Key Colorado facts: Phones & Distraction
Colorado law bars drivers from using a mobile device unless it is with a hands-free accessory, to contact law enforcement or the fire department, or in an emergency. Safe Driving Tips, Using a cell phone while driving, printed p. 18 (PDF p. 21); Careless/Reckless Driving, Distracted Driving, printed p. 24 (PDF p. 27) Using a mobile electronic device while driving is a class A traffic infraction with a $75 fine for a first offense in 24 months, $150 for a second and $250 for a third or later, each with a $10 surcharge. Section 1, C.R.S. 42-4-239 (4)(a), effective January 1, 2025 A first-time charge for device use is not a conviction if the driver produces a hands-free accessory or proof of buying one and swears they have not used this dismissal before. Section 1, C.R.S. 42-4-239 (4)(b) Distraction is the top cause of driver error; it means anything that pulls attention away from driving, even briefly. Before You Drive, Distractions, printed p. 6 (PDF p. 9) Rubbernecking, staring at something of interest while driving, is a distraction to avoid. Before You Drive, Distractions, printed p. 6 (PDF p. 9) Sample Phones & Distraction questions
Which of these may you wear while driving in Colorado?
Earbuds placed in both of your ears A headset covering one ear, linked to your phone Headphones that cover both of your ears A headset over both ears, linked to your phone Show the answer
A headset covering one ear, linked to your phone
Earphones covering both ears are not allowed. Hearing aids and one-ear devices connected to a wireless device are permitted.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Before You Drive, Hearing, printed p. 5 (PDF p. 8)
Without a hands-free device, when may a Colorado driver use a phone while driving?
To contact police or the fire department To reply to a work email To check social media at a light To choose a new song Show the answer
To contact police or the fire department
Contacting law enforcement or the fire department, or an emergency, is the exception to the ban.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Safe Driving Tips, Using a cell phone while driving, printed p. 18 (PDF p. 21); Careless/Reckless Driving, Distracted Driving, printed p. 24 (PDF p. 27)
A driver is charged for the first time with using a phone while driving. How can the driver avoid a conviction?
By paying double the usual fine for the offense By deleting the call history on the phone By passing a new vision test at the DMV By showing a hands-free accessory or proof of buying one Show the answer
By showing a hands-free accessory or proof of buying one
The charge is dismissed once if the driver shows a hands-free accessory or receipt and swears it is the first such dismissal.
Source: Senate Bill 24-065, signed act (C.R.S. 42-4-239, use of a mobile electronic device), Section 1, C.R.S. 42-4-239 (4)(b)
Which phone use is allowed for an adult driving in Colorado?
Texting while stopped at a red light A call using a hands-free accessory Holding the phone to your ear Watching a video on a phone Show the answer
A call using a hands-free accessory
Device use is banned unless it is hands-free, to reach police or fire services, or in an emergency.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Safe Driving Tips, Using a cell phone while driving, printed p. 18 (PDF p. 21); Careless/Reckless Driving, Distracted Driving, printed p. 24 (PDF p. 27)
Your child in the back seat needs urgent attention while you drive. What should you do?
Pull over safely first Steer with one knee and reach back Turn around while driving slowly Speed up to get home sooner Show the answer
Pull over safely first
Safely pull over to deal with distracting or urgent situations.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Before You Drive, Distractions, printed p. 6 (PDF p. 9)
What is the fine for a first offense of using a mobile device while driving in Colorado?
Show the answer
$75
A first offense within 24 months brings a $75 fine plus a $10 surcharge; later offenses cost more.
Source: Senate Bill 24-065, signed act (C.R.S. 42-4-239, use of a mobile electronic device), Section 1, C.R.S. 42-4-239 (4)(a), effective January 1, 2025
Why is a distraction especially dangerous for a driver who has used alcohol or marijuana?
They make drivers more alert to distractions These drugs reduce the ability to handle several tasks They improve reaction time They only affect drivers at night Show the answer
These drugs reduce the ability to handle several tasks
Many drugs reduce a driver's ability to manage multiple tasks, so a small distraction can become life-threatening.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Careless/Reckless Driving, Distracted Driving, printed p. 24 (PDF p. 27)
What is rubbernecking?
Turning your head to check a blind spot Staring at something of interest while driving Stretching your neck at a rest stop Looking 10 seconds ahead Show the answer
Staring at something of interest while driving
Rubbernecking takes your attention away from the road and is a distraction to avoid.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Before You Drive, Distractions, printed p. 6 (PDF p. 9)
What is the leading cause of driver error?
Poor road signs Worn tires Bad weather Distractions Show the answer
Distractions
A distraction is anything that takes your attention from driving, even for a moment.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Before You Drive, Distractions, printed p. 6 (PDF p. 9)
What can you do before a trip to avoid fiddling with music while driving?
Preprogram stations or pick a playlist Turn the volume all the way up Plan to change stations at lights Keep the phone on your lap Show the answer
Preprogram stations or pick a playlist
Set up the radio or a playlist and plan your route before you start driving.
Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), Careless/Reckless Driving, Tips to prevent distracted driving, printed p. 24 (PDF p. 27)
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025 (file DR_2337_Jan2025.pdf, footer DR 2337 (12/05/24), PDF created 2024-12-04, 36 pages), linked from https://dmv.colorado.gov/drivereducation. dmv.colorado.gov refuses automated requests (Cloudflare 403), so the owner supplied the file; read 2026-11-09. Citations give the printed page and the PDF page (PDF page = printed page + 3). PDF pages 23 (printed p. 20) and 33 also carry hidden, off-page text left over from an older edition (sections 13.3-13.5 and 15.5-16, e.g. school bus fines of up to $300 and six points); it is not visible on the page and no fact is taken from it. Where the handbook is silent, DMV pages (dmv.colorado.gov, read 2026-11-09 through a fetch tool), the Code of Colorado Regulations (1 CCR 204-30, Rule 8) and signed acts on leg.colorado.gov are the source. Statute checks used the 2024 compilation of C.R.S. title 42 (as republished by colorado.public.law, not an official host, so it is not cited) together with the 2024-2026 bills that changed it. edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
