Navigating Colorado's New Hands-Free Law: What Every Boulder Driver Needs to Know

Boulder's vibrant street life and picturesque drives into the foothills are about to become safer. 

Starting January 1, 2025, Colorado will implement a hands-free law designed to minimize distractions and maximize attention on the road—just in time to keep our daily commutes around Boulder and scenic drives through the Rockies as safe as they are stunning.

As Boulder's trusted auto repair shop, Pellman's Automotive is committed to equipping every driver with the best car care and the most accurate information to comply with Colorado’s new hands-free law. From detailed car repair services to expert advice on the best hands-free devices, our auto service center is here to help you adapt to the changes and maintain your vehicle’s performance seamlessly.

What Boulder Drivers Need to Know:

• Hands-Free Required: Whether you’re driving to explore the bustling adventures on Pearl Street or heading out for a weekend in the mountains, you'll need to use hands-free devices to manage your calls and GPS. This new law will mean you may not handle, touch, or use your device outside of voice commands, including pinning it between your ear and shoulder or using it between traffic signals and stops.
• Applies to All: This law isn’t just for new drivers or commercial vehicles; it’s for everyone who takes the wheel in Boulder and beyond, ensuring uniform safety across all roads.
• Emergencies Excepted: You can still use your phone to make emergency calls. So, if you encounter unexpected wildlife on your drive up to Nederland or need roadside assistance on Canyon Blvd, you can call for help without worry. For the safest option, pull over and put your car in park to avoid any violations. 

Avoiding Fines and Enhancing Safety:

What happens if you get caught holding your phone after January 1, 2025? You could face a $75 fine and two points on your license, with higher fines and more license points if you continue to violate the law. Law enforcement officers have the authority to stop drivers if they witness potentially dangerous behavior related to holding a device. For example, you might be pulled over if you're caught holding a cell phone while weaving through traffic on a busy Boulder street, or if an officer notices you checking your phone during stop-and-go traffic near a school zone. In either scenario, the focus is on ensuring that attention remains on driving rather than on handheld devices.

Essential Hands-Free Gadgets:

You're driving on Arapahoe, the Flatirons in your rearview mirror and your smartphone securely mounted. Having the correct hands-free tools will guide you while you remain completely aware of Boulder's cyclists, runners, and everything that appears on the road ahead. Here’s a list of a few gadgets we recommend to create this scenario in your everyday life:

• Dashboard Mounts: Check out the iOttie Easy One Touch, a sturdy mount that keeps your phone accessible without it ever needing to be in your hands—ideal for following city streets hands-free. At Pellman’s Automotive, we’ve seen that vent-mounted models can occasionally damage air vents, which is why a dashboard mount like this offers a safer and more dependable solution.
• Secure Cup Holder Mounts: How many times have you made a sharp turn only to hear your phone go flying out of the cup holder and onto the floor? Avoid that scenario with this secure cup holder mount. 
• Bluetooth Car Speakerphones: Upgrade your vehicle with the Jabra Freeway Speakerphone for crystal-clear audio, making hands-free calls as easy as chatting with a passenger.
• Integrated Systems: For those with newer vehicles, syncing your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto makes accessing your favorite digital tools seamless and straightforward. Page through your trusty vehicle manual for options on integrated navigation systems for your specific vehicle. Navigate, communicate, and entertain without ever touching your device. 
• Bluetooth Headsets: The Plantronics Voyager Headset is perfect for those who are always on the call, ensuring you can discuss plans or catch up with friends while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Just make sure you avoid headphones or earbuds in both ears- this is illegal and will also result in fines.
• Voice-Activated Assistants: Bring Alexa along for the ride with Amazon Echo Auto, letting you voice-control your music, navigation, and more, so you can stay focused on driving through Boulder's beautiful landscapes. You could also consider utilizing voice assistant technology such as Siri or Google Assistant to manage your device without needing to physically handle it. These tools can be activated with simple voice commands to make calls, send texts, or get directions, allowing you to keep your hands on the wheel and focus on the road. Most smartphones and modern vehicles provide easy setup options for these voice services, typically found in your device's settings or vehicle's infotainment system manual, ensuring you can leverage hands-free technology effortlessly while driving.

The updated law, which took effect January 1, 2025, adds new layers to Colorado's existing rules against distracted driving. Currently, these rules prohibit texting and manually entering data while behind the wheel. 

From 2025 onward, it won't just be about texts and DMs; any use of your phone that involves holding it or using it manually for calls, directions, watching videos, or other actions is off-limits unless you're set up with a hands-free device. Think of it as your phone going "hands-off" while your hands stay on the wheel. By adopting the latest hands-free gadgets, you not only stay on the right side of these new regulations but also enrich your driving experience. Enjoy safer drives whether you’re commuting, carpooling, or cruising through Colorado’s great outdoors, knowing you're keeping Boulder’s roads safer for everyone.

For further details on navigating the changes brought by the new hands-free law in Colorado, visit CDOT’s official page or ask for recommendations on installation locations at your next visit to Pellman’s Automotive, your premier auto service center in Boulder. Although we don’t install these devices, we can suggest some local automotive stereo and accessory specialists. 

Remember, staying hands-free isn’t just about dodging fines—it’s about safety. As your go-to auto repair shop, Pellman's Automotive is dedicated to helping you navigate these new laws with the best auto repair Boulder has to offer, ensuring your vehicle is as ready as you are for this new chapter in Colorado driving.

Stay safe, Colorado drivers, and let’s make our roads safer together!