Colorado’s Hands-Free Law Impacts Auto Accident Cases

 Posted on June 19, 2025 in Car Accident

The new hands-free law in Colorado was designed to reduce distracted driving, a common cause of car accidents. It carries serious implications for legal liability after an accident, and anyone injured by a distracted driver may be able to use the driver’s violation as evidence in a personal injury claim. A Fort Collins, CO car accident attorney can help victims understand how the hands-free law strengthens their claim for fast and fair compensation.

What is the Colorado Hands-Free Law?

The Colorado Hands-Free Driving Law from Senate Bill 24-065 went into effect on January 1, 2025. It expands on an existing ban on texting and driving and prohibits all drivers from using a mobile electronic device while driving unless it is in hands-free mode. This means that accessories like Bluetooth or dashboard mounts are allowed because they reduce the distraction of manually holding a phone while driving. As of April 2025, Larimer County recorded a decrease of more than 50 percent in traffic fatalities since the same time in 2024, and news reports highlight the Hands-Free Driving Law as a contributing factor to that positive change. 

Exceptions to the Hands-Free Driving Law

Exceptions to the hands-free law include:

• Using the phone to call 911 in an emergency

• Using the phone while legally parked and stopped

• Using a phone for official duties as a first responder or emergency personnel

• Using authorized communication systems as a commercial driver

How Does Violating the Hands-Free Law Affect Accident Cases?

When a driver violates the hands-free law and causes an accident, it can significantly strengthen a personal injury claim brought by the injured party. Statute § 13-25-127 stipulates that the plaintiff, which would be you, in a civil case carries the burden of proving their claim by a "preponderance of the evidence," and a critical element of filing an auto accident claim is proving that the other party’s negligence is directly responsible for your accident and resulting injuries. 

If the at-fault driver in your case was cited for violating the hands-free law, that citation can be used to help prove that their distracted driving contributed to the accident. This will result in a stronger liability claim, and insurance companies are more likely to accept fault and offer higher settlements when there is a clear traffic law violation related to the case. Additionally, police reports and witness statements can confirm the violation and support the claim.

Contact a Fort Collins, CO Auto Accident Attorney Today

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted or negligent driver, you have the right to seek compensation for the physical, financial, and emotional injuries you suffered due to their actions. An experienced Larimer County, CO auto accident lawyer at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. will explain your rights, gather the evidence to support your claim, handle communication with the insurer, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. We will build a strong case on your behalf. Call 970-225-2190 today for a free consultation and take the first step toward holding the at-fault driver accountable. Se habla Español.