New Colorado Rules for 2025: Hands-Free Driving, Car Seat Changes, and More

Colorado residents are starting 2025 with a series of important law changes aimed at improving road safety, public welfare, and housing standards. These regulations, passed by the Colorado General Assembly, affect everything from traffic laws and firearm safety to housing rentals and food standards. Here’s a detailed look at the new rules you need to know.

Hands-Free Driving: Avoid Using Your Phone

One of the most impactful changes for Colorado drivers in 2025 is the hands-free driving law. Starting this year, using a handheld phone while driving is illegal. Drivers can only use their phones through hands-free technology.

• Penalties:
  • First offense: $75 fine and two points on your license.
  • Second offense: $150 fine and three points.
  • Third offense: $250 fine and four points.

Law enforcement is taking this rule seriously, as distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents nationwide. Exceptions are made only for emergencies and first responders on duty.

Updated Car Seat Regulations for Child Safety

Colorado has revised its car seat laws to provide better protection for children. Here’s what’s new:

• Rear-Facing Car Seats:
  Children under 2 years old and weighing less than 40 pounds must use a rear-facing car seat.
• Forward-Facing Car Seats:
  Children aged 2–4 years and weighing at least 20 pounds can use a forward-facing car seat.
• Booster Seats:
  Booster seats are mandatory until children reach the age of 9 or weigh 40 pounds.

Older children must use seat belts until they are 18 years old, up from the previous age limit of 16. These updates align with national safety guidelines and aim to reduce the risk of injuries in accidents.

Stricter Firearm Storage Laws

To address the rise in firearm thefts, Colorado now requires stricter storage of firearms in vehicles.

• Handgun Storage:
  Handguns must be stored in a locked, hard-sided container out of sight in unattended vehicles. The vehicle itself must also be locked.
• Other Firearms:
  Non-handgun firearms can be stored in soft-sided cases but must have a locking device.

These rules aim to prevent unauthorized access to firearms and reduce gun-related crimes.

Cage-Free Eggs: A New Standard

Colorado’s animal welfare law now requires all eggs sold in the state to come from cage-free hens. This law, enacted under pressure from animal advocacy groups, ensures better living conditions for hens.

Egg producers with more than 3,000 hens must comply with this rule. For consumers, this change means supporting humane farming practices while potentially seeing slight increases in egg prices.

Rental Registration in Fort Collins

Fort Collins has introduced a rental registration program to improve housing quality for tenants. Starting January 1, most rental properties in the city must be registered with the local government.

• Benefits for Tenants:
  • Tenants can verify if a property is registered before signing a lease.
  • Landlords must ensure compliance with local safety and health codes.

This program aims to create safer living conditions for renters while helping the city monitor rental housing.

Higher Minimum Wage for Workers

Colorado’s minimum wage has increased to $14.81 per hour in 2025, up from $14.42 in 2024. Tipped employees will now earn $11.79 per hour. These changes reflect adjustments based on the consumer price index. The increase supports workers in coping with rising living costs and aligns with Colorado’s focus on fair wages.

What These Changes Mean for You

Whether you’re a driver, a parent, a gun owner, or a tenant, these new regulations will impact your daily life. Staying informed about these updates is crucial to avoid fines, ensure safety, and contribute to a better community.

By adhering to these laws, Colorado residents can look forward to a safer and more responsible living environment in 2025.

Conclusion

Colorado’s 2025 law changes aim to enhance safety, responsibility, and quality of life. From hands-free driving and updated car seat rules to stricter firearm storage and rental regulations, these measures prioritize public welfare. Staying informed and compliant ensures safer roads, better housing, and a stronger, more accountable community for all residents.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.