If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to stop using your phone while driving, it’s about to become real, because now you can get fined for touching your phone behind the wheel.

As of Jan. 1, 2025, Colorado will join 29 other states that have taken a step toward reducing distracted drivers with a new law prohibiting hand-held mobile devices behind the wheel. Drivers are now required to use hands-free accessories, such as Bluetooth devices or dashboard mounts.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), between 2012 and 2022, distracted driving crashes killed 718 Colorado residents. In 2021, distracted driving was ranked as the third most common cause of traffic accidents. According to the State of Distracted Driving in 2023 & the Future of Road Safety research by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), distracted driving has increased by 23% countrywide from 2020 to 2022, resulting in an additional 420,000 collisions and 1,000 fatalities.

According to the Colorado General Assembly, adults are allowed to use their cell phones for calls, but it must be hands-free, meaning you can use the speaker option or one earbud. However, adult drivers are prohibited from sending text messages or browsing the internet while behind the wheel.

For any driver under 18 years of age, using a cell phone while driving is prohibited. This includes changing a song on your playlist, watching TikTok at a stoplight, or any other form of cell phone use.

For a first-time offender, breaking this law will result in a $75 fine and two license suspension points. If a first-time offender can provide proof of having bought a hands-free accessory, their charges may be dropped. Repeat offenders will receive a higher fine and more license suspension points. If a driver is caught twice within 24 months, a $150 fine will be issued along with three license suspension points. For third-time offenders within 24 months, there will be a $250 fine and four license suspension points.

Now that this new law is in place, drivers need to stop old habits of scrolling on TikTok and fueling their phone addiction at a stoplight, and create new habits that keep others safe, and save their wallets from a $75 fine. Keep your phone off and your hands on the wheel. Texting can wait, but that police officer won’t while they are taking those points off your license.