Authorities expanding efforts to enforce 'hands-free' driving law

DENVER (KDVR) — Beginning Jan. 1, authorities statewide will be expanding efforts to enforce the updated “hands-free” law.

The new law was signed by Gov. Jared Polis this June and expands the ban on using cell phones beyond just texting. Previous Colorado law said only drivers under 18 years old are banned from using cell phones, now, that law has expanded to all drivers.

“Whether it be looking at GPS, changing songs, texting or even trying to make a phone call, you can receive a citation for that,” said Colorado State Patrol Trooper Gabriel Moltrer.

The bill defines use or using a phone as, "Physically holding a mobile electronic device in the driver's hand or pinning a mobile electronic device to a driver's ear to conduct voice-based communication." The Colorado Department of Transportation has been urging drivers since at least October to begin putting down the phone now in preparation for the law and buying hands-free accessories like dashboard mounts or speakerphone systems.

Citations could include a $75 fine and two points off of a driver’s license. Points and fines would increase with each violation. A violation may be dismissed if the driver can prove they purchased a hands-free accessory.

“All it takes is a couple of seconds for something to happen. The road is a dangerous place,” said Andre Renteria, driving instructor for Mile High Driver Training.

Exceptions to the law can include making a call to a first responder, making a call to report a suspected drunk driver or reporting another distracted driver. In the U.S., 29 states have already enacted hands-free driving laws. CDOT said these states have reported decreases in distracted driving crashes.