Uniform Safety Code

Colorado · Vehicles and Traffic · §§ 42-4-1001 to 42-4-903 · 287 sections

Overview

The Uniform Safety Code governs the operation of vehicles and other users of public roadways in Colorado, covering the rules of the road — which side to drive on, passing and overtaking, lane use, following distance, and speed — along with driver conduct around bicyclists, wildlife crossing zones, and restrictions that apply to minor drivers. It also brings a range of smaller conveyances within its scope, addressing low-power scooters, low-speed electric vehicles, personal mobility devices, animals, skates, and toy vehicles on highways. Beyond conduct rules, the act establishes the administrative machinery for traffic regulation: adoption of a uniform statewide traffic control manual, authority for state and local officials to place control devices and restrict highway use, automated vehicle identification systems, obedience to police officers, and provisions making its terms uniform throughout the state.

Editorial summary generated from the text of this act. It is not part of the statute — read the sections below for the operative language.

In the courts

Sections of this act have been cited in 6 court decisions.

Most-cited authority: 2020 COA 112 - v. Ambrose

Sections covered

C.R.S. § 42-4-1001Drive on right side
C.R.S. § 42-4-1002Passing oncoming vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-1003Overtaking a vehicle on the left
C.R.S. § 42-4-1004When overtaking on the right is permitted
C.R.S. § 42-4-1005Limitations on overtaking on the left1 cite
C.R.S. § 42-4-1006One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands
C.R.S. § 42-4-1007Driving on roadways laned for traffic
C.R.S. § 42-4-1008Following too closely
C.R.S. § 42-4-1008.5Crowding or threatening bicyclist
C.R.S. § 42-4-1009Coasting prohibited
C.R.S. § 42-4-101Short title
C.R.S. § 42-4-1010Driving on divided or controlled-access highways
C.R.S. § 42-4-1011Use of runaway vehicle ramps
C.R.S. § 42-4-1012High occupancy vehicle (HOV) and high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes
C.R.S. § 42-4-1013Passing lane
C.R.S. § 42-4-102Legislative declaration
C.R.S. § 42-4-103Scope and effect of article
C.R.S. § 42-4-104Adoption of traffic control manual
C.R.S. § 42-4-105Local traffic control devices
C.R.S. § 42-4-106Who may restrict right to use highways
C.R.S. § 42-4-107Obedience to police officers
C.R.S. § 42-4-108Public officers to obey provisions
C.R.S. § 42-4-109Low-power scooters, animals, skis, skates, and toy vehicles on highways
C.R.S. § 42-4-109.5Low-speed electric vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-109.6Class B low-speed electric vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-110Provisions uniform throughout state
C.R.S. § 42-4-1101Speed limits
C.R.S. § 42-4-1102Altering of speed limits
C.R.S. § 42-4-1103Minimum speed regulation
C.R.S. § 42-4-1104Speed limits on elevated structures
C.R.S. § 42-4-1105Speed contests
C.R.S. § 42-4-110.5Automated vehicle identification systems
C.R.S. § 42-4-1106Minimum speed in left lane
C.R.S. § 42-4-111Powers of local authorities
C.R.S. § 42-4-112Noninterference with the rights of owners of realty
C.R.S. § 42-4-113Appropriations for administration of article
C.R.S. § 42-4-114Removal of traffic hazards
C.R.S. § 42-4-116Restrictions for minor drivers
C.R.S. § 42-4-117Personal mobility devices
C.R.S. § 42-4-118Establishment of wildlife crossing zones
C.R.S. § 42-4-1201Starting parked vehicle
C.R.S. § 42-4-1202Parking or abandonment of vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-1203Ski areas to install signs
C.R.S. § 42-4-1204Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places
C.R.S. § 42-4-1205Parking at curb or edge of roadway
C.R.S. § 42-4-1206Unattended motor vehicle
C.R.S. § 42-4-1207Opening and closing vehicle doors
C.R.S. § 42-4-1208Reserved parking for persons with disabilities
C.R.S. § 42-4-1209Owner liability for parking violations
C.R.S. § 42-4-1210Designated areas on private property for authorized vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-1211Limitations on backing
C.R.S. § 42-4-1212Pay parking access for persons with disabilities
C.R.S. § 42-4-1213Parking in electric motor vehicle charging stations
C.R.S. § 42-4-1301Driving under the influence
C.R.S. § 42-4-1301.1Expressed consent for the taking of blood, breath, urine, or saliva sample
C.R.S. § 42-4-1301.3Alcohol and drug driving safety program
C.R.S. § 42-4-1301.4Useful public service
C.R.S. § 42-4-1302Stopping of suspect
C.R.S. § 42-4-1303Records2 cites
C.R.S. § 42-4-1304Samples of blood or other bodily substance
C.R.S. § 42-4-1305Open alcoholic beverage container
C.R.S. § 42-4-1305.5Open marijuana container
C.R.S. § 42-4-1306Colorado task force on drunk and impaired driving
C.R.S. § 42-4-1307Penalties for traffic offenses involving alcohol and drugs
C.R.S. § 42-4-1308Study of devices capable of assessing drug impairment of motorists
C.R.S. § 42-4-1401Reckless driving
C.R.S. § 42-4-1402Careless driving
C.R.S. § 42-4-1402.5Vulnerable road user
C.R.S. § 42-4-1403Following fire apparatus prohibited
C.R.S. § 42-4-1404Crossing fire hose
C.R.S. § 42-4-1405Riding in trailers
C.R.S. § 42-4-1406Foreign matter on highway prohibited
C.R.S. § 42-4-1407Spilling loads on highways prohibited
C.R.S. § 42-4-1407.5Splash guards
C.R.S. § 42-4-1408Operation of motor vehicles on property under control of or owned by parks and recreation districts
C.R.S. § 42-4-1409Compulsory insurance
C.R.S. § 42-4-1410Proof of financial responsibility required
C.R.S. § 42-4-1410.5Providing false evidence of proof of motor vehicle insurance
C.R.S. § 42-4-1411Use of earphones while driving
C.R.S. § 42-4-1412Operation of bicycles, electric scooters, and other human-powered vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-1412.5Statewide regulation of certain persons approaching intersections who are not operating motor vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-1413Eluding or attempting to elude a police officer
C.R.S. § 42-4-1414Use of dyed fuel on highways prohibited
C.R.S. § 42-4-1415Radar jamming devices prohibited
C.R.S. § 42-4-1416Failure to present a valid transit pass or coupon
C.R.S. § 42-4-1501Traffic laws apply to persons operating motorcycles and autocycles
C.R.S. § 42-4-1502Motorcycles and autocycles
C.R.S. § 42-4-1503Operating motorcycles and autocycles on roadways laned for traffic
C.R.S. § 42-4-1504Clinging to other vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-1601Accidents involving death or personal injuries
C.R.S. § 42-4-1602Accident involving damage
C.R.S. § 42-4-1603Duty to give notice, information, and aid
C.R.S. § 42-4-1604Duty upon striking unattended vehicle or other property
C.R.S. § 42-4-1605Duty upon striking highway fixtures or traffic control devices
C.R.S. § 42-4-1606Duty to report accidents
C.R.S. § 42-4-1607When driver unable to give notice or make written report
C.R.S. § 42-4-1608Accident report forms
C.R.S. § 42-4-1609Coroners to report
C.R.S. § 42-4-1610Reports by interested parties confidential
C.R.S. § 42-4-1611Tabulation and analysis of reports
C.R.S. § 42-4-1612Accidents in state highway work areas
C.R.S. § 42-4-1701Traffic offenses and infractions classified
C.R.S. § 42-4-1702Alcohol- or drug-related traffic offenses
C.R.S. § 42-4-1703Parties to a crime
C.R.S. § 42-4-1704Offenses by persons controlling vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-1705Person arrested to be taken before the proper court
C.R.S. § 42-4-1706Juveniles
C.R.S. § 42-4-1707Summons and complaint or penalty assessment notice for misdemeanors, petty offenses, and misdemeanor traffic offenses
C.R.S. § 42-4-1708Traffic infractions
C.R.S. § 42-4-1709Penalty assessment notice for traffic infractions
C.R.S. § 42-4-1710Failure to pay penalty for traffic infractions
C.R.S. § 42-4-1711Compliance with appearance
C.R.S. § 42-4-1712Procedure prescribed not exclusive
C.R.S. § 42-4-1713Conviction record inadmissible in civil action
C.R.S. § 42-4-1714Traffic violation not to affect credibility of witness
C.R.S. § 42-4-1715Convictions, judgments, and charges recorded
C.R.S. § 42-4-1716Notice to appear or pay fine
C.R.S. § 42-4-1717Conviction
C.R.S. § 42-4-1718Electronic transmission of data
C.R.S. § 42-4-1719Violations
C.R.S. § 42-4-1801Legislative declaration
C.R.S. § 42-4-1802Definitions
C.R.S. § 42-4-1803Abandonment of motor vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-1804Report of abandoned motor vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-1805Appraisal of abandoned motor vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-1806Liens upon towed motor vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-1807Perfection of lien
C.R.S. § 42-4-1808Foreclosure of lien
C.R.S. § 42-4-1809Proceeds of sale
C.R.S. § 42-4-1810Transfer and purge of certificates of title
C.R.S. § 42-4-1811Penalty
C.R.S. § 42-4-1812Exemptions
C.R.S. § 42-4-1813Local regulations
C.R.S. § 42-4-1814Violation of motor vehicle registration or inspection laws
C.R.S. § 42-4-1901School buses
C.R.S. § 42-4-1902School vehicle drivers
C.R.S. § 42-4-1903School buses
C.R.S. § 42-4-1904Regulations for school buses
C.R.S. § 42-4-2001Maximum hours of service
C.R.S. § 42-4-201Obstruction of view or driving mechanism
C.R.S. § 42-4-202Unsafe vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-203Unsafe vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-204When lighted lamps are required
C.R.S. § 42-4-205Head lamps on motor vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-206Tail lamps and reflectors
C.R.S. § 42-4-207Clearance and identification
C.R.S. § 42-4-208Stop lamps and turn signals
C.R.S. § 42-4-209Lamp or flag on projecting load
C.R.S. § 42-4-210Lamps on parked vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-2101Legislative declaration
C.R.S. § 42-4-2102Definitions
C.R.S. § 42-4-2103Abandonment and nonconsensual towing of motor vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-2104Appraisal of abandoned motor vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-2105Liens upon towed motor vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-2106Perfection of lien
C.R.S. § 42-4-2107Sale of abandoned vehicle
C.R.S. § 42-4-2108Proceeds of sale
C.R.S. § 42-4-2109Transfer and purge of certificates of title
C.R.S. § 42-4-211Lamps on farm equipment and other vehicles and equipment
C.R.S. § 42-4-2110Penalty
C.R.S. § 42-4-212Spot lamps and auxiliary lamps
C.R.S. § 42-4-213Audible and visual signals on emergency vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-214Visual signals on service vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-215Signal lamps and devices
C.R.S. § 42-4-216Multiple-beam road lights
C.R.S. § 42-4-217Use of multiple-beam lights1 cite
C.R.S. § 42-4-218Single-beam road-lighting equipment
C.R.S. § 42-4-219Number of lamps permitted
C.R.S. § 42-4-220Low-power scooters
C.R.S. § 42-4-2201Definitions
C.R.S. § 42-4-2202Transfer for recycling
C.R.S. § 42-4-2203Vehicle verification system
C.R.S. § 42-4-2204Theft discovered
C.R.S. § 42-4-221Bicycle, electric scooter, and personal mobility device equipment
C.R.S. § 42-4-222Volunteer firefighters
C.R.S. § 42-4-223Brakes
C.R.S. § 42-4-224Horns or warning devices1 cite
C.R.S. § 42-4-225Mufflers
C.R.S. § 42-4-226Mirrors
C.R.S. § 42-4-227Windows unobstructed
C.R.S. § 42-4-228Restrictions on tire equipment
C.R.S. § 42-4-229Safety glazing material in motor vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-230Emergency lighting equipment
C.R.S. § 42-4-2301Comprehensive education
C.R.S. § 42-4-231Parking lights
C.R.S. § 42-4-232Minimum safety standards for motorcycles, autocycles, and low-power scooters
C.R.S. § 42-4-233Alteration of suspension system
C.R.S. § 42-4-234Slow-moving vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-235Minimum standards for commercial vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-236Child restraint systems required
C.R.S. § 42-4-237Safety belt systems
C.R.S. § 42-4-238Blue and red lights
C.R.S. § 42-4-239Misuse of a wireless telephone
C.R.S. § 42-4-240Low-speed electric vehicle equipment requirements
C.R.S. § 42-4-2401Definitions
C.R.S. § 42-4-2402Event data recorders
C.R.S. § 42-4-2403Applicability
C.R.S. § 42-4-241Unlawful removal of tow-truck signage
C.R.S. § 42-4-242Automated driving systems
C.R.S. § 42-4-2501Educational materials
C.R.S. § 42-4-301Legislative declarations
C.R.S. § 42-4-302Commencement of basic emissions program
C.R.S. § 42-4-304Definitions relating to motor vehicle inspection and readjustment program
C.R.S. § 42-4-305Powers and duties of executive director
C.R.S. § 42-4-306Powers and duties of commission
C.R.S. § 42-4-307Powers and duties of the department of public health and environment
C.R.S. § 42-4-307.5Clean screen authority
C.R.S. § 42-4-307.7Vehicle emissions testing
C.R.S. § 42-4-308Inspection and readjustment stations
C.R.S. § 42-4-309Vehicle fleet owners
C.R.S. § 42-4-310Periodic emissions control inspection required
C.R.S. § 42-4-311Operation of inspection and readjustment stations
C.R.S. § 42-4-312Improper representation as emissions inspection and readjustment station
C.R.S. § 42-4-313Penalties
C.R.S. § 42-4-314Automobile emissions control systems1 cite
C.R.S. § 42-4-315Warranties
C.R.S. § 42-4-316AIR program
C.R.S. § 42-4-316.5Termination of vehicle emissions testing program
C.R.S. § 42-4-401Definitions
C.R.S. § 42-4-402Administration of inspection program
C.R.S. § 42-4-403Powers and duties of the commission
C.R.S. § 42-4-404Powers and duties of the executive director of the department of public health and environment
C.R.S. § 42-4-405Powers and duties of executive director
C.R.S. § 42-4-406Requirement of certification of emissions control for registration
C.R.S. § 42-4-407Requirements for a diesel emission-opacity inspection
C.R.S. § 42-4-408Operation of diesel inspection station
C.R.S. § 42-4-409Improper representation of a diesel inspection station
C.R.S. § 42-4-410Inclusion in the diesel inspection program
C.R.S. § 42-4-411Applicability of this part to heavy-duty diesel fleets of nine or more
C.R.S. § 42-4-412Air pollution violations
C.R.S. § 42-4-413Visible emissions from diesel-powered motor vehicles unlawful
C.R.S. § 42-4-414Heavy-duty diesel fleet inspection and maintenance program
C.R.S. § 42-4-501Size and weight violations
C.R.S. § 42-4-502Width of vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-503Projecting loads on passenger vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-504Height and length of vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-505Longer vehicle combinations
C.R.S. § 42-4-506Trailers and towed vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-507Wheel and axle loads
C.R.S. § 42-4-508Gross weight of vehicles and loads
C.R.S. § 42-4-509Vehicles weighed
C.R.S. § 42-4-510Permits for excess size and weight and for manufactured homes
C.R.S. § 42-4-511Permit standards
C.R.S. § 42-4-511.2Authority for cooperative agreements with regional states on excess size or weight vehicles
C.R.S. § 42-4-512Liability for damage to highway
C.R.S. § 42-4-601Department to sign highways, where
C.R.S. § 42-4-602Local traffic control devices
C.R.S. § 42-4-603Obedience to official traffic control devices
C.R.S. § 42-4-604Traffic control signal legend
C.R.S. § 42-4-605Flashing signals
C.R.S. § 42-4-606Display of unauthorized signs or devices
C.R.S. § 42-4-607Interference with official devices
C.R.S. § 42-4-608Signals by hand or signal device
C.R.S. § 42-4-609Method of giving hand and arm signals
C.R.S. § 42-4-610Unauthorized insignia
C.R.S. § 42-4-611Paraplegic persons or persons with disabilities
C.R.S. § 42-4-612When signals are inoperative or malfunctioning
C.R.S. § 42-4-613Failure to pay toll established by regional transportation authority
C.R.S. § 42-4-614Designation of highway maintenance, repair, or construction zones
C.R.S. § 42-4-615School zones
C.R.S. § 42-4-616Wildlife crossing zones
C.R.S. § 42-4-617Steep downhill grade zones
C.R.S. § 42-4-701Vehicles approaching or entering intersection
C.R.S. § 42-4-702Vehicle turning left
C.R.S. § 42-4-703Entering through highway
C.R.S. § 42-4-704Vehicle entering roadway
C.R.S. § 42-4-705Operation of vehicle approached by emergency vehicle
C.R.S. § 42-4-706Obedience to railroad signal
C.R.S. § 42-4-707Certain vehicles must stop at railroad grade crossings
C.R.S. § 42-4-708Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossing
C.R.S. § 42-4-709Stop when traffic obstructed
C.R.S. § 42-4-710Emerging from or entering alley, driveway, or building
C.R.S. § 42-4-711Driving on mountain highways
C.R.S. § 42-4-712Driving in highway work area
C.R.S. § 42-4-713Yielding right-of-way to transit buses
C.R.S. § 42-4-714Bicyclist or other authorized user in bicycle lane
C.R.S. § 42-4-715Yielding right-of-way in roundabouts
C.R.S. § 42-4-801Pedestrian obedience to traffic control devices and traffic regulations
C.R.S. § 42-4-802Pedestrians’ right-of-way in crosswalks
C.R.S. § 42-4-803Crossing at other than crosswalks
C.R.S. § 42-4-805Pedestrians walking or traveling in a wheelchair on highways
C.R.S. § 42-4-806Driving through safety zone prohibited
C.R.S. § 42-4-807Drivers to exercise due care
C.R.S. § 42-4-808Drivers and pedestrians, other than persons in wheelchairs, to yield to individuals with disabilities
C.R.S. § 42-4-901Required position and method of turning
C.R.S. § 42-4-902Limitations on turning around
C.R.S. § 42-4-903Turning movements and required signals

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