Overview
The Colorado Driver Handbook provides comprehensive guidance on state driving laws, safe driving practices, procedures for obtaining and maintaining a driver's license, and rules for sharing the road. It aims to promote safety for all road users and ensure legal compliance by motorists in Colorado.
Getting a Driver License
- Residents must obtain a Colorado driver license within 30 days of establishing residency.
- Written and drive tests assess knowledge of driving rules and practical skills.
- Instruction permits require supervised driving with a licensed adult age 21+.
- For minors, an Affidavit of Liability is required, and specific supervised driving hours must be logged.
- Name and address changes must be reported to the DMV within 30 days.
Minor Drivers
- Minors must hold an instruction permit for 12 months before applying for a license and log 50 hours of driving (10 at night).
- Passenger and curfew restrictions apply for drivers under 18, especially within the first year of licensure.
Loss of License
- Licenses can be suspended or revoked for accumulating too many points, DUI/DWAI, failing to report crashes, insurance violations, and other infractions.
Seat Belt and Child Restraint Laws
- Seat belts are mandatory for drivers, front-seat passengers, and children under 16.
- Child restraint systems are required according to age and weight, with specific rules for children up to 15.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWAI)
- Driving impaired by alcohol, marijuana, or drugs is illegal and carries severe penalties, including fines, jail, and license revocation.
- Express Consent law requires drivers to submit to chemical tests when suspected of impairment.
Safe Driving Preparation
- Drivers must be physically and emotionally fit, free from distractions, and vigilant about their vehicle's condition.
- Routine checks of brakes, tires, lights, and mirrors are essential for safety.
Basic Driving Rules
- Always signal for turns or lane changes, maintain proper hand position, and follow correct procedures for starting, stopping, and backing up.
Traffic Controls and Right-of-Way
- Obey all traffic signals, signs, pavement markings, and law enforcement directions.
- Right-of-way must be yielded to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and at intersections as required.
Speed, Turning, and Parking
- Adhere to posted speed limits and adjust for conditions.
- Follow correct lane positioning for turns and use signals; know proper parking techniques for hills and curbs.
Freeway and Rural Driving
- Use acceleration/deceleration lanes for merging/exiting freeways; drive in appropriate lanes and observe signage.
- Exercise extra caution on rural roads due to curves, limited visibility, and diverse hazards.
Sharing the Road
- Be mindful of larger vehicles’ blind spots and allow extra space for trucks, buses, bicycles, pedestrians, and motorcycles.
- School bus laws require stopping for buses with flashing red lights unless a median divides traffic.
- Bicyclists must be given at least three feet of clearance when passing.
Emergency and Crash Procedures
- In emergencies, prioritize stopping, turning, or speeding up to avoid collisions.
- After a crash, exchange information, render aid, and follow reporting laws, including "Move It" and "Move Over" requirements.
- Good Samaritan laws protect those providing reasonable assistance at crash scenes.
Organ and Tissue Donation
- When obtaining or renewing a license, individuals may register as organ and tissue donors; one donor can save multiple lives.