Colorado Cell Phone While Driving Laws 2024 Explained

Talking on the phone while driving can be dangerous. Using your phone while driving in certain ways is legal in Colorado, but it can still be risky. Cell phone use can contribute to distracted driving, which is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. It is important to understand the Colorado cell phone while driving laws before you use a phone while behind the wheel.

What Are the Laws in Colorado Regarding Cell Phones While Driving?

According to Colorado state law, every driver over the age of 18 years old is allowed to talk on their cell phone while driving a car in the state, provided that the phone is hands-free under the state’s recent legislation.

You can wear headphones in just one ear for the sole purpose of using your phone in a hands-free capacity. However, when it comes to texting, checking your email, or browsing the internet while driving, those actions are expressly prohibited for every age group.

The law is different for minors under 18 years old. Minors are not permitted to use their cell phones in any way while driving. This includes talking on the phone, texting, and any other activity that requires the use of a cell phone while operating a vehicle. If a minor is pulled over for using a cell phone while driving, they could face penalties under Colorado’s distracted driving laws.

Exceptions to CO Cell Phone While Driving Laws

There are some exceptions to the general rule when it comes to cell phone usage while driving in Colorado. Drivers of any age are allowed to use their phones while driving in the case of an emergency. However, an emergency is expressly defined as any of the following situations:

• Someone has reason to fear for their life, and a criminal act is on the verge of being committed.
• Someone has to report an accident, a fire, or a medical emergency as soon as possible.
• Someone has to report a reckless driver whose actions could cause a serious accident soon.

Types of Distracted Driving

There are three distinct types of distracted driving. All of them are equally dangerous and can result in a deadly accident. These three types are:

• Visual Distractions: Visual distractions cause the driver to take their eyes off the road, even for a second. Sometimes, a second is all it takes to cause a severe accident. Visual distractions can include another driver cutting you off, a funny billboard, or using your cell phone, among other possibilities.
• Manual Distractions: Manual distractions cause the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel. There are many different factors that can cause you to take your hands off the wheel, even if you are doing so absentmindedly. These behaviors include eating and drinking, applying makeup, playing with the radio, or using your cell phone.
• Cognitive Distractions: Cognitive distractions are any distractions that cause the driver to take their mind and focus away from the road ahead. The simple act of daydreaming can result in a potential accident if you become too unfocused. Talking with other passengers and focusing on something other than the road are examples of cognitive distractions.

FAQs

What Is the New Cell Phone Law in Colorado in 2024?

The new cell phone law in Colorado expressly prohibits cell phone usage while driving for all age groups, apart from using hands-free devices and in emergency situations. Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed this bill into law earlier this year with the intention of making the roads of Colorado a bit safer for drivers and pedestrians. Violating this law can result in substantial fines. To pull a driver over, the police will need to see the phone in the driver’s hand or against their ear.

Is It Illegal to Talk on the Phone While Driving in Colorado?

As of recent legislation in the state, it will be illegal to talk on the phone while driving in Colorado, apart from hands-free devices and emergency situations. However, if you are under the age of 18, it will be illegal for you to use your phone while driving in any capacity, with the exception of emergency situations. For drivers over 18, hands-free cell phone use is allowed. However, texting will still be illegal for all Colorado drivers.

Can I Have My Phone in My Hand While Driving in Colorado?

No, you legally cannot hold your phone in your hand while driving in Colorado. If the police see you holding your phone, you may be pulled over and issued a traffic ticket for violating Colorado state law. The only method of cell phone use that is not illegal while driving in Colorado is hands-free usage, such as Bluetooth. Anything else may result in a traffic stop and a fine.

What Are the Exceptions to the Cell Phone Restrictions While Driving?

The only exceptions to Colorado’s cell phone restrictions while driving are certain emergency situations. You are allowed to use your phone to report an accident to the proper authorities, to act to save someone’s life, or to report a reckless driver who is on the verge of causing an accident. Apart from emergency situations, cell phone use while driving is largely banned in the state of Colorado.

Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard

Talking on the phone while driving may seem like harmless behavior, but it can lead to distracted driving, which is one of the leading causes of car accidents nationwide. It is important to ignore your phone while driving and only engage in hands-free device usage while you are behind the wheel. However, if you’re involved in a crash caused by another driver’s cell phone use, you should consider reaching out to an experienced Denver car accident lawyer who can help you seek compensation.

The legal team at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard understands the kind of legal help you need, and we are prepared to help you determine your next steps. We can help you build your case, gather evidence that supports you, and advocate for your interests. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.