Learning to drive in Colorado opens the door to new independence—but with that freedom comes real responsibility. One of the most important habits you'll build isn't just knowing when to signal or how to parallel park. It's learning to stay focused—every time you're behind the wheel.
That's where Colorado's updated 2025 distracted driving law comes in. It's not just a set of rules—it's a tool to help you drive smarter, safer, and more confidently. We've broken it all down to make sure you know exactly how to stay legal, in control, and distraction-free.
What's Changing in 2025?
Colorado's new law—House Bill 23-1109—makes it simple: no holding or using your phone while driving. If you're under 18, you already weren't allowed to use devices. Now, the law applies to everyone.
The Colorado Department of Transportation confirms that this hands-free law took effect January 1, 2025, expanding beyond just texting to include holding or manually using a phone for any purpose while driving.
You can't:
Text, type, or scroll on your phone
Check Snapchat, Instagram, or other social apps
Record or watch videos
You can:
Use voice commands or single-tap to start music or GPS (before driving)
Talk via Bluetooth or speakerphone
Call 911 in an emergency
What Happens If You're Caught?
Colorado's penalties are now tougher and build quickly if you repeat the offense. According to official state enforcement data, citations for distracted driving increased by 135% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
First Offense
$75 fine
2 license points
Second Offense (within 24 months)
$250 fine
3 license points
Mandatory distracted driving course
These consequences don't just impact your wallet—they can delay your license, raise your insurance, and cost your family hundreds more per year.
Why This Law Protects You
Sharpen Your Skills Behind the Wheel
When you ditch distractions, you:
React faster to the unexpected
Build muscle memory and good judgment
Show your parents and instructors that you're ready for real-world driving
Understanding why distractions are so dangerous for new drivers is crucial. Research shows that teens and distracted driving create a particularly risky combination, with 58% of teen crashes involving distracted driving according to AAA Foundation studies.
Keep Your Privileges (and Insurance) Intact
Breaking the law can cost you more than just money:
Higher insurance rates (even for your family)
Delayed licensing or suspended driving privileges
Strained trust with parents or guardians
The Colorado State Patrol reports that distracted driving was involved in over 10,000 crashes in 2020, resulting in 1,476 injuries and 68 deaths—consequences that extend far beyond fines.
Smart Tech Habits for Safer Driving
You don't have to give up your phone—just set it up to work with you, not against you.
Turn on Do Not Disturb While Driving
Set your playlist, podcast, or GPS before pulling out
Let your friends know: you're not texting behind the wheel—and they shouldn't expect you to
Many teens struggle with phone addiction while driving. Practical strategies for helping teens resist using their phone while driving include using technology to fight technology—apps that disable phones while driving can be effective tools.
Understanding the Real Dangers
The statistics behind Colorado's law are sobering. CDOT's 2024 Driver Behavior Report revealed that 77% of Colorado drivers admitted to using their phones while driving, up from 75% in 2023. This dangerous trend contributed to distracted driving becoming the third leading cause of traffic crashes in Colorado.
For teen drivers specifically, the risks are even higher. The ongoing dangers of distracted driving show that despite 71% of people believing texting and driving is as dangerous as drunk driving, many still engage in this behavior—especially younger drivers who have normalized digital distractions.
Create a Parent-Teen Pact That Works
Talk with your family about creating a Parent–Teen Driving Contract. Add a section on phone use so everyone's on the same page—and your privileges are protected.
This becomes especially important when you consider that passenger interaction is actually the leading contributor to teen crashes, not just phones. Understanding driver's license laws for teens can help families create comprehensive agreements that address all forms of distraction.
FAQ: Colorado's Texting and Driving Law for Teens
Can I use my phone for GPS? Yes—but only if you set the route before you drive and use voice guidance. The Colorado DMV clarifies that you must use hands-free accessories or have the phone securely mounted to avoid citations.
What about friends using phones in the car? Their noise and flashing screens can distract you. It's okay to ask them to keep it down or sit in the back. Remember, research shows that passenger interaction is often a bigger distraction than phones for teen drivers.
Does this law apply in parking lots? Technically no—but it's always safest to stop and park before using your phone, no matter where you are. The state enforcement guidelines make clear the law applies whenever your vehicle is in motion.
Learning From Other States
Colorado isn't alone in strengthening distracted driving laws. Our comprehensive state-by-state guide to texting and driving fines shows how penalties vary across the country, with some states imposing fines as high as $1,000 for first offenses.
Even If You're Not Sure Where to Start…
Even if you're overwhelmed by new laws, you're not alone
Even if you've slipped up before, there's time to reset
Even if "everyone else" seems to break the rules—you can choose to drive smarter and safer
Building safe driving habits takes time and practice. Learning about teen driving safety numbers can help put the importance of these laws in perspective—while teen fatalities have declined over the past decade, distracted driving remains a leading cause of crashes.
Special Considerations for Summer Driving
Teen drivers face increased risks during summer months, with crash rates spiking during what's known as the "100 Deadliest Days" between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Our summer driving safety tips for teens emphasize that staying focused becomes even more critical during this high-risk period.
Drive Smart. Drive Focused. You're in Control.
Colorado's hands-free law is designed to help you build safe habits from day one. Staying focused behind the wheel gives you the confidence to handle real-world situations, protect your driving privileges, and keep yourself—and others—safe.
The Colorado Department of Transportation's official guidance provides additional resources for understanding the law, including information about approved hands-free accessories and emergency exceptions.
At DriversEd.com, we're here to support that journey with tools and resources that help you learn at your pace, understand the law, and feel prepared for whatever the road brings next. Our Colorado-approved driver education programs include comprehensive coverage of distracted driving laws and safe driving practices that will serve you throughout your driving career.
