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New update on ‘touch’ law where drivers face $75 fines and suspension points if hands are in wrong place in car

COPS have given a major update on the new “touch” traffic law, which threatens drivers with $75 fines, just days after it was enforced.

Under the new road law, violators will get an instant ticket if their hands are in the wrong place – even if the car isn’t moving.

Police officer issuing a speeding ticket.
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Police say violating the law will result in an automatic fine (stock image)[/caption]
Young man handing his driver's license to a police officer.
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The “no touch” law is meant to target cell phone use while on the roads (stock image)[/caption]

The crackdown started on June 5 in Colorado, but cops had been warning drivers to change their habits for months.

The “hands-free” law is meant to limit cell phone activity while driving, as distractions can lead to deadly crashes.

Under the new legislation, drivers must now stop themselves from ever touching their devices while their car is running.

This means that even looking at a quick text at a red light could mean an instant $75 ticket and two points on your license.

Plus, repeat offenders would face even larger fines or more license suspension points.

Now, days after the crackdown, officials have released a statement to say the results of the new law have been overwhelmingly positive.

“In the first five months of the year, Colorado State Patrol responded to 1,161 crashes involving inattentive driving, a 19% decrease from the 1,432 crashes that occurred during the same span in 2024,” a Colorado Department of Transportation release states.

Officials celebrated the apparent successes as distracted driving is the third leading cause of traffic crashes in Colorado, the Denver Gazette reported.

The new law came in the midst of the 100 deadliest days of summer driving, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, during which many traffic deaths happen.

Impairment, speed, not wearing a seatbelt, and distracted driving are the top factors in deadly crashes in the state, according to CDOT.

“Handheld technology is all around us, making it increasingly tempting to text and drive or glance at your phone at a stoplight,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, in a press release.

“It’s more important than ever to focus on the road and your surroundings. Distracted driving deaths are entirely preventable.”

The law first came into effect on January 1, and officials hope it’ll help curb distracted drivers.

“This law really strengthens and builds upon a previous law in Colorado that just bans texting and driving,” Sam Cole, a Colorado Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Manager, told Fox affiliate KXRM-TV.

What defines 'distracted driving'?

Distracted driving claims lives every year nationwide, and it's 100% preventable

However, many drivers assume that distracted driving is limited to using their phone while behind the wheel.

While using a phone to text, call, send emails, scroll through or post to social media, and make or accept video calls is illegal nationwide, other behaviors can be just as distracting – and dangerous.

Other behaviors that distract drivers:

  • Adjusting the radio or GPS
  • Applying makeup in visor mirrors
  • Eating and drinking, as it takes one or both hands from the wheel
  • Reaching into the backseat to grab personal items
  • Rummaging through a purse, glove box, or center console

Thankfully, driving distracted can be prevented. Here are some proven tactics to stay focused:

  • Put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” or “Driving Mode,” as it temporarily pauses notifications, but will push a call or text through if urgent
  • If distraction is difficult to avoid, put the phone in a safe place, like a purse, glove box, center console, or back seat
  • If a text message or call needs to be sent or made, pull over and park
  • Give the phone to a passenger when applicable to send a text or make a call
  • Be a role model – practicing safe driving in front of impressionable passengers helps pass along safe behaviors

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Connecticut Department of Transportation

“Now, you can’t hold your phone and text. You can’t hold your phone and make a phone call.

“You can’t hold your phone at all.”

This makes Colorado the 31st state to ban using a handheld device while driving.

The new law has exemptions for people reporting emergencies, utility workers, code enforcement officers, animal protection officers, first responders, and individuals in parked vehicles.

These exemptions are in place to make sure important communication isn’t hindered in emergency situations.

A young woman pulled over by police at night.
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Even touching your phone at a red light could result in a ticket (stock image)[/caption]

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Starbucks CEO confirms plans to ‘further MAHA its menu’ after company announces it will slash 30% of fan favorites

STARBUCKS has committed to aligning its menu with the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the deal with the coffee giant’s CEO Brian Niccol on Wednesday.

Photo of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Brian Niccol.
Twitter/@SecKennedy
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr (L) and Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol (R) met on Tuesday[/caption]
Starbucks coffee cup on a wooden table.
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Niccol has agreed to align Starbucks’ menu with MAHA goals[/caption]
Photo of Brian Niccol, Starbucks chairman and CEO.
In January, Niccol revealed plans to cut 30 percent of its menu offering in 2025
Associated Press

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a post on X: “Yesterday (Tuesday), I met with @Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, who shared the company’s plans to further MAHA its menu.

“I was pleased to learn that Starbucks’ food and beverages already avoid artificial dyes, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and other additives.”

The nephew of President John F. Kennedy has been examining the nation’s food system to address the root causes of childhood chronic disease.

Starbucks said the meeting with Kennedy was productive.

The company told FOX Business: “Our diverse menu of high-quality foods and beverages empower customers to make informed nutritional decisions, with transparency on ingredients, calories, and more.

“Plus, we keep it real – no high fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes, flavors, or artificial trans-fats.”

Earlier this year, Starbucks announced it would be axing 30 percent of its menu in a bid to improve the company’s dwindling sales and financial results. 

Niccol told investors in January: “Over coming months we will begin to optimize our menu offerings, resulting in roughly 30% reduction in both beverages and food skews by end of fiscal year.

“This means we can sell more of our core beverages by demonstrating our premium value, a key part of the premium value we provide and consistently delivering a high quality, hand crafted beverage.”

Niccol also confirmed the chain would double its store footprint in the US by the end of the year.

It was revealed last week that Starbucks is testing healthier drink options – including a new protein cold foam.

The banana-flavored foam, said to have 15 grams of protein, has been rolled out at five US locations.

It is being paired with a sugar-free vanilla latte.

Niccol said: “It’s on trend. It’s delicious.”

The company also said it has started to test baking certain pastries in stores – rather than shipping them, with the result they need to be warmed up.

The first test is a new buttery croissant and a double chocolate cookie.

It comes as a new coffee, dubbed the Starbucks 1971 Roast, is coming to Starbucks spots in the US and Canada this winter.

The drink offers a dark roast blend of beans from Sumatra, Colombia and Brazil.

Starbucks is also celebrating the 30th anniversary of its iconic Frappuccino with the Strato Frappuccino.

Strato, which means “layer” in Italian, adds a cloud of cold foam on top of any Frappuccino flavor.

Under Niccol’s leadership, Starbucks has seen a 24.5 percent increase in stock value.

Starbucks changes

Starbucks announced a series of updates in January 2025:

  • 30% of food and beverage items will be axed from the menu
  • Self-serve condiment bars will be brought back
  • Free refills of hot or iced brewed coffees
  • Dine-in customers will be able to get drinks in ceramic mug
  • Open-door policy will be reversed
  • Return of handwritten labels on to-go cups
A Starbucks storefront with people inside looking at their phones.
Alamy
Niccol said he is ‘confident’ the changes will improve customer experience[/caption]

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Patrick Walden dead aged 46: Babyshambles guitarist who also played for James Blunt dies as band pays tribute

HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for Babyshambles guitarist Patrick Walden after he died aged 46.

The devastating news was revealed by the band on their official Facebook page.

LONDON - APRIL 27:  Patrick Walden, guitarist in Pete Doherty's notorious indie quartet Babyshambles, arrives at Thames Magistrates Court on April 27, 2007 in London, England. Walden appears charged with common assault on his girlfriend, Nadia Patane at their North London home. Walden was believed to have left Babyshambles after failing to join their UK tour in January, but has since played occasional shows with the group  (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Patrick Walden has died aged 46
GERMANY - JUNE 02:  Photo of BABYSHAMBLES; Patrick Walden performing at 'Rock in the Park' in Nuremberg  (Photo by Sandy Caspers/Redferns)
The Babyshambles guitarist was a popular figure
Babyshambles In Concert At Shepherds Bush Empire, London, Britain - 20 Feb 2006, Babyshambles - Patrick Walden And Pete Doherty (Photo by Brian Rasic/Getty Images)
Patrick Walden And Pete Doherty performing in 2006

The post read: “It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden’s death.

“We feel very fortunate to have known, loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times.

“Peter, Drew, Mik, Adam.”

Babyshambles was formed in 2004 and became the main vessel for Pete Doherty‘s poetic, chaotic rock when he was ousted from the Libertines.

The band Babyshambles released their self-titled debut 7″ in April 2004, and settled on the lineup of Doherty, guitarist Patrick Walden, bassist Drew McConnell, and drummer Gemma Clarke by that summer.

Prior to joining Babyshambles, Walden belonged to a variety of London groups, among which were Fluid, the Six Cold Thousand, and The White Sport.

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