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The Trust Project

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(Provided by Gigafact)

Yes.

Colorado’s new hands-free law will prohibit drivers from holding a mobile device while driving beginning Jan. 1, with some exceptions. Using a phone with a hands-free accessory, such as a phone mount or in-car speaker system, is allowed. 

A law enforcement officer must see a driver engage in careless driving while holding a phone to issue a citation. Repeated offenses may incur steeper fines and license suspension points. The ban applies even when drivers are stopped in traffic or at a red light.

Previously, the hands-free law applied only to drivers younger than 18. The new law also prohibits holding a phone while making calls, checking directions, watching videos and any other in-hand use.  Texting while driving is already prohibited in Colorado.

A Colorado Department of Transportation survey in 2024 revealed that 77% of drivers reported using a phone while driving. 

Twenty-nine other states ban hand-held mobile device use when driving. 

See full source list below.

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Corrections:

This story was updated at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, to clarify that Colorado's hands-free law applies even when drivers are stopped in traffic or at a red light.

References:

Mobile Electronic Devices & Motor Vehicle Driving, Colorado General Assembly, accessed in December 2024. Source link.

Colorado Hands-Free Law, Colorado Department of Transportation, accessed in December 2024. Source link.

CDOT 2024 Driving Behavior Survey, Corona Insights, accessed in December 2024. Source link.

Heads Up, Colorado! New 2025 law bans holding phones while driving, Colorado Department of Transportation, Oct. 23, 2024. Source link.

Type of Story: Fact-Check

Checks a specific statement or set of statements asserted as fact.

Por recently graduated from CU Boulder with a master’s degree in journalism and is interested in writing about the environment and exploring local stories. When not working on some form of writing, Por is either looking for Thai food or petting...