We want to make you aware that Colorado has a new law coming into effect in two days, on January 1st, 2025. This new law will make it illegal for drivers to be using their cell phones while driving a car unless they are using hands free devices.
What Does This Mean?
In summary, the new law bans the use of cell phones while driving a vehicle which includes “holding or manually using a phone or other mobile device for voice calls or any other reason….” You aren’t even allowed to manually use your phone if you are stopped at a stop light. The idea is that using a hand held device while driving is a distraction which can result in car accidents, and eliminating the use of cell phones or other hand held devices will reduce the incidence of automobile collisions in the State of Colorado, which in turn will benefit Colorado drivers overall.
You Can Use Hands-Free Accessories
While using a hand held device is now going to be illegal, drivers can continue to use hands-free accessories such as dashboard mounts for phones, built-in car telephone systems (which most newer cars have these days anyway) and Bluetooth devices. Essentially, as long as you can make or take a call using assistive devices which keep you from having to touch your cell phone while you are driving, you are probably in compliance with the law. One exception is that you aren’t allowed to use headphones which cover both ears. Only one ear may have a hands-free device to ensure that the driver can hear other sounds which require attention, such as emergency sirens.
Link to Press Release
Here is a link to the press release announcing the new law from the Colorado Department of Transportation for those of you who wish to get all of the details.
Happy New Year to Everyone!