COPS have given a major update on the new “touch” traffic law, which threatens drivers with $75 fines, just days after it was enforced.
Under the new road law, violators will get an instant ticket if their hands are in the wrong place – even if the car isn’t moving.
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The crackdown started on June 5 in Colorado, but cops had been warning drivers to change their habits for months.
The “hands-free” law is meant to limit cell phone activity while driving, as distractions can lead to deadly crashes.
Under the new legislation, drivers must now stop themselves from ever touching their devices while their car is running.
This means that even looking at a quick text at a red light could mean an instant $75 ticket and two points on your license.
Plus, repeat offenders would face even larger fines or more license suspension points.
Now, days after the crackdown, officials have released a statement to say the results of the new law have been overwhelmingly positive.
“In the first five months of the year, Colorado State Patrol responded to 1,161 crashes involving inattentive driving, a 19% decrease from the 1,432 crashes that occurred during the same span in 2024,” a Colorado Department of Transportation release states.
Officials celebrated the apparent successes as distracted driving is the third leading cause of traffic crashes in Colorado, the Denver Gazette reported.
The new law came in the midst of the 100 deadliest days of summer driving, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, during which many traffic deaths happen.
Impairment, speed, not wearing a seatbelt, and distracted driving are the top factors in deadly crashes in the state, according to CDOT.
“Handheld technology is all around us, making it increasingly tempting to text and drive or glance at your phone at a stoplight,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, in a press release.
“It’s more important than ever to focus on the road and your surroundings. Distracted driving deaths are entirely preventable.”
The law first came into effect on January 1, and officials hope it’ll help curb distracted drivers.
“This law really strengthens and builds upon a previous law in Colorado that just bans texting and driving,” Sam Cole, a Colorado Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Manager, told Fox affiliate KXRM-TV.
What defines ‘distracted driving’?
Distracted driving claims lives every year nationwide, and it’s 100% preventable
However, many drivers assume that distracted driving is limited to using their phone while behind the wheel.
While using a phone to text, call, send emails, scroll through or post to social media, and make or accept video calls is illegal nationwide, other behaviors can be just as distracting – and dangerous.
Other behaviors that distract drivers:
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Applying makeup in visor mirrors
- Eating and drinking, as it takes one or both hands from the wheel
- Reaching into the backseat to grab personal items
- Rummaging through a purse, glove box, or center console
Thankfully, driving distracted can be prevented. Here are some proven tactics to stay focused:
- Put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” or “Driving Mode,” as it temporarily pauses notifications, but will push a call or text through if urgent
- If distraction is difficult to avoid, put the phone in a safe place, like a purse, glove box, center console, or back seat
- If a text message or call needs to be sent or made, pull over and park
- Give the phone to a passenger when applicable to send a text or make a call
- Be a role model – practicing safe driving in front of impressionable passengers helps pass along safe behaviors
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Connecticut Department of Transportation
“Now, you can’t hold your phone and text. You can’t hold your phone and make a phone call.
“You can’t hold your phone at all.”
This makes Colorado the 31st state to ban using a handheld device while driving.
The new law has exemptions for people reporting emergencies, utility workers, code enforcement officers, animal protection officers, first responders, and individuals in parked vehicles.
These exemptions are in place to make sure important communication isn’t hindered in emergency situations.
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