Colorado Driving Laws – Everything You Should Know

Whether you want to learn about your Colorado driver’s license or the driving laws and rules in the state, we have it all here for you. 

To summarize, we’re going to look at everything you should know about:

• Colorado driver’s license
• Colorado driving laws
• Colorado road rules

There’s sure to be something here for you. 

So shall we?

Colorado Driving Laws by Category

To break it down, we’re going to focus on 3 categories. 

Driver’s license: 

• Colorado Driver’s License Requirements
• Colorado Driver’s License Renewal
• How to Get A CDL in Colorado
• Colorado Driver’s License Classifications
• How to Get Your Colorado Driving Record

Driving laws: 

• Colorado Car Seat Laws
• Colorado DUI Laws
• Colorado Vehicle Registration Requirements

Road rules:

• Colorado Road Signs
• Colorado Road Conditions

Let’s begin!

Colorado Driver’s License

Driving laws and rules won’t mean anything unless you hold a driver’s license. So let’s look at this first. 

In this section, we’re going to walk you through all you need to know about a Colorado driver’s license — from how to get it and renew it, to the license classifications, CDLs, and driving records. 

Colorado Driver’s License Requirements

If you are between 15-17 years old, you need to go through the CO Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) law. 

We’ll walk you through this program step by step. 

First up is your instruction permit. Here’s how to get it:

1. Take and complete an approved driver’s ed (only required if you are below 16 years old)

2. Apply for your instruction permit online. Driver/ID Services > Apply for a driver’s license/ID > follow the online prompts

3. Schedule an appointment for your written test online. Driver/ID Services > Schedule an appointment > follow the online prompts

4. On your scheduled date, submit:
   1. Proof of identity
   2. 2 proofs of Colorado residency
   3. Proof of SSN or permanent residency proof (if not a US citizen)
   4. Affidavit of driver’s ed completion (if below 16 years old)
   5. Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (if below 18 years old). NOTE: Your parent or legal guardian must be present to sign this. 

5. Take and pass a vision test. 

6. Take and pass the written test

7. Have your picture and fingerprints taken

8. Pay the permit fee of $18.52

9. Receiver your instruction permit 

The next stage of the GDL law is a minor driver’s license. And here are the requirements and steps to get it:

1. Hold your instruction permit for at least 12 months 

2. Complete 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 hours should be done at night

3. Complete 16 hours of behind-the-wheel training (only for 16 or 16½ years old)

4. Apply for a minor driver’s license online

5. Choose an approved driving school to take your driving test with

6. Take and pass the driving test

7. Go to a Driver’s License Office and submit:
   1. Proof of identity
   2. 2 proofs of Colorado residency
   3. Proof of SSN or permanent residency proof (if not a US citizen)
   4. Your valid instruction permit
   5. Completed 50-hour Driving Log 
   6. Certificate of completion for the 6-hour behind-the-wheel training (if you are between 16 to 16½ years old)
   7. Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (again, this must be signed by your parent or legal guardian on the spot) 
   8. Drive test completion form

8. Pay the licensing fee of $30.87

9. Receive your minor driver’s license 

Finally, you can get a full driver’s license in Colorado. Here is how to do it:

1. Wait for 1 year or until you turn 18 years old (whichever comes first). Your minor driver’s license restrictions will then be removed. 

2. When you turn 21 years old, you can renew the minor driver’s license (now with no restrictions) and switch it to a full driver’s license. 

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Colorado Driver’s License Renewal 

Once 5 years have passed (or if you turn 21 years old), it’s time to renew your Colorado driver’s license. 

The great news is that you have 3 methods to renew it:

• Online
• By mail
• In-person

Let’s first look at how to renew your Colorado driver’s license online:

1. Visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Driver/ID Services > Renew a driver license/ID

2. Read the requirements to see if you are eligible for online renewal 

3. If so, follow the online prompts

4. Pay the renewal fee of $30.87

5. Print the receipt for a temporary license

6. Wait for your new driver’s license to arrive via mail 

Here’s how to renew it by mail:

1. Print and complete the Driver License or ID Card Renewal by Mail and Voter Registration form. NOTE: for those at least 80 years old, you must complete a separate form found here. 

2. Get a check or money of $30.87 (should be payable to CO DOR) 

3. Send these to the address below:

State of Colorado Department of Revenue

Division of Motor Vehicles

PO Box 173345 Denver, CO 80217-3345

4. Wait for your new driver’s license to arrive via mail. NOTE: This can take around 4 weeks, so make sure you renew before your license’s expiration date. 

And here’s how to renew your Colorado driver’s license at a Driver License Office:

1. Schedule an appointment online

2. On your scheduled date, submit:
   1. Valid driver’s license
   2. Proof of Colorado residency
   3. Proof of SSN
   4. Proof of US citizen or legal alien (if your driver’s license is already expired)

3. Take and pass a vision test

4. Pay the licensing fee of $30.87

5. Have your photo and signature taken

6. Wait for your new driver’s license to arrive via mail 

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How to Get A CDL in Colorado

Maybe you want to drive a commercial vehicle…

If so, then here is how to get a CDL in Colorado. 

Now, just like a regular driver’s license, you need to start with a permit. In this case, you need a CDL permit or commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

Let’s look at how to get a CLP in Colorado:

1. Be at least 18 years old (if driving intrastate) or 21 years old (if driving interstate, carrying hazardous materials, or transporting at least 16 passengers)

2. Schedule a CDL written test appointment online

3. At the office, submit:
   1. Valid driver’s license
   2. Proof of identity 
   3. Proof of legal presence
   4. Proof of SSN
   5. Proof of Colorado residency
   6. Completed CDL Self Certification Form
   7. Current DOT Medical Card (if applicable). NOTE: you can submit this online (Driver/ID Services > View/submit a DOT medical certificate).

4. Take and pass the CDL written test

5. Pay the CLP fee of $18.52

6. Get your CLP 

Here are the steps to getting a CDL in Colorado:

1. Hold your CLP for at least 14 days

2. Complete an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program 

3. Schedule a CDL driving test with an approved third-party provider. NOTE: Ask if the test center provides its own commercial vehicles or if you have to bring your own. 

4.  Take and pass the CDL driving test

5. Visit a Driver License Office and submit:
   1. Your valid CLP
   2. Current DOT Medical Card (if applicable)
   3. Proof of SSN
   4. Proof of Colorado residency
   5. CDL skills test completion form

6. Pay the CDL fee of $17.08

7. Get your CDL

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Colorado Driver’s License Classifications

In Colorado, there are 5 driver’s license classes. Each one can operate a different vehicle, so let’s look at them one by one. 

1. Class R – Can operate private vehicles. 

2. Class A CDL – Can operate combination commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of at least 26,001 pounds. The towed unit should weigh at least 10,000 pounds. 

3. Class B CDL – Can operate straight or combination CMVs with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds. If towing a unit, it should NOT exceed 10,000 pounds

4. Class C CDL – Can operate single CMVs with a GVWR of fewer than 26,001 pounds, vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers, and vehicles that carry hazardous materials 

5. Class M – Can operate two or three-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles. 

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How to Get A Colorado Driving Record

There are times when you need to obtain your Colorado driving record, whether for an official purpose or for your personal use. 

For a certified record, you can get it by mail or in person. For an uncertified one, you can get it online, by mail, or in person. 

Let’s first look at the steps to getting your Colorado driving record online:

1. Visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Driver/ID Services > Request a driving record

2. Fill up the online form

3. Pay the record fee of $9

4. Receive your driving record via email. NOTE: if you need a physical copy, you can download and print it.  

If you need a certified driving record, here is how to get it by mail:

1. Fill out the Permission to Release Driver Records to Self or Another Person form 

2. Make a check or money order of $10 (made payable to the Department of Revenue)

3. Send everything to the address below: 

Department of Revenue

Division of Motor Vehicles

Driver Control Section

1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214

4. Wait for 10 to 14 business days for your driving record to arrive via mail 

Don’t want to wait that long? Then here is how to get a certified Colorado driving record in person:

1. Go to the Lakewood Driver’s License Office located at — 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 

2. Fill out the Permission to Release Driver Records to Self or Another Person form 

3. Pay the record fee of $10

4. Receive your certified driving record

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Colorado Driving Laws

Now that you know everything you need to know about your Colorado driver’s license, let’s move on to the driving laws. 

Colorado Car Seat Laws

To ensure safety for everyone, Colorado has both a car seat law for children and a seat belt law for adults. 

For the seat belt law, the driver, front passenger, and any child between 8 to 16 years old are REQUIRED to properly wear a seat belt. As for the backseat passengers, it is not required, but still highly recommended, to fasten up. 

Since children are more vulnerable, the car seat laws are more detailed. 

• Infants under 1-year old and weighing less than 20 pounds – Must be restrained in a rear-facing car seat at the back.

• Children ages 1 to 3 and weighing less than 40 pounds – Must be restrained in a front-facing car seat at the back. 

• Children 4 to 7 years old and heavier than 40 pounds – Must be restrained in a child restraint system or booster seat.  

• Children 8 to 16 years old – Must be restrained with a seat belt, even if they are seated at the back

If your child is spotted without the proper safety restraint, you will face a fine of around $70. For subsequent offenses, the fine gets higher and higher. You will also receive a ticket that will be put on your driving record. 

So to avoid the penalties, but more importantly, to keep safe, always follow the Colorado car seat and seat belt laws. 

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Colorado DUI Laws

Driving under the influence is a big NO. 

And the State of Colorado makes that clear by putting strict DUI laws with harsh penalties. 

You will be charged with DUI if your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level reaches a certain percentage. Let’s look at this:

• For drivers above 21 years old – 0.08% BAC level
• For drivers below 21 years old – 0.02% BAC level
• For drivers that hold a commercial license – 0.04% BAC level

NOTE: You can still be charged with DUI if your BAC level is lower but you show signs of drunk driving. 

If your BAC level reaches illegal amounts, these are the penalties you can expect.

Conviction	Presumed BAC	Fine	Jail	Public Service
1st DWAI offense	0.05%	$200 – $500	2 – 180 days	24 – 48 hours
1st DUI offense	0.08%	$600 – $1,000	5 – 365 days	48 – 96 hours
2nd DWAI or DUI offense	0.08%	$600 – $1,500	10 – 365 days	48 – 120 hours
3rd or subsequent DWAI or DUI offenses	0.08%	$600 – $1,500	60 – 365 days	48 – 120 hours

If you are below 21 years old, you should also expect to complete a court evaluation program. And, if you cause injury or death, you can expect the penalties to be even more severe. 

To avoid all that, we have one simple advice — DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!

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Colorado Vehicle Registration Requirements

In Colorado, you cannot drive a vehicle that isn’t registered. 

If you do, then you will receive a Class B traffic infraction, a fine of $15 to $100, and a small surcharge. A second offense will bring even greater penalties. 

So here is how to register a vehicle in Colorado:

1. Go to your local Motor Vehicle office 

2. Submit the following documents:
   1. Vehicle title
   2. Your valid driver’s license
   3. Proof of Colorado vehicle emission
   4. Proof of auto insurance or self-insurance
   5. Affidavit of Non-Use Vehicle (if registering a vehicle that doesn’t run)

3. Pay the registration fee. Check the table below for prices. 

	Fee Amount	Use
Registration Fee	● $3.00 (motorcycles) ● $6.00 (passenger vehicles up to 2,000 pounds) *Extra $0.20 per 100 pounds up to 4,500 pounds ● $12.50 (passenger vehicles up to 4,500 pounds or more *Extra $0.60 for every additional 100 pounds	Fee credited to the Highway Users Tax Fund. (Section 42‑3‑306 (2), C.R.S.)

4. Get your registration and place it inside your vehicle. 

Every year after that, you need to renew your registration. Thankfully, you can easily renew it online or by mail. 

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Colorado Road Rules

If you want to be the safest driver you can be, then it’s important to know and follow the Colorado road rules. 

Here, we’re going to look at the Colorado road signs and road conditions. 

Colorado Road Signs

One of the most common signs is traffic signals. 

As you probably already know, RED means stop, YELLOW means slow down, and GREEN means go. 

These lights can either be steady or flashing. If it is flashing, it means that you have to follow the color meaning but can proceed if it is safe to do so. 

As for the actual signs, there are 5 categories, namely:

• Regulatory signs
• Warning signs
• Advisory signs
• Work zone signs
• Guide, service, and route signs

Regulatory signs are pretty-self explanatory – they regulate the flow of traffic. Let’s look at some common regulatory signs in Colorado:

As the name suggests, warning signs warn you of hazards ahead. You can easily spot a warning sign from its bright yellow color. Here are some common ones in Colorado:

Advisory signs, on the other hand, are there to help you, whether for the proper speed, if there is a railroad crossing, or for reporting an emergency. Here are common advisory signs in Colorado:

Work zone signs are like warning signs; however, it is specific to work or maintenance areas only. Also, these are not always signs — they can also come in barriers, cones, etc. Here are some common work zone signs in Colorado:

Guide signs guide. Service signs guide you to nearby services. Route signs tell you where you are. Here are the most common ones found in Colorado:

Besides signals and signs, there are also pavement markings. These separate lanes, mark pedestrian crossings, show passing or no-passing zones, and more. Let’s explore the meaning of these markings. 

• White lines – separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction
• Solid white lines – passing is not allowed
• Broken white lines – passing is allowed

• Yellow lines – separate traffic going in opposite directions
• Solid yellow lines – passing on the opposite lane is not allowed
• Broken yellow lines – passing on the opposite lane is allowed
• Double solid yellow lines – cars from both lanes are not allowed to pass
• Solid and broken yellow lines – only the cars that have the broken lines in their lane can pass

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Colorado Road Conditions

You won’t always drive in ideal road conditions. That is a fact. 

This is why it’s important to know how to drive safely through the different Colorado road conditions. 

And this is why we’re taking the time to give you safe driving tips through the common conditions in the state.

• Driving on hills and curvy roads: 
  • Slow down
  • Watch out for pedestrians and/or animals 
  • Drive within your lane
  • Use the handbrake when stopped going uphill

• Driving at night:
  • Turn on your headlights
  • Dim your dashboard lights
  • Avoid staring into the lights of oncoming vehicles
  • Be 100% alert
  • Don’t drive if you are drowsy

• Driving in bad weather:
  • Slow down
  • Use fog lights if the fog is too thick
  • Avoid flooded areas
  • Make sure your wipers are in good condition if raining
  • If the weather is too much, try to avoid driving at all

• Driving in snow and ice:
  • Slow down
  • Use snow tires
  • Put enough space between you and the vehicle in front
  • Never slam on your brakes to avoid skidding
  • If you skid, don’t panic. Simply remove your foot from the gas, keep your steering wheel straight, and wait for the skid to slow down
  • Avoid driving if the snow is too thick

• Driving in rural areas:
  • Watch out for wildlife or livestock
  • If off-roading, use the appropriate tires
  • Keep a safe distance from tractors and/or ATVs
  • Watch out for pedestrians

• Driving through construction zones:
  • Slow down
  • Obey construction signs and signals
  • Be alert for objects on the road
  • Always obey flaggers

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Conclusion

And that was your complete guide to Colorado driving laws.

Whew, that was a lot!

But now, you know everything you need to know — from your driver’s license to the driving laws to the road rules.

Whatever information you need, you’re sure to find it here. 

So go ahead and read about the information you want to learn about. Even better, go ahead and read it all to be a well-informed driver in Colorado. 

We hope this article has been a great help!