Colorado’s hands-free cellphone driving law appears to be working at curbing distracted driving, according to a release Monday from the Colorado Department of Transportation.

The law prohibits drivers from using handheld mobile devices while driving, unless a hands-free accessory is used, with exemptions for emergencies. Colorado is the 30th state in the country to enact a law like this.

Colorado State Patrol reports issuing 94 citations to drivers using their cellphones since the law went into effect Jan. 1.

CDOT is encouraging drivers to take the new law seriously as part of distracted driving awareness month in April.

According to previous reporting by The Gazette, cellphone motion distraction has decreased 3.3% statewide, per research from Cambridge Mobile Telematics. This is an improvement the company estimates has prevented 88 crashes, 49 injuries and $3.5 million in economic damages.

Cambridge Mobile Telematics’ study analyzed nearly 4 million trips in Colorado between December 2024 and mid-February 2025 and measured drivers’ phone motion distraction, defined as when a phone moves with its screen on while a vehicle is in motion.

“Distracted driving causes far too many crashes and fatalities on our roads,” said Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “The new ‘hands-free’ law allows law enforcement to address reckless behaviors and is expected to help reduce distracted-related crashes in our state. Now is the time to stop using your mobile devices and pay attention to the road.”

Distracted driving is the third leading cause of traffic crashes in Colorado, according to studies by CDOT. Prior to this law, Colorado saw a 9% increase in cellphone usage while driving between 2022 and 2024, according to a CDOT survey.

According to a report by CDOT in 2024, 77% of Colorado drivers use their phones while driving, with 45% saying a hands-free feature in their car would stop them from using their phones.

Hands-free accessories can include dashboard mounts and car speakerphone systems. CDOT encourages drivers to get something like this to avoid putting lives at risk, as well as the fines and license suspension points.

The fine is $75 and two license suspension points for the first offense. Drivers can have the charge dismissed if they provide proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory. Repeat offenders face higher fines and more license suspension points.