Colorado’s hands-free law bans holding electronic devices while driving, not just phones, as CSP reported 3,778 crashes from distracted driving in 2025.
DENVER — Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is reminding drivers that Colorado’s hands-free law bans the holding of any electronic device while driving.
CSP said that while the messaging of the law that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, emphasized that texting and cells phones were banned while driving. However, CSP said drivers can also not use other technology that has to be held or manually operated.
“It’s hard to fathom, but some of the most prolific distracted drivers use technology well beyond a phone call or text message as they are driving,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “These dangerous drivers are working, planning their vacation, shopping, and more, as they are also sharing the road with other drivers and pedestrians. Sometimes this is on the phone, and sometimes it’s using other electronic equipment.”
CSP said it investigated 3,778 crashes in 2025 involving distracted drivers. This was the second most-prevalent crash cause for all crash types (property damage, injury and fatal) in Colorado.
A report determined that people interacted with their phones for two minutes and six seconds per hour on the road in 2023. Cambridge Mobile Telematics found which apps people used most while driving.
“If you know you will get tempted, I recommend ‘Do Not Disturb’ for your electronic devices,” said Packard. “Having this setting automatically turn on can be very helpful without daily steps.”
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