Rules of the Road
When it comes to road safety, a friendly reminder can go a long way. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or just enjoying the drive, following the rules of the road isn’t just about obeying the law – it’s about protecting yourself, other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Colorado Driving Laws
- Pedestrians have the right of way.
- Right of way goes to oncoming vehicles when turning left.
- When making a right turn on a red light, you must always come to a complete stop at the intersection before turning.
- Use the left lane as a passing lane only.
- Failing to use a turn signal can result in fines and points on one’s license.
- Having valid insurance is mandatory in Colorado.
- You can turn right at a red light unless a sign prohibits it at the specific intersection. The same rule applies to making a left turn on a one-way street.
- You do not have to stop for a bus on the other side of a divided road with a barrier.
- Every driver and every front-seat passenger of a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt. Additionally, children 15 years old and younger must be properly secured no matter where they are seated.
Traffic Roundabouts
Those entering a traffic roundabout, otherwise known as a traffic circle, do not have the right of way immediately. Newcomers must yield to those already inside the roundabout. This gives the right-of-way to the cars already in the traffic circle. Approach it slowly as a yield sign and expect there may be cars already in the roundabout or in the act of entering.
One-Way Left Turn on Red
Making a left turn on red onto a one-way street is permitted in Colorado as long as you’re turning from a one-way road onto another one-way road.
Move Over Law
The Move Over law requires drivers to slow down and move over a lane whenever they encounter any emergency vehicle, tow truck, or highway maintenance vehicle with its hazards flashing — and if they can’t move over, they must slow down. For any stationary vehicles, emergency or not, the “Move-Over” law dictates that drivers need to create as much space as possible. The enforcement of the law is significant
in protecting all individuals on the road, not just emergency responders.