start at a $75 fine and two license suspension points for a first offense. First-time offenders can have their charge dismissed if they show proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory. Repeat violations bring higher fines and more points. More information about the law is available at codot.gov/handsfreeco.
According to the 2025 Driver Behavior Survey in Colorado, about one-third of drivers reported picking up their phone to read texts or social media messages in the past week, and a similar percentage did so to make or receive calls. These numbers are down about 20% from 2024, but distracted driving is still an issue. Younger drivers, ages 18 to 44, reported higher rates of distracted driving than older drivers, with 49% saying they picked up their phone for calls in the past week compared to 20% of older drivers.
Teenagers and young adults continue to have high rates of phone use. A 2023 Gallup study found that teens aged 13 to 19 spend nearly five hours daily on social media. Drivers aged 16 to 24 also use their phones more while driving than those over 24. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 7.7% of drivers in this age group admit to using their cellphone while driving.
However, younger drivers are more likely to know about and use Do Not Disturb While Driving features, which block notifications when connected to a vehicle’s Bluetooth or when enabled manually. Seventy-five percent of people aged 16 to 24 are aware of this feature, and 29% frequently use it.
“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.”
