Colorado transportation officials say hands-free law has reduced distracted driving by almost 5%, saving at least 6 lives
Colorado’s hands-free law prevented nearly 600 crashes, more than 400 injuries and about 6 fatalities, according to an analysis
New data shows that Colorado’s hands-free law has helped reduce distracted driving and likely resulted in hundreds fewer crashes and injuries.
A one-year analysis by Cambridge Mobile Telematics found that distracted driving dropped 4.7% in the state from 2024 to 2025. The Colorado Department of Transportation announced the results of the analysis in a news release Wednesday.
Colorado’s hands-free law, which prohibits drivers from touching or handling a cell phone, even at stop lights and in stopped traffic, went into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
The analysis used data collected through smartphone apps and sensors during millions of driving trips in Colorado, the release states. The company that performed the analysis estimated that the reduction in distracted driving prevented nearly 600 crashes, more than 400 injuries and about six fatalities statewide.
Colorado State Patrol data also helps back up this positive safety trend, according to the release. In 2025, troopers investigated 3,778 crashes involving inattentive drivers — an early 9% decrease from 2024, the release states. Meanwhile, with the new law, troopers were able to issue roughly 200% more citations to drivers using electronic devices while driving compared to 2024.
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“The increase in citations shows that troopers are actively enforcing Colorado’s hands-free law and holding distracted drivers accountable,” State Patrol Chief Col. Matthew C. Packard said in a statement. “But enforcement alone isn’t the goal — we want drivers to change their behavior. When drivers keep their hands off their cellphones and their eyes on the road, everyone is safer.”
Distracted driving continues to be a significant safety issue in Colorado and is the third leading contributing factor in traffic crashes, according to the news release.
Penalties for violating the hands-free law start with a $75 fine and two license suspension points for a first offense, according to State Patrol. First-time violators can have the charge dismissed if they provide proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory. Repeat offenders face higher fines and additional license suspension points.
