Colorado driving questions, answered
What a new driver in Colorado asks, answered in two or three sentences from Colorado’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get pulled over and I don't have my license on me?
Under Colorado law, you can get a ticket for not having your license or permit on you. It's a $15 fine that you can pay without going to court. If you choose not to pay and show your valid license or permit to the court by your court date, the charge is dropped.
Sources: C.R.S. § 42-2-101 · Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 42 — 42-4-1701. Traffic offenses and infractions classified - penalties - penalty and surcharge schedule · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
Texting while driving is not allowed unless you're contacting police or fire or it's an emergency, so an officer can ticket you. Colorado law makes a first offense a $75 fine plus a $10 surcharge, and you can pay it without going to court. If texting makes you drive carelessly, you could be charged with a misdemeanor.
Sources: Colorado driver’s manual pp. 18, 24 · C.R.S. § 42-4-239 · Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 42 — 42-4-1701. Traffic offenses and infractions classified - penalties - penalty and surcharge schedule · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I'm driving past my curfew with a provisional license?
An officer can only ticket you for curfew if they stopped you for another traffic violation first. Colorado law says a first offense means 8 to 24 hours of community service and a fine of up to $50. You also get 2 license points.
Sources: Colorado driver’s manual p. 2 · C.R.S. § 42-4-116 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
For your first 6 months, you can't carry any passengers under 21, unless a parent or another licensed adult is with you. After that, Colorado law allows only 1 passenger under 21 until you've had your license for 1 year.
Sources: Colorado driver’s manual p. 2 · C.R.S. § 42-4-116 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
If I fail my driving test, how soon can I take it again?
You have to wait until the next business day to retake the driving test. You can only take it once per day.
Sources: Colorado driver’s manual p. 1 · Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles — Colorado Permits and First-Time Driver License | Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
You must hold your permit for a full 12 months, or until your 18th birthday, whichever comes first, before applying for your license.
Sources: Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles — Colorado Permits and First-Time Driver License | Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle · Colorado driver’s manual p. 2 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
You need liability insurance covering at least $25,000 for injury or death to one person and $50,000 for everyone in one crash. It must also cover $15,000 for property damage in one crash, often called 25/50/15.
Sources: Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles — Colorado Motorist Insurance Identification Database (MIIDB) | Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
If you're in a crash, you must show proof of insurance to the police at the scene or at the police station.
Sources: Colorado driver’s manual p. 26 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
You have to park at least 15 feet away from a fire hydrant.
Sources: Colorado driver’s manual p. 13 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
No, Colorado law bans holding your phone, texting or watching video while driving on a public road, and stopped at a red light still counts. The only exception for stopping is being parked or at rest on the shoulder, and hands-free use is fine.
Sources: C.R.S. § 42-4-239 · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
Colorado law doubles the penalties and surcharges for a moving violation, like speeding, in a school zone. Signs posted at the zone warn that fines are doubled there.
Sources: C.R.S. § 42-4-615 · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
With a permit, you must have a licensed driver who is 21 or older in the front passenger seat. If you're caught driving alone, it's a $70 ticket that you can pay without going to court.
Sources: Colorado driver’s manual p. 1 · C.R.S. § 42-2-106 · Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 42 — 42-4-1701. Traffic offenses and infractions classified - penalties - penalty and surcharge schedule · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about Colorado driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from Colorado’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question