New Year, new laws: Here are 5 coming in Colorado聽
John LaConte/Vail Daily
As the new year approaches, new Colorado laws ranging from distracted driving prevention to cage-free egg requirements are coming with it.
Here are some of the biggest laws Coloradans should know about:
Ban on holding a phone while driving
Beginning Jan. 1, Colorado drivers who are holding their phone while driving can receive a $75 ticket for violating the new law and two license suspension points. First-time offenders can have the charge dismissed if they provide proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory.
Repeat offenders will face higher fines and more license suspension points.
About 77% of Colorado drivers admitted to using their phones while driving, according to a recent report from the Colorado Department of Transportation.
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Using a mobile device while driving increases the risk of a crash by two to six times, according to CDOT.
As of January, 29 other states will also have bans on distracted driving.
Child safety laws
After Gov. Jared Polis signed a new bill into law earlier this year, Colorado has broadened its protections for children riding in vehicles.
Children under 9 years old must use a booster seat. That’s increased from the previous requirement, which was only for children under 8 years old.
Children under 2 and weighing under 40 pounds must also be restrained in a rear-facing car seat in the rear seat if available. Previously, the law was only for children under 1 and under 20 pounds.
Parents of children under 2 but weighing over 40 pounds can use either a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat.
Children under 18 must be restrained in a seat belt or child restraint system. That’s also increased from the earlier requirement, which was only for 16-year-olds.
CDOT plans to launch an awareness campaign in January about the new updates.
To help parents ensure they have the right size car seat and proper installation, Colorado offers free checks of car seats. Car seat inspection locations are available at .
Gun storage requirements
Under a bill passed earlier this year, guns will have to be in a locked, hard-sided container out of view when kept in a vehicle beginning next year. That could include a glove box or center console. The vehicle must also be locked.
The bill 鈥� sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs 鈥� creates a fine for violators but has exceptions for people who work on farms and ranches, in the military or law enforcement.
Public engagement requirements for Agriculture & Natural Resources
Members of the Parks and Wildlife Commission, the Colorado Water Conservation Board and the Colorado Agricultural Commission will now be required to have two meetings with the public each year.
The bill was sponsored entirely by Western Slope lawmakers, who hope the law will help improve trust and understanding between the commissions and residents.
Cage-free eggs
Due to a law passed in 2020, all eggs sold in Colorado must be from a cage-free facility beginning Jan. 1.
House Bill 1343, sponsored by then-Rep. Dylan Roberts and Sen. Kerry Donovan, established enclosure requirements for eggs and egg products produced or sold in Colorado.
