What Every Colorado Springs Driver Needs to Know About Colorado's New Driving Laws in 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, Colorado drivers began facing stricter rules when it comes to mobile phone use behind the wheel. Under the new statewide hands-free law, it is now illegal for adult drivers to hold their cell phones while driving. This includes making phone calls, checking GPS directions, changing songs, or reading messages. The only legal way to use a phone while driving is through a fully hands-free system. These include dashboard-mounted phone holders, built-in speaker systems, and integrations such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. 

If your phone is in your hand while the vehicle is in motion, you are breaking the law. This is more than just a rule change. It reflects growing concern about the dangers of distracted driving, which has become one of the top causes of traffic collisions across the state. For drivers in Colorado Springs, where traffic volumes continue to grow and major roads remain busy throughout the day, this law is a direct response to real risks on the road.

What Drivers Are Allowed and Not Allowed to Do

Under the updated law, drivers are still allowed to use their phones for essential tasks, but only if those tasks can be performed without touching the device. Here’s a closer look at what is permitted and what is not: 

Permitted Under the New Law:

• Using voice commands to make or answer a call
• Getting GPS directions through a mounted phone or integrated screen
• Listening to music or podcasts if they are controlled through a hands-free system

Not Permitted Under the New Law:

• Holding a phone while driving, even if just for a moment
• Touching your phone to enter an address, reply to a message, or scroll through apps
• Using your phone while stopped at a red light or stop sign

This law applies to all adult drivers in Colorado. Teen drivers under 18 were already banned from using cell phones at all while driving, and this new law closes many of the loopholes that previously made enforcement difficult.

Why This Law Was Created and Why It Matters in Colorado Springs

Distracted driving is not a minor problem; it is a deadly one. According to recent data from the Colorado Department of Transportation, thousands of crashes every year are caused by drivers who were distracted by their phones. These crashes often occur at high speeds and in situations where the driver had only seconds to react. 

Colorado Springs, with its mix of dense city traffic, sprawling residential neighborhoods, and fast-moving highways, sees its share of serious collisions linked to distraction. Roads like Academy Boulevard, Powers Boulevard, and the heavily traveled sections of I-25 have become hotspots for phone-related accidents. 

When a driver looks down at a text message or tries to tap an app on their screen, their eyes leave the road, their hands leave the wheel, and their focus is divided. Even just two or three seconds of distraction at 45 miles per hour can be enough to miss a stopped vehicle, a changing light, or a pedestrian in the crosswalk. By making it illegal to even hold a phone while driving, lawmakers hope to reduce the number of these high-risk situations and prevent more injuries and fatalities on Colorado’s roads.

How This Law Impacts Liability in a Car Accident

One of the key legal implications of the hands-free law is how it affects fault and responsibility in the event of a collision. If a driver is holding a phone during an accident, that behavior can be used as evidence of negligence. Insurance companies and courts will take into account whether the at-fault driver was violating Colorado’s hands-free law. If it can be proven that the driver was using their phone illegally at the time of the crash, they may be held liable for damages, and their ability to contest the claim may be significantly reduced. 

At Pribila & Fields, we have handled many cases where distracted driving was a factor. With the new law now in place, it becomes easier to demonstrate that a driver’s inattention was not only dangerous but also unlawful. Our legal team works to obtain cell phone records, interview witnesses, and review traffic camera footage whenever necessary to build a compelling case on behalf of injured clients.

What to Do if You’ve Been Injured by a Distracted Driver

If you were involved in a car accident and believe the other driver was distracted by their phone, it is important to take immediate steps to protect your rights. Begin by contacting law enforcement so that an official report is filed. Make sure to mention any observations that suggest the other driver was using a phone, such as seeing it in their hand or noticing that they were looking down before the crash. 

Next, seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Some effects of a collision, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may take time to show symptoms. Your medical records will also help document the impact of the accident and support any legal claim you pursue. You should also speak with a qualified car accident attorney as soon as possible. 

At Pribila & Fields, we offer free consultations to help you understand your options and determine whether distracted driving may have played a role in your case. We can also manage communication with insurance companies and begin gathering evidence while it is still fresh.

Safety Is in Everyone’s Hands But Not on Their Phones

Colorado’s hands-free law is not just about tickets or penalties; it is about keeping people safe. Driving requires full attention, and phones have become one of the biggest sources of distraction on the road today. The law sends a clear message that taking your eyes off the road to check your phone is no longer acceptable. 

By following the rules and committing to safe driving habits, we can all play a role in preventing unnecessary injuries and deaths. And for those who are injured due to someone else's disregard for the law, there are legal protections available to seek accountability and compensation.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident involving a distracted driver, you do not have to deal with it on your own. Our experienced Colorado Springs car accident attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and fight for the recovery you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free case review.