Colorado: Distractive Driving Bill Passes Unanimously Out of Senate Committee

SB24-065, involving mobile electronic devices and motor vehicle driving, passed unanimously Feb. 12 out of the Senate Committee on Transportation & Energy. NAMIC submitted a letter in support of the distracted driving bill that aims to make holding a phone or other electronic device while driving illegal, with a $75 fine for the first offense and $150 for the second. For a third or subsequent offense within 24 months, the penalty is $250 and four license suspension points. A violation will be dismissed if the individual has not previously committed a violation, produces proof of purchase of a hands-free accessory, and affirms, under penalty of perjury, that he or she has not previously claimed this option to dismiss.

If the bill becomes law, it will prohibit dangerous phone behaviors while driving such as talking and texting while holding the phone. Hands-free phone devices will be allowed under the law.