Using a mobile phone while driving in Colorado (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Since 2025 Colorado bans holding or manually using a phone or other mobile device while driving, including for voice calls and texting, so drivers must use a hands-free device. Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all except in an emergency. A first offence carries a USD 75 fine and two points, and a first-time violator can have the charge dismissed on proof of buying a hands-free accessory.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $75.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | 2 points [1] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Texting while driving is illegal for drivers of all ages, and since 2025 any holding or manual use of a phone or mobile device is banned, including at traffic lights and in traffic jams. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers under 18 may not use a mobile phone for any purpose while driving, including hands-free, except in an emergency. [1] |
Notes
- The ban applies at traffic lights and in traffic jams. Exemptions include emergency reports, utility workers, code enforcement and animal protection officers, first responders, parked vehicles and holders of a commercial driver licence operating a commercial vehicle. The page is a Department of Transportation summary; the statute text (C.R.S. 42-4-239) could not be retrieved.
- Bluetooth headsets, dashboard mounts, CarPlay and Android Auto and car speaker systems count as hands-free. Headphones or earbuds in both ears are illegal while driving.
- The page gives USD 75 as the fine for a first offence, with higher fines for repeat offences. A first offence can be dismissed on proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory.
Sources
- Colorado Department of Transportation: The Hands-Free Law (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Colorado and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 75 | 2 points |
| Kansas | Texting only | Allowed | USD 60 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nebraska | No (texting/reading banned) | Calls not restricted | USD 200 | 3 points |
| New Mexico | ⚠ Not yet verified | Allowed | USD 25 (first violation) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Oklahoma | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School and construction zones: Banned in zones | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | None |
| Utah | No (calls allowed) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Wyoming | No (texting only) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Colorado
- CannabisGrowing at home: Up to 6 plants per person; 12 per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph business, 30 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (40 mph open mountain highways)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (minor licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permissible fireworks only) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade · Locking or one-handed knives: Only ballistic knives banned outright
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.16 per hour (2026)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes (adults: secondary enforcement) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (under 21 may not be served or buy) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (under 21 may not be served or buy)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.