Alert: Support a Colorado Bill That Would Increase Fines for Texting and Driving

Did you know that the current fine for texting while driving in Colorado is only $50? That is a ridiculously low fine for a crime that impairs and distracts drivers as much as drinking and driving.

On January 25th at 1:30pm, I testified before the Senate Committee for State Veterans Military Affairs (an odd committee for this bill, but that’s where it is) and argued that the fine for texting and driving should match the crime.

Currently, the bill (SB17-027), which is sponsored by Lois Court, calls for the fine to increase to $500 for the first offense and $750 for every offense after that.

I believe that the fine for texting while driving should serve as both an adequate deterrent and punishment for this very dangerous crime. $50 does neither of those things.

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO CALL OR EMAIL THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE TO LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU WANT THE FINE FOR TEXTING AND DRIVING INCREASED FROM $50:

• Senator Lois Court: 303-866-4861, lois.court.senate@state.co.us
• Senator Ray Scott: 303-866-3077, ray.scott.senate@state.co.us
• Senator Stephen Fenberg: 303-866-4872, stephen.fenberg.senate@state.co.us
• Senator Vicki Marble: 303-866-4876, vicki.marble.senate@state.co.us
• Senator Owen Hill: 303-866-2737, owenjhill@gmail.com
• Senator Jerry Sonnenberg: 303-866-6360, SenatorSonnenberg@gmail.com

In your message, you may use the following language:

Senator [name], Please support Senate Bill 17-027, which would increase the fine for texting and driving from $50 to $500. We need to assure that the fine serves as both an adequate deterrent and punishment for this very dangerous behavior.

We will send another email when the hearing date is set. I will attend the hearing and I plan to testify.

Thanks for your help making Colorado’s roads safer!