Colorado has taken additional steps in an effort to improve road safety with the passing of Senate Bill 24-065, which went into effect on Jan. 1. The law prohibits all drivers from holding or manually using a mobile electronic device while driving unless they use a hands-free accessory.
Previously, only texting while driving was banned, but the new legislation extends to all handheld phone use, including making calls or using apps.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), violating the new law will result in a $75 fine and two license suspension points for the first offense. A second offense within 24 months carries a $150 fine and three points, with harsher penalties for further violations. Law enforcement officials say these penalties aim to discourage distracted driving and make Colorado’s roads safer.
The new restrictions have sparked mixed reactions among students and staff who rely on their phones during commutes. Some see the change as inconvenient, while others believe it will improve safety.
“So many students use their phone while driving,” junior Daphne Blue said. “While I do believe we shouldn’t text and drive, being on phone calls or changing a song, especially when traffic isn’t moving, isn’t a reason we should get such a large ticket.”
Creek Students, like junior Joey Gleason, also believe that the new law won’t make any significant changes compared to the previous one put in place.
“I don’t understand how the new law is going to make a difference,” Gleason said. “We already had a law similar to this, and it hasn’t made much of a difference. We will just continue to use our phones and put them down if we see a cop.”
However, teachers and staff think otherwise. Many people have hands-free technology already, such as CarPlay and phone holders, but concerns remain about enforcement and adaptation.
“Everyone has used their phone while driving at some point,” Administrative Assistant Erin Palmer said. “However, it isn’t safe, and looking away from the road for a split second can cause a crash. So many students drive to school distracted, and it has created a significant hazard on the road, so I have to be extra careful when commuting to school.”
Assistant Principal Dr. Krista Keogh also believes this law is beneficial and will help with accidents that almost happen on the way to school.
“Distracted driving, with teens especially, is a big problem,” Keogh said. “But hopefully with this law forcing hands-free options it will force students, and other adults, to put the phone down and find another option so we are all safe.”
Distracted driving has been a growing concern in Colorado. CDOT’s 2024 Driver Behavior Report revealed that 77% of Colorado drivers admitted to using their phones while driving, and 45% said they would stop if their car had a hands-free feature. Officials believe that requiring hands-free use will reduce distractions, leading to safer roads.
“For a long time, troopers have been able to detect when someone is driving distracted by a vehicle weaving between lanes, delayed starts at stop signs and lights, not to mention seeing a phone or other device in a driver’s hand,” said Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol in a CDOT press release. “This legislation allows us to address risky and careless behaviors in a proactive way to increase the safety of all roadway users.”
CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew emphasized the importance of the new law in reducing preventable crashes.
“This new legislation is a crucial step toward making Colorado’s roads safer for everyone,” Lew said in CDOT’s release. “By encouraging drivers to focus solely on the task of driving, we can reduce the number of distracted driving incidents and prevent crashes that often come with such behavior.”
While some drivers may struggle to adapt, safety officials stress the necessity of the law in saving lives.
“No text, call, or social media update is worth a life,” Packard said. “It’s time for drivers to put their phones down and focus on the road ahead.”
