Colorado Driving Laws
Updated: September, 2024
Summary of common traffic laws in Colorado – Speed limits, License Renewals, Learners Permits, Drunk Driving Laws, and more. For more information, visit the Colorado Office of Transportation Safety website.
Speed Limits
In Colorado, the maximum speed limit for cars is 75 mph. The maximum highway speed for trucks is also 75 mph. Speed limits vary by state and, in some cases, county-by-county. Always observe posted traffic laws and drive safely for the weather and road conditions.
Learners Permits
Colorado allows new drivers to get their learners permit at the age of 15. You must have your provisional license for a minimum of 12 months. Drivers can then get their intermediate license at 16. An Intermediate License allows you to drive yourself without a qualified co-pilot in the car. However, driving restrictions still apply including the time-of-day you can drive and the maximum number of passengers allowed.
In Colorado, drivers can obtain their full drivers license at the age of 17.
License Renewal
Colorado requires you to renew your license every 10 years. If you are over a certain age, additional license renewal rules apply:
View all Drivers License Renewal Info
Work Zones
The state of Colorado enforces increased penalties for all violations within work zones. These increased penalties are known as Work Zone Enhancements. Work Zone Enhanced Penalties may be assessed even if workers are not currently present and working. In Colorado, Work Zone Enhacements are:
Drunk Driving Laws
The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%. Most states impose increased mandatory penalties for driving above a specific BAC. In Colorado, driving with a BAC above 0.17% will trigger automatic enhanced minimum penalties.
Texting while Driving
Most states do not allow cellphone use while driving. In Colorado, hand-held devices such as phones and mp3 player are banned to novice drivers only. Handheld devices bans prohibit talking on the phone without a hands-free system.
Texting while driving is banned in Colorado. Texting while driving is concidered a primary offense. This means that you can be pulled over with texting as the only offense. In Colorado, distracted driving is listed as a category on police crash report forms.
Seat Belt Laws
Colorado requires seabelt use. Seatbelt enforcement is concidered secondary, which means you cannot be pulled over for violating a seatbelt law. The fine for a seatbelt law violation in Colorado is $71.00. Safety belt laws very state-by-state. Consult your states Department of Transportation for specific seatbelt use laws.
Data Source
Colorado Office of Transportation Safety
Data Source
United States Department of Transportation
