Colorado Truck Driver Phone Law
The federal hand-held ban binds you across Colorado regardless of state law (49 CFR 392.82). Since January 1, 2025 Colorado has a hands-free law for the general public: no holding or manually using a phone, even at a red light (C.R.S. §42-4-239), but an officer can cite only when the use is seen to cause careless or imprudent driving (subsection 6). Note the state law expressly exempts CDL holders operating a commercial vehicle, so for you it is federal 392.82 that governs. Public fines run $75 and 2 points, then $150, then $250, with a first ticket dismissed if you buy a hands-free device.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Colorado’s rule for all drivers
The federal hand-held ban binds you across Colorado regardless of state law (49 CFR 392.82). Since January 1, 2025 Colorado has a hands-free law for the general public: no holding or manually using a phone, even at a red light (C.R.S. §42-4-239), but an officer can cite only when the use is seen to cause careless or imprudent driving (subsection 6). Note the state law expressly exempts CDL holders operating a commercial vehicle, so for you it is federal 392.82 that governs. Public fines run $75 and 2 points, then $150, then $250, with a first ticket dismissed if you buy a hands-free device.
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: Hands-free law (effective Jan 1, 2025) bans holding or manually using a phone for the general public, including at red lights and in stopped traffic — but an officer can cite only when the use is seen to cause careless or imprudent driving, and the law exempts CDL holders operating a commercial vehicle (C.R.S. §42-4-239).
- Fine: $75 and 2 license points for a first offense, $150 and 3 points for a second within 24 months, $250 and 4 points for a third or later. A first offense is dismissed if you show proof you bought a hands-free accessory. Note: the state law does not apply to CDL holders operating a commercial vehicle.
- Points: $75/2 points first, $150/3 points second within 24 months, $250/4 points third or later — though the state law does not apply to CDL holders in a commercial vehicle. Federally, a 392.82 conviction is a CSA serious violation — two in any 3 years disqualify your CDL for 60 days.
Colorado Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Colorado?
What is the phone fine in Colorado?
Is texting while driving illegal in Colorado?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://www.codot.gov/safety/distracteddriving/colorado-hands-free-law. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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