Colorado Outlaws Texting while Driving

Wed, 21 July, 2010

On December 1st, 2009 Governor Ritter signed into law a bill criminalizing text messaging while driving. The new law will make texting and driving a Class A driving infraction.

See the Denver Post Article below:

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12498806

The law, which will be Colorado State Statute 42-4-239, prohibits use of cellphones for drivers under 18 years of age, and texting (and yes, “sexting” as well) for any drivers. The pertinent texting language is below:
A PERSON EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER SHALL NOT USE A
WIRELESS TELEPHONE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENGAGING IN TEXT MESSAGING

OR OTHER SIMILAR FORMS OF MANUAL DATA ENTRY OR TRANSMISSION WHILE

OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE.

The entire statute can be found here:

http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2009a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/349F9CCA2B83CD5087257537001A2BB0?open&file=1094_enr.pdf

The fines for violating this statute are:

$ 50.00 Fine Plus a $6.00 Surcharge for a First Offense

$100.00 Fine Plus a $6.00 Surcharge for a Second Offense