Colorado Driving Laws, You Should Know

Be Aware - Colorado Driving Laws

Whether visiting or living in Colorado, knowing Colorado driving laws is important to ensure your safety and avoid legal trouble. Colorado is unique because of its diverse driving conditions. From the city streets of Denver to the mountainous terrains of Telluride, understanding the law will help you navigate the road safely and confidently.

Colorado Driving Laws - Quick Facts:

Pedestrians have the right away
Right away, goes to oncoming vehicles when turning left
Use the left lane as a passing lane only
Drivers under 18 are not permitted to use a cell phone while driving. Drivers 19 and older can only use a cell phone hands-free.
Failing to use a turn signal can result in fines and points on one's license.
Having valid insurance is mandatory in Colorado.

Driving Age Requirements

You must be 16 or older to apply for a license in Colorado. However, those between 16 and 21 hold a minor license which has restrictions on curfew and passengers. You can be 15 or older to drive with a learner's permit, but a licensed adult must always be in a car. Colorado driving law states you must be 21 years old or older if you want to rent a car.

Seat Belt Laws

Colorado driving law requires the driver and every front-seat passenger of a motor vehicle to wear a seat belt. Additionally, children 15 years old and younger must be properly secured no matter where they are seated. Violating this law is a Class B traffic infraction, and you are subject to a $65 fine and $6 surcharge.

Colorado DUI Laws

Colorado has two drunk driving charges, DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs) and DWAI (driving while ability impaired by alcohol/drugs). According to the Greeley criminal defense lawyers at Martin and Reed, both charges are serious, especially if this is not your first offense. If convicted, you could lose your driving privileges.

DUI - DUI charges happen when a person’s BAC exceeds .08. A first-time DUI conviction will stay on your record for life and you may face jail time, license suspension, community, and serve probation.
DWAI - A DWAI charge arises when a person’s BAC exceeds .05 but is less than .08, or when a person has consumed drugs. A first-time DWAI conviction results in a minimum of 2 days in jail and a $200-$500 fine.

Mountain-Specific Colorado Driving Laws

Colorado’s mountains are breathtaking, but driving on them can be scary, even for the most experienced drivers. Suppose you are driving on a narrow mountain road and encounter another vehicle in the opposite direction. In that case, the vehicle driving down the roadway has to yield to the vehicle going uphill. If you are visiting in the winter, make sure that your car has all-wheel drive. The Colorado Department of Transportation may issue the Traction Law (code 15) requires all vehicles to have snow tires, all or 4-wheel drive, or snow chains. No matter the time of year, driving cautiously and paying attention to your surroundings and other cars is important. Preparing for an emergency is also important by including a mountain-driving survival kit in your vehicle. Driving in a mountainous state can be scary. It’s important to familiarize oneself with Colorado driving laws such as age requirements, seat belt & DUI laws, and how to drive in the mountains. Understanding Colorado driving laws and regulations will allow you to stay safe and avoid legal issues. Colorado has two drunk driving charges, DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs) and DWAI (driving while ability impaired by alcohol/drugs). According to the Greeley criminal defense lawyers at Martin and Reed, both charges are serious, especially if this is not your first offense. If convicted, you could lose your driving privileges. DUI - DUI charges happen when a person’s BAC exceeds .08. A first-time DUI conviction will stay on your record for life and you may face jail time, license suspension, community, and serve probation. DWAI - A DWAI charge arises when a person’s BAC exceeds .05 but is less than .08, or when a person has consumed drugs. A first-time DWAI conviction results in a minimum of 2 days in jail and a $200-$500 fine.

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