Overview
The Colorado Driver Handbook provides comprehensive information on obtaining, maintaining, and safely using a driver license in Colorado. It covers essential rules of the road, licensing processes, laws, and safety guidance for all motorists.
Getting a Driver License
- Anyone 16+ operating a motor vehicle in Colorado must have a valid license.
- New residents must obtain a license within 30 days.
- Name and address changes must be reported within 30 days.
- Written and skills tests cover road signs, safety, and driving laws.
- Instruction permits require a licensed adult (21+) in the front seat during practice.
- Skills tests assess perceptual, motor, and attentional abilities with strict requirements for maneuvers.
Minor Drivers
- Under 18 must have an instruction permit for 12 months before getting a license.
- 50 hours of driving experience, including 10 at night, are required.
- Passenger and curfew restrictions apply for the first year.
- Affidavit of Liability must be signed by a responsible adult.
License Suspension or Revocation
- Licenses may be suspended for accumulating points, DUI/DWAI, refusing testing, not reporting crashes, or failing to pay child support or insurance.
- Severe violations (vehicular homicide, repeated DUI) result in mandatory revocation.
Seat Belt and Child Restraint Laws
- Seat belts are required for drivers, front passengers, and children under 16.
- Specific child safety seat requirements based on age and weight.
- All passengers in vehicles driven by those under 18 must use seat belts.
DUI, Drugs, and Impaired Driving
- DUI/DWAI results in fines, jail, license revocation, and mandatory community service.
- Legal BAC thresholds: 0.08% (DUI), 0.05% (DWAI), 0.02% (under 21), 0.04% (CDL).
- Open container laws prohibit alcohol or marijuana use in vehicles.
- Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can also lead to impairment charges.
Safe Vehicle Operation
- Drivers are responsible for vehicle maintenance (brakes, lights, tires, etc.).
- Adjust mirrors before driving; keep interior free of loose objects.
- Do not drive with earphones covering both ears.
Basic Driving Rules
- Always drive on the right; use turn signals 100 feet (urban) or 200 feet (highway) in advance.
- Obey all traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings.
- Use hand-over-hand or push-pull-slide steering methods for best control.
Special Driving Conditions
- Reduce speed in inclement weather, on rural or mountain roads, and in work zones.
- Use headlights from sunset to sunrise or in low-visibility conditions.
- Always yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, emergency vehicles, and school buses.
Sharing the Road
- Give at least 3 feet when passing bicyclists; they may use the full lane for safety.
- Large trucks and buses have extensive blind spots—avoid lingering beside them.
- Motorcycles are entitled to the full lane; check for them before turning or changing lanes.
Emergencies and Crashes
- In emergencies, options are to slow down/stop, turn, or speed up to avoid a collision.
- Follow proper procedures for brake failure, tire blowouts, or power loss.
- After a crash, exchange info, render aid, and report to law enforcement as required.
Defensive Driving and Avoiding Aggression
- Maintain a safe following distance using the three-second rule.
- Ignore aggressive drivers; do not engage in retaliatory behavior.
- Report aggressive or impaired drivers to *CSP (*277).
Organ and Tissue Donation
- Drivers can register as organ, eye, and tissue donors when applying for or renewing a license.
- Registration can save or heal many lives.