{"id":372030,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-traffic-laws.html"},"modified":"2023-11-20T09:30:25","modified_gmt":"2023-11-20T14:30:25","slug":"colorado-traffic-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-traffic-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Colorado Traffic Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Colorado Traffic Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

As a Colorado driver, you might navigate highway rush hours, scenic mountain routes, and busy cities like the Denver metro. Be ready to make fast decisions without breaking the law.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding the state laws in Colorado<\/a> can help you prevent car accidents and traffic tickets<\/a>. Drive within these laws to avoid a run-in with the Colorado State Patrol or local police officers.<\/p>\r\n

State Laws for Driving and Vehicles<\/h2>\r\n

See specific traffic laws from the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) in the chart below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Drinking & Driving Violations<\/th>\r\nDriving under the influence<\/a> (CRS 42-4-1301)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without a License \/ With a Suspended License<\/th>\r\nLicenses for drivers required<\/a> (CRS 42-2-101)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without Insurance \/ With Insufficient Insurance<\/th>\r\nMotor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law<\/a> (CRS Title 42 Article 7)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without Registration \/ With Expired Registration<\/th>\r\nRegistration required – exemptions<\/a> (CRS 42-3-103)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Illegal U-Turn<\/th>\r\nLimitations on turning around<\/a> (CRS 42-4-902)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Leaving the Scene of an Accident \/ Hit & Run<\/th>\r\nAccidents involving death or personal injuries – duty<\/a> (CRS 42-4-1601)Accidents involving damage – duty<\/a> (CRS 42-4-1602)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mechanical Violations<\/th>\r\nRegulation of Vehicles and Traffic: Equipment<\/a> (CRS <\/i>42-4-201 to 42-4-239)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Reckless Driving<\/th>\r\nReckless driving – penalty<\/a> (CRS 42-4-1401)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Running a Red Light \/ Stop Sign<\/th>\r\nObedience to official traffic control devices<\/a> (CRS 42-4-603)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Seat Belt \/ Child Restraint Violations<\/th>\r\nSafety belt systems<\/a> (CRS 42-4-237)Child restraint systems required<\/a> (CRS 42-4-236)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Speeding<\/th>\r\nSpeed limits<\/a> (CRS 42-4-1101)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Unlawful Vehicle Modifications<\/th>\r\nRegulation of Vehicles and Traffic: Equipment<\/a> (CRS 42-4-201 to 42-4-239)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Online Resources for Colorado Drivers<\/h2>\r\n

Motorists in the state of Colorado can access the Division of Motor Vehicles<\/a> (DMV) online to apply for a driver’s license, register a vehicle, and more. However, you must contact a county court or sheriff’s office to pay a ticket or schedule a traffic court hearing.<\/p>\r\n

You can also learn about traffic regulations and the rules of the road in the Colorado Driver Handbook<\/a>. Practice exams are available through the DMV website to test your knowledge.<\/p>\r\n

Key Colorado Driving Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Here is a quick list of Colorado’s driving rules that newcomers should know:<\/p>\r\n