As a part of the State's continuing commitment to safety on the roads and responsible driver education, I am proud to present this year's manual. John Hickenlooper Governor State of Colorado DR 2337 (09/10/14) Colorado Driver Handbook Table Of Contents Introduction 1. The Driver’s License.5 1.1 Persons Required to have a Driver’s license.5 1.2 Persons Who Cannot be Issued a Colorado Driver’s license.5 1.3 Obtaining a Colorado Driver’s license.5 1.4 Classes of Colorado Driver’s license.7 1.5 Parent Consent for MinorAffidavit of Liability and Guardianship.7 2. Types Of Instruction Permits And License.7 3. New Resident/Renewal.9 3.1 New Resident With a Valid License.9 3.2 Renewal of a Colorado Driver’s license or Instruction Permit.9 4. Duplicate Driver’s License.9 4.1 Lost, Stolen or Mutilated License or Permit.9 4.2 Change of Name and/or Address.10 5. Extension Of Colorado Driver’s License.10 6. Keeping Your License.10 6.1 Re-Examination.10 6.2 Colorado Point System.11 6.3 Your Driving Privilege May be Suspended, Revoked or Canceled if you.11 7. Understanding Colorado’s Motor Vehicle Laws 11 7.1 Motor Vehicle insurance Database Law.11 7.2 Financial Responsibility Law Compulsory Insurance.11 7.3 Colorado’s Safety Belt Law.12 7.4 Colorado’s Child Passenger Protection Law.12 7.5 Colorado’s Graduated License Law.12 7.6 Occupants of Vehicles.12 7.7 Using a Cell Phone While Driving.13 7.8 Toy Vehicles.13 7.9 License Plates.13 8. Driving Under The Influence.13 8.1 Alcohol and Driving.13 8.2 Drugs and Driving.14 8.3 Express Consent.14 8.4 Under Age 21 .14 9. Before You Drive.15 10. Rules Of The Road.16 10.1 Traffic Controls.16 10.1a Traffic Signals.16 10.1b Traffic Signs.16 10.1c Pavement Markings.18 10.Id Lane Controls.19 10.2 Right of Way.20 10.3 Speed.21 10.4 Turning.22 10.5 Parking.22 11. Safe Driving Tips.23 11.1 Steering.23 11.2 Scanning.23 11.3 Following Another Vehicle.24 11.4 Adjusting to Traffic.24 11.5 Trouble Spots.24 11.6 Entering the Freeway.24 11.6a Freeway Driving .24 11,6b Leaving the Freeway.25 11.7 Changing Lanes.25 11.8 Passing.25 11.9 Hills and Curves.25 11.10 Night Driving.25 11.11 Bad Weather.26 11.11a Snow and Ice.26 11.12 Mountain Driving.27 11.13 Rural Driving.27 11.14 Construction Zones.27 12. Sharing The Road.27 12.1 Large Trucks and Buses.27 12.2 Railroad Crossings.28 12.3 Light Rail.29 12.4 Bicycles and Motorcycles.30 12.5 Careless/Reckless Driving.30 12.6 Aggressive Driving.30 13. THE DRIVE Test.31 14. Emergencies.32 14.1 Avoiding Collisions.32 14.2 Vehicle Emergencies.32 14.2a Brake Failure.32 14.2b Tire Blowout.33 14.2c Power Failure.33 14.2d Headlight Failure.33 14.2e Jammed Gas Pedal.33 14.2f Driving off the Pavement.33 14.3 Animals.33 14.4 Accidents.33 14.5 First Aid.33 15. Pedestrians.33 16. Bicycles.34 17. Organ Donation.35 18. Service Center Guide.35 18.1 Driver’s license.35 18.1a Services.35 18.1b Office Locations.36 18.2 County Offices ( Vehicle License Plates).38 19. Drive Time Log Sheet.40 Colorado Driver Handbook two deep breaths to become centered. Take two-seconds to be mindful of how unacceptable driving behavior can affect your life and others. Use the Colorado State Patrol’s “TWO Seconds for Safety” salute to remind yourself and others to be civil on our highways. When confronted by an aggressive driver, ignore them and get out of their way. Avoid eye contact. Maintain a positive attitude when you drive! Unacceptable aggressive driving behavior includes tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, passing on the right or the shoulder of the highway, cutting people off, failure to allow others to merge or pass, obscene hand gestures, honking, yelling or flashing lights, exceeding the speed limit, bumping or ramming another vehicle or brandishing weapons. Start Taking an Active Role -To report an aggressive driver, road hazards or request assistance, you can use your cell phone to make a free call directly to the Colorado State Patrol by dialing STAR CSP (*277). Colorado State Patrol 700 Kipling St. Denver, Colorado 80215 Public Affairs: 303.239.4574 4 Colorado Driver Handbook Introduction The purpose of this Driver Handbook is to provide you with information on how to become a safe driver. The Driver Handbook is a summary of the laws, rules and safe driving practices that apply to all persons who drive a vehicle in the state of Colorado. It is based on current laws, legislation and department policies and is subject to change. It is not a book of laws and should not be used as a basis for any legal claims or actions. It is a book of information only and does not supersede Colorado Revised Statutes. Traffic regulations in cities, towns, counties and federal territories may go beyond state laws, as long as they do not conflict with state law. For more information on Colorado motor vehicle laws refer to the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) Vehicles and Traffic, Title 42 Common Code book. Don’t discard this handbook after you have obtained your license; keep it as a reference or pass it on to another applicant. 1. The Driver’s License 1.1 Persons Required To Have A Driver’s License: Any person who operates a motor vehicle, motor-driven cycle or moped on the public streets and highways in Colorado is required to be at least 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. Resident: Per C.R.S. 42-1-102 (81), any person who owns or operates a business in Colorado or who has resided within the state continuously for 90 days or who has obtained gainful employment within this state, whichever shall occur first, is considered a Colorado resident. (See New Resident §3) Special Exemptions C.R.S. 42-2-102 and 24-60-1106 The following persons need not obtain a Colorado License provided they are 16 years of age or older and possess a valid license from their home state or state of last assignment. Colorado Residents: Any resident of this state who is employed in another state, where the laws of that state require licensing to drive in order to engage in a regular trade or profession, does not need a Colorado Driver’s license as long as such other license to drive is valid and the employment is not terminated. This special exemption applies only if the other state is a member of the Interstate Driver’s license Compact Agreement. Military: Anyone who is serving as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty; this also includes the spouse and children of such members. Foreign Military Personnel: On duty or assigned to temporary duty with the United States Armed Forces; this also includes the spouse and children of such members. Students: Any nonresident who is temporarily residing in Colorado for the principle purpose of furthering his/her education and is considered a nonresident for tuition purposes. Students must have a valid driver’s license from his/her state of residence. Non-Resident Aliens: Foreign tourists, instructors, and business persons may drive any private (noncommercial) vehicle with their personal Driver's license. 1.2 Persons Who Cannot Be Issued A Colorado Driver’s License • Any person who does not submit proof of their date of birth, proof of identity, or both, as required by the department. • Any person unable to pass the Driver’s license examinations. • Any person with a license from another state that does not surrender that license. (24-60- 1106 C.R.S.) • Any person under suspension, revocation, or denial of driving privileges in this or any other state. • Any person adjudicated to be mentally incompetent, an alcoholic, or an habitual user of narcotic drugs. • Emancipated minors without an Affidavit of Liability. (DR 2460) • Any person who has unpaid fines or outstanding judgments for traffic violations. • Any person under 16 years of age. 1.3 Obtaining A Colorado Driver’s License It is recommended that all applicants allow ample time to complete the process for obtaining a driver’s license. Depending on what is required (written test, drive skills test, etc.), the length of the process can vary significantly. Additionally, as Colorado issues different types of licenses that have different requirements, please reference the sections below (1-3) for guidance on your particular situation. Generally, Mondays, Fridays and days after holidays are the busiest. Check the list of offices in the Service Center Guide, in the back of this handbook, for locations, services provided, and hours of operation. Appointments are available at some offices, please check the DMV website for more information. To Apply For A Driver’s License Or Instruction Permit 1. Applicants that are U.S. citizens or who can demonstrate permanent lawful presence in the U.S. are required to: a. Submit identification establishing their date of birth, full legal name, identity and lawful presence in the U.S. such as - 5 Colorado Driver Handbook — (photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted): • U.S. Passport with the applicant’s full legal name • Certified State or County Birth Certificate • Consular Report of Birth Abroad • Previous Colorado License or Identification Card • Permanent Resident Card • Certificate of Naturalization b. Provide your Social Security Number (SSN) c. Supply 2 documents that demonstrate your Colorado residence address d. Pass all required examinations: (physical, vision, written, driving test) e. Pay the required fees f. Be fingerprinted (§ 42-2-104 C.R.S.) and photographed (§42-2-114 C.R.S.) 2. Applicants who can demonstrate temporary lawful presence are required to: a. Submit identification establishing their date of birth, full legal name, identity and temporary lawful presence in the U.S. such as: • Foreign passport with photograph accompanied by U.S. visa and 1-94 that is verified by SAVE • Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) including 1-766, 1-688, I-688A, and I-688B verified by SAVE • Pending application for asylum in the U.S. • Pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the U.S. • Approved deferred action status b. Supply 1 document that demonstrates your Colorado residence address c. Pass all required examinations: (physical, vision, written, and/or driving test) d. Pay the required fees e. Be fingerprinted (§ 42-2-104 C.R.S.) and photographed (§ 42-2-114 C.R.S.) Note: Applications under this section are part of the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act (CO- RCSA, § 42-2-501 C.R.S.) and may visit any state office. 3. Applicants who are unable to demonstrate lawful presence are required to: a. Submit identification establishing their date of birth, full legal name, and identity (from their country of origin) with a: • Passport • Consular Identification Card • Military Identification Document b. Demonstrate residency in either of the following two ways: • Sign an affidavit that states the applicant is currently a resident of Colorado, present evidence of residence in Colorado, and present certified proof of return tax filing (from the Department of Revenue) for the immediately preceding year; or • Sign an affidavit that states that the applicant has continuously been a resident in Colorado for the immediately preceding twenty-four months and present evidence of residence in Colorado for the immediately preceding twenty-four months. c. Submit documentation of their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service d. Pass all required examinations: (physical, vision, written, and/or driving test) e. Pay the required fees f. Be fingerprinted (§ 42-2-104 C.R.S.) and photographed (§ 42-2-114 C.R.S.) Note: Applications under this section are part of CO- RCSA (§ 42-2-501 C.R.S.) and will be by appointment only at the following offices: • Denver Central: 1865 W Mississippi Ave, Ste C, Denver CO 80223 • Aurora: 14391 E 4th Ave, Aurora CO 80011 • Colorado Springs: 2446 N Union Blvd, Colorado Springs CO 80909 • Ft. Collins: 3030 S College Ave, Ste 100, Ft Collins CO 80526 • Grand Junction: 222 S 6th, Ste 111, Grand Junction CO 81501 Driving Record Analysis: The Motor Vehicle Division examines your driving record and present license status to determine eligibility before issuing a new license. Physical Aptitude Analysis: This is a determination, by the driver’s license employee, of any physical ailment or disability which may have an effect on your driving. A Confidential Medical Examination Report is required for many physical ailments or disabilities such as epilepsy or paralysis. Vision Screening: Your vision will be tested to determine if you can see well enough to drive safely. If the test discloses that you need corrective lenses to meet the minimum visual standards, your license will show this restriction. Failure to meet established vision standards will result in initial rejection and referral to a vision specialist for correction and recommendations at the applicant’s expense. The minimum vision standard is 20/40. Basic Written Test: This covers various aspects of driving knowledge and safety. The test questions will cover the contents of this handbook including road signs, driving under the influence, as well as other driving rules, safety rules and legal items. • For individuals applying under #1 or #2 above, while no appointment is necessary for the written test, it is recommended. Please visit the Department’s website at 6 Colorado Driver Handbook www.colorado.gov/revenue/DMV to schedule an appointment. No basic written tests will be started within 30 minutes of the scheduled office closing time and no CDL written tests will be started within 1 hour prior to the scheduled office closing time. • For individuals applying under #3 above, written tests will be administered by appointment only. Driving Test: This is the most important part of the examination because it provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate that you can drive safely. (See Drive Test §13) • All drive tests are by appointment only and will not be scheduled within 1 hour prior to the scheduled office closing time. 1.4 Classes Of Colorado Driver’s Licenses Colorado Driver’s licenses are issued in various classes according to your age group and the type of vehicle for which you qualify. All classes of licenses are valid for chauffeur purposes. Chauffeur is defined as: “Every person who is employed for the principal purpose of operating a motor vehicle and every person who drives a motor vehicle while in use as a public or common carrier of persons or property”. At a minimum, a valid, basic Class R license is required for the operation of low-power scooters (engine size of 50cc or less or 4476 watts or less, if electric 40 MPH max) and low-speed electric vehicles. Class R (Basic License) Any motor vehicle which is not considered a motorcycle or commercial vehicle as described below. Class A, B and C (Commercial Driver’s license - CDL) A driver must have a Commercial Driver’s license to operate the following types of vehicles: • Any motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rat¬ ing (GVWR) or combination vehicle weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. • Any vehicle that transports quantities of hazardous materials that require warning placards under the Department of Transportation regulations. • Any vehicle that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. • The GVWR or GCWR of the vehicle(s) is not the weight of the vehicle(s), but the weight rating that the manufacturer assigned to the vehicle(s). For further information including requirements, qualifications, endorsements and restrictions on the Commercial Driver’s license, please obtain a Commercial Driver Manual at any driver licensing office in the state, or at any Port of Entry office. For information on adding a motorcycle endorsement to either a basic or Commercial Driver’s License, please pick up a Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook from any driver license office or download a copy from the Internet. 1.5 Parent Consent For Minors/Affidavit Of Liability And Guardianship If you are under 18, an Affidavit of Liability (DR 2460) must be signed by a parent, stepparent, grandparent with Power of Attorney, legal guardian or spouse 18 years of age or older, or any other responsible person willing to accept legal liability for the minor. If the signer is a grandparent with Power of Attorney (POA), the original POA must be presented and a copy of the POA must be surrendered upon application for the permit. If the signer is a legal guardian, original court documents showing guardianship, custody or adoption must be presented. Spouses must show the marriage certificate. The affidavit must be signed in front of the examiner or a notary public. Whoever signs the Affidavit agrees to take legal responsibility for your actions as a driver. If the signer decides later not to accept responsibility for your driving, that person may withdraw their signature and your permit/license will be canceled. 2. Types Of Instruction Permits And Licenses Instruction Permits: An Instruction Permit allows limited driving privileges for people learning to drive. Regardless of age, if you are driving with an Instruction Permit, you must be accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older, who holds a valid Colorado license, and is riding in the seat beside you. Age Groups: See the following categories for specific requirements and restrictions other than those listed previously. Minor Age Group -15 years to 21 years of age Driver Education Permit - available to customers 15 years to 15 years, 6 months. • Expires 3 years after issuance. • Must present a completed Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship and a completed Affidavit of Completion of a Driver Education Classroom Course indicating the minor has completed and passed the classroom portion of a state-approved driver education course within 6 months prior to applying for the instruction permit. • While holding this type of permit, you may only drive with your driver education instructor or the person(s) who signed the Affidavit of Liability (DR2460) until you are 15 years, 6 months. At 15 years, 6 months, you may drive only with the person(s) who signed the affidavit of Liability (DR 2460) until you are 18. This restriction is automatically lifted when you reach 18 years of age. 7 Colorado Driver Handbook — • While you are under 18, if the person(s) who signed the DR 2460 does not hold a valid Colorado driver’s license, they may appoint an Alternate Permit Supervisor to supervise you while you are driving. The Alternate Permit Supervisor must hold a valid Colorado Driver’s License and be 21 years of age or older. Drive time with an Alternate Permit Supervisor will count toward the 50 hour total required on the log sheet. The person(s) who signed the DR 2460 may also allow any person 21 years of age or older, who holds a valid license, to supervise you while you are driving but that driving time does not count toward the 50 hour total required on the log sheet. Driver Awareness Permit - available to customers 15 years, 6 months to 16 years of age. • Expires 3 years after issuance. • Must present a completed Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (DR2460) and documentation indicating completion of an approved driver awareness program. • While holding this type of permit you may only drive with the person(s) who signed the Affidavit of Liability (DR 2460). This restriction is automatically lifted when you reach 18 years of age. • While you are under 18, if the person(s) who signed the DR 2460 does not hold a valid Colorado driver’s license, they may appoint an Alternate Permit Supervisor to supervise you while you are driving. The Alternate Permit Supervisor must hold a valid Colorado Driver’s License and be 21 years of age or older. Drive time with an Alternate Permit Supervisor will count toward the 50 hour total required on the log sheet. The person(s) who signed the DR 2460 may also allow any person 21 years of age or older, who holds a valid license, to supervise you while you are driving but that driving time does not count toward the 50 hour total required on the log sheet. Minor Instruction Permit - available to customers 16 years to 21 years of age. • Expires 3 years after issuance. • Minors under 18 must present a completed Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (DR2460). • While holding this type of permit, you may only drive with the person(s) who signed the Affidavit of Liability (DR 2460) until you are 18. • While you are under 18, if the person(s) who signed the DR 2460 does not hold a valid Colorado driver’s license, they may appoint an Alternate Permit Supervisor to supervise you while you are driving. The Alternate Permit Supervisor must hold a valid Colorado Driver’s License and be 21 years of age or older. Drive time with an Alternate Permit Supervisor will count toward the 50 hour total required on the log sheet. The person(s) who signed the DR 2460 may also allow any person 21 years of age or older, who holds a valid license, to supervise you while you are driving but that driving time does not count toward the 50 hour total required on the log sheet. Minor Driver’s License - Expires 20 days after the 21st birthday. For individuals applying under the CO-RCSA (§ 42-2-501 C.R.S.), the driver’s license expires 20 days after the 21st birthday or in 3 years (whichever comes first). • Minors under the age of 18 must hold an instruction permit for at least TWELVE MONTHS and be at least 16 years of age before obtaining a Driver’s license. • Minors under 16 years 6 months of age at the time they apply for their driver’s license, must complete behind-the wheel (BTW) training prior to being issued the license. The BTW must be either 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved driver education instructor or 12 hours of BTW training with their parent/guardian/alternate permit supervisor, if there isn’t an approved driving school, offering at least 20 hours of BTW training per week, within 30 miles of the permit holder’s residence. If 12 hours are completed with the parent/guardian/alternate permit supervisor, the 12 hours are in addition to the 50-hour requirement of the log sheet, for a total of 62 hours. • Minors under 18 must present a completed and signed Drive Time Log sheet when applying for their Driver’s license. • Minors 18 and older do not have to hold an instruction permit for any required amount of time but do have to first purchase an instruction permit before taking a drive test. • For restrictions on minors under 18 driving on the job, visit the Department of Labor at www.youthrules.dol.gov Adult Age Group- 21 years of age and over Instruction Permit - Expires 3 years after issuance. Adults do not have to hold an instruction permit for any required amount of time but do have to first purchase an instruction permit before taking a drive test. Adult License - Expires on the birthday 5 years from the year of issue. For individuals applying under the CO- RCSA (§42-2-501 C.R.S.), the license expires 3 years from the date of issuance. Temporary Document: Driver’s license offices no longer have instant photo equipment. Driver’s license offices will issue a paper temporary license, permit or ID card, which is valid for 30 days, while your photo is processed. Because you will receive your photo 8 Colorado Driver Handbook document in the mail, it is important that your address is correct. If you do not receive your photo document in the mail after 30 days, you should report it to the office where you originally applied. Motorcycle Endorsement: See the Motorcycle Handbook. Identification Cards: Any Colorado resident not holding a valid license may apply for a Colorado Identification Card. See Resident, § 1.1.) Per C.R.S. 42-2-114 and 42- 2-302, Colorado law prohibits a person from holding both a valid driver’s license and an identification card. • You must present identification establishing date of birth, identity and lawful presence in the United States. Lawful presence is not required for individuals applying under the CO-RCSA (§42-2- 501 C.R.S.) who are unable to demonstrate lawful presence. (See documents listed under Obtaining a Colorado Driver’s license § 1.3) • If you are 60 or older, there is no charge for the ID card. • Expiration: • Minor ID cards expire on the 21st birthday. For individuals applying under the CO-RCSA (§42-2-501 C.R.S.), minor ID cards expire on the 21st birthday or 3 years from the date of issuance (whichever comes first). • Adult ID cards expire on the birthday, 5 years from the year of issue. For individuals applying under the CO-RCSA (§42-2-501 C.R.S.), the ID card expires 3 years from the date of issuance. 3. New Resident / Renewal Some offices in the metro area are limited service offices. If you do not have to take any tests, you may be able to save time by going to one of these offices. Check the list of offices in the Service Center Guide in the back of this handbook for locations, services provided, and hours of operation. 3.1 New Resident With A Valid License If you are 16 years of age or older and have a valid license in your possession which was issued by another U.S. state, territory or possession, you will normally not be required to take the written test or the drive test. The driver’s license employee has a responsibility to require a drive test, even if you turn in a valid license, if there is a problem with your physical aptitude analysis or vision screening. You must surrender your valid out-of-state driver’s license (§C.R.S. 24-60-1106) and present identification showing proof of lawful presence in the U.S. along with your surrendered out-of-state driver’s license. Lawful presence is not required for individuals applying under the CO-RCSA (§ 42-2-501 C.R.S.) who are unable to demonstrate lawful presence (Section 1.3 (3)). If you are under the age of 18, an Affidavit of Liability must be signed. (See Parent Consent for Minors, §1.5) 3.2 Renewal Of A Colorado Driver’s License Or Instruction Permit To renew a Colorado driver’s license (issued for 5 years) or instruction permit (issued for 3 years), you will need to present your old license or permit, pass a vision test, pay the required fee and be fingerprinted and photographed. Once you obtain a Colorado Driver’s license or Instruction Permit, you will not normally have to repeat the written or driving test unless: • You apply for a different class of license or add an endorsement. • You receive traffic tickets which result in suspension. • The license or permit is canceled, revoked or denied. • You let the license or permit expire for more than one year. You may renew an Adult Colorado Driver’s license at any time prior to the expiration date. Minor licenses cannot be renewed before the day of the 21st birthday and will expire 20 days after the 21st birthday. For individuals applying under the CO-RCSA (§42-2-501 C.R.S.), the license expires 20 days after the 21st birthday or in 3 years, whichever comes first. You may be eligible to renew your driver’s license or ID card over the Internet, or by mail, if you are at least 21 years of age and you have been issued an adult, non-CDL driver’s license or adult ID card. Internet or mail renewal is available for 2 consecutive renewal cycles. Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders and individuals applying under the CO-RCSA are NOT eligible for this service. If you wish to have your name changed or a new photograph taken, you must appear in person at a Driver’s License office. Internet renewal is available for 21 through 65 years of age. Please visit: https://www. Colorado, gov/vroom/renewlicense/index.jsf Renew-By-Mail is available for 21 and older. Please visit https://www. renew-app. state, co. us/checkeligibility.asp 4. Duplicate Driver’s License 4.1 Lost, Stolen, Or Mutilated License Or Permit If your driver’s license is lost, stolen or mutilated and you are 21 years of age or older, you will be required to renew the license for the standard renewal fee (C.R.S. 42-2-117 (1.5)). Duplicates are only available to minor drivers, Commercial Driver’s license holders and all instruction permit holders. To replace or renew a lost, stolen or mutilated driver’s license or instruction permit, you must appear in person at any driver’s license office, Colorado Driver Handbook — present acceptable identification and pay the required fee. See Section 1.3, Obtaining a Colorado Driver’s license, for the list of acceptable identification. 4.2 Change Of Name And/Or Address Colorado law 42-2-119 (1)(a) requires that you notify the Motor Vehicle Division in writing within 30 days of a name change or a change of address. Change Of Name: If you are changing your name, you must appear at a driver’s license office in person, with legal, original, or certified documentation, (i.e. recorded marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order) At the time you change your name, you will be required to renew your driver’s license for the standard renewal fee. Change Of Address: For emergency notification purposes, to receive a renew-by-mail application or to receive your license in the mail, it is important to keep the Motor Vehicle Division informed of your current address. You can change your address at any driver’s license office or by mailing our self-service change of address postcard, available at any driver’s license office or on our Website. 5. Extension Of A Colorado Driver’s License The Motor Vehicle Division examines your driving record, driver’s license status and the type of license you have before issuing an extension. Please include your full name, date of birth and license number on any extension requests. For non-CDL licenses: Military: Only one three-year extension is given for Colorado residents and their dependents on active duty outside the state. You may request an extension card prior to the expiration date of the license. The request must include a copy of your valid Military Identification Card. Civilian: The charge for a one-year extension is $3.00. Add $2.00 if you have a motorcycle endorsement. • If you are out-of-state when your license will expire, you may obtain a one-year extension. • If you are out of the country when your license will expire, you may obtain up to 2 one-year extensions. • If you are unable to renew your license due to a medical condition, you may obtain a one-year extension. The request must include a statement from your doctor. Mail all extension requests and required information to: Regular Mailing Address: Motor Vehicle Division Driver Services , Rm 164 PO Box 173350 Denver, CO 80217-3350 Overnight requests: Motor Vehicle Division 1881 Pierce St., Rm 164 Denver, CO 80214 For CDL licenses: Due to medical and testing requirements for CDL drivers, only a 30-day extension is available. Please contact either of the above addresses. 6. Keeping Your License License/Driving Privilege Status: Having a driver’s license is a privilege. Protect that privilege by driving with care and consideration for others. Valid Driving Privilege: The individual may apply for or hold a Colorado Driver’s license. There are no restraint actions against that privilege. Valid Driver’s License: The Driver’s license is considered legally in force and authorizes the individual to drive. Clearance: A formal indication from a state, on letterhead, or an official state form, that the applicant has valid driving privileges and is clear to apply for a Colorado Driver’s license. Reinstatement: A procedure to restore an individual’s driving privilege. Reinstatement of driving privileges does not always reinstate the Driver’s license. Reinstatement of the driving privilege may be processed even with outstanding tickets, however, a new permit or license may not be issued until the individual can show clearance of any such tickets. The following are actions that affect your driving privilege or driver’s license. These actions may be for a specific amount of time and/or until certain conditions are satisfied. You may NOT drive while under any of these actions. Cancellation: An action to void a valid Driver License. This action does not require reinstatement. Denial: A restraint action taken when an individual does not have a Colorado Driver’s license. This action may require reinstatement. Suspension: A restraint action that temporarily invalidates the Driver’s license and withdraws the driving privilege. This action reguires reinstatement. The following actions require the individual to reinstate their driving privilege, pass the written test, purchase an Instruction Permit, pass the driving test, and purchase a new Driver’s license. Cancellation And Denial: A restraint action to cancel the Driver’s license and withdraw the driving privilege. REVOCATION: A restraint action that invalidates the Driver’s license and revokes the driving privilege. 6.1 Re-Examination A reexamination (vision, written and driving) will be required for one or more of the following reasons: • Involvement in 2 accidents within 3 years. • Involvement in a fatal accident. • Incident report from any law enforcement agency. 10 Colorado Driver Handbook • Medical report from a doctor. • A family member submitting a written request. The notice of re-exam allows you 20 days to complete the re-exam (pass or fail). Failure to complete the re-exam within 20 days will result in cancellation and denial of your driving privilege. After you have taken the examination, your license may be returned, you may be issued a license or permit with restrictions, or your driving privilege could be canceled and denied depending on the results of the examination. 6.2 COLORADO POINT SYSTEM As a driver, you start out with a clean record, no points against you. If you accumulate too many points against your driving record within a certain period of time, you will lose your driver’s license through a point suspension. Each time you are convicted of a traffic violation, the court notifies the Motor Vehicle Division. A conviction occurs when you plead guilty, pay the ticket, or accept a plea bargain. Each type of conviction causes a certain number of points to be placed on your traffic record. Points assessed against your record are not erased when you get a new license or get reinstated. The number of point accumulations for suspension are: Minor Driver Under 18 Years Of Age: • 6 points in any 12 consecutive months. • 7 or more points for the period of the license. Minor Driver Between 18 And 21: • 9 points in any 12 consecutive months. • 12 points in any 24 consecutive months. • 14 points in the period of the license. Adult Driver: • 12 points in any 12 consecutive months. • 18 points in any 24 consecutive months. CHAUFFEUR POINTS: • 16 points in any 12 consecutive months. • 24 points in any 24 consecutive months. • 28 points in any 48 consecutive months. All chauffeur violations must have been received in a motor vehicle in use as a public or common carrier of persons or property. 6.3 Your Driving Privilege May Be Suspended, Revoked Or Canceled If You: • Meet or exceed the minimum point accumulation for suspension. (See Colorado Point System §6.2) • Are convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Refuse to be tested for alcohol or drug content. • Are convicted of failing to report an accident or leaving the scene of an accident without stopping, exchanging information, and rendering aid. • Fail to report an accident to the Colorado Motor Vehicle division according to the Financial Responsibility Law. • Give false information on your driver’s license application. • Fail to settle a judgment against you as a result of an accident while operating a vehicle. • Lend your license to someone else or misuse it in any way. • Alter or deface your license. • Fail to appear for a reexamination requested by the Motor Vehicle Division. • Are convicted of manslaughter as a result of a motor vehicle accident. • Fail to pay a fine for a traffic violation from this or any other state. • Fail to register, in Colorado, all vehicles owned within 30 days of becoming a resident. • Fail to pay ordered child support. • Fail to provide valid evidence of insurance when requested by a law enforcement officer. If you are convicted of driving while under restraint, your driving privilege will be suspended again effective for ONE YEAR from the date you would have been reinstated. 7. Understanding Colorado’s Motor Vehicle Laws 7.1 Motor Vehicle Insurance Data Base Law (C.R.S. 10-4-615 AND 42-7-604) Effective January 1, 1999, a statewide database was established to track compliance and noncompliance, within Colorado, of motor vehicle insurance requirements. Vehicle insurance companies are required to submit, on a weekly basis, information on policies issued during the previous week. Vehicle registration offices also submit information to the database on vehicles registered. Should you be stopped by a police officer, if you do not have evidence of insurance in your vehicle and you are not listed in the database as having insurance, your license is subject to confiscation and suspension. Per C.R.S. 42-2-127.7, you may request a hearing or present evidence of insurance, that was valid at the time you were stopped, at a driver’s license office or at 1881 Pierce St. in Lakewood. Evidence Of Insurance: Evidence of insurance includes the insurance company, policy number, date of expiration and vehicle covered, and must be in your motor vehicle while in operation. 7.2 Financial Responsibility Law / Compulsory Insurance (C.R.S. 42-4-1409) “No owner of a motor vehicle required to be registered in this state shall operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated on the public highways of this state when 11 Colorado Driver Handbook - the owner has failed to have a complying policy or certificate of self-insurance in full force and effect as required by law. ” The minimum insurance you must have in addition to personal injury protection is: • $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person in any one accident. • $50,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more persons in any one accident. • $15,000 property damage coverage. In the event of an accident, evidence of insurance must be shown for all vehicles involved even if.... 1. The driver was not at fault in the accident. 2. The vehicle was parked. 3. There was no injury or damage to any other party. 4. The accident results in damages that are less than $ 1 , 000 . 00 . The Motor Vehicle Division is allowed to accept the insurance information noted on the Traffic Officer’s accident report or on counter reports filed with law enforcement agencies. The Motor Vehicle Division continues to have the authority to send notice for additional information to the driver if the insurance information is incomplete on the officer’s report or if the report indicates there was no insurance at the time of the accident. 7.3 Colorado’s Safety Belt Laws (C.R.S. 42-4-237 And 42-2-105.5) Colorado’s Safety Belt Law requires that a fastened safety belt must be worn in all motor vehicles, that were factory equipped with a safety belt system, while in operation on public roadways by... • The driver. • Every front seat passenger. • Every child between the ages of 8 and 16 seated anywhere in the vehicle. • Occupants in motor vehicles driven by persons under 18 shall be properly restrained or wear seat belts as required in 42-4-236 and 42-4-237. For children, see Colorado’s Child Passenger Protection Law. The only exceptions are: • Emergency personnel. • Passenger buses and school buses. • Farm equipment. • Motorcycles. • Driver of delivery vans on the job. • Anyone carrying a written medical statement from a physician stating why she is not physically or psychologically required to wear the safety belts. Always wear both shoulder and lap safely belts low and tight. 7.4 Colorado’s Child Passenger Protection Law (C.R.S. 42-4-236) Children are required, by law, to be properly fastened into an appropriate child restraint system. If a parent is not in the motor vehicle, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that each child is properly fastened into one of the following: Children less than one year of age, and less than 20 pounds, in a rear-facing child restraint system in a rear seat of the vehicle. Children one year of age or older, but less than 4 years of age and less than 40 pounds, in a rear-facing or forward-facing child restraint system. Children under 8 years of age, being transported in a motor vehicle in this state, shall be properly restrained in a child restraint system, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Children at least 8 years of age, but less than 16 years of age, being transported in a motor vehicle in this state shall be properly restrained in a safety belt or child restraint system according to the manufacturer’s instructions. According to the National Safety Council: • Never place an infant in a rear-facing child safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger side air bag. • Children should ride, in the appropriate child restraint system, in the back seat. This eliminates the possibility of airbag-related deaths or injuries and studies show that children are up to 29% safer in the back seat. 7.5 Colorado’s Graduated License Law (C.R.S. 42-2-104, 105, 105.5, 42-4-116) Colorado law requires a minor applying for an instruction permit to hold that permit for at least 12 months and submit a log of their driving experience at the time they apply for their license. They must show 50 hours of driving experience; 10 of which must have been at night. Once a minor gets their license, the law also places restrictions on drivers under 18. See page 37 for the log sheet and detailed information on restrictions and requirements. 7.6 the duties of occupants of vehicles involved in accidents resulting in personal injury (C.R.S. 42-4- 1607) If you are a passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident where the driver is physically incapable of reporting the accident, you are required to report the accident and, if directed by police, to remain at the scene of the accident until police arrive. Failure to do so is a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. 12 Colorado Driver Handbook Possible Penalties for Drinking and Driving and/or Drugs and Driving for Age 21 and Older Conviction Presumed by Blood Alcohol Content of Points Toward Suspension Fine Jail Public Service 1 st Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) 0.05% 8 $200-$500 2 days-180 days 24 hours- 48 hours 1 st Driving Under the Influence (DUI) 0.08% Revocation 9 months $600-$1000 5 days-1 year 48 hours- 96 hours 2 nd DWAI or DUI 0.08% Revocation 1 year $600-$1500 10 days-1 year 48 hours-120 hours 3 rd or subsequent DWAI or DUI Revocation 2 years $600-$1500 60 days-1 year 48 hours-120 hours 7.7 Using A Cell Phone Or Mobile Telephone While Driving (C.R.S. 42-4-239) Colorado law prohibits drivers under 18 years age from using a cell or mobile phone while driving unless it is to contact the police or fire department or it is an emergency. Drivers 18 and older may not use a cell or mobile telephone for text messaging while driving unless it is to contact the police or fire department or it is an emergency. 7.8 toy vehicles prohibited on a public road (C.R.S. 42-1-103.5) “Toy vehicle” includes, but is not limited to, gas-powered or electric-powered mini bikes, pocket bikes, kamikaze boards, go-peds and stand-up scooters that are not designed, approved or intended for use on public roadways or highways. 7.9 License Plates Any motor vehicle owned by a Colorado resident cannot be parked or driven on a public street or highway unless it is properly registered in Colorado and displays Colorado license plates. If you own a motor vehicle, you must register the vehicle in the county in which you live. (See the county office locations in the Service Center Guide.) The signed registration card must be carried in the vehicle or in the possession of the operator whenever the vehicle is being operated. The license plates must be fastened horizontally, in a manner to prevent swinging, at a height of at least 12 inches from the ground. They must be clearly visible and kept clean and legible. Vehicles must have plates attached to both the front and rear of the vehicle. Exceptions: Motorcycles, trailers, and semitrailers must have one plate attached to the rear, semi-tractors must have one plate attached to the front. Temporary (paper) license plates should be attached in a place clearly visible on the rear of the vehicle. Any change of address or name must be reported within 30 days to your local county motor vehicle office. If you are moving into Colorado, you must obtain new license plates within 30 days of establishing Colorado residency. (C.R.S. 42-2-107 (a)(b)) Emissions Test Required: Colorado’s “AIR” Program requires emissions tests for gasoline and diesel vehicles registered in the following counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson. Emissions tests are required for diesel vehicles only in El Paso, Larimer and Weld counties. Check with your county clerk or call (303) 456-7090. 8. Driving Under The Influence 8.1 Alcohol And Driving Drinking and driving is one of the greatest problems causing highway crashes. Every year, tens of thousands of people are killed in alcohol related traffic crashes. Drinking drivers are more likely than other drivers to take excessive risks such as speeding or turning abruptly. The drinking driver is also more likely to have slowed reaction times and may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid a collision. It is also unlawful for someone to drink from or possess an open alcohol beverage container while in the passenger area of a motor vehicle that is on a public road. Alcohol is a depressant drug that affects the central nervous system which affects the brain. It slows reflexes and reaction times while reducing the ability to make split second decisions necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle. As the amount of alcohol in your body increases, your judgment worsens and your skills decrease. The amount of alcohol absorbed in your blood stream is what causes you to feel the effects of drinking. This is called Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). BAC is determined by a chemical test, usually of blood or breath. The driver with a BAC between 0.05% and 0.07% is presumed to be Driving While Ability to drive is Impaired. If a driver BAC is 0.08% or greater, he is presumed to be Driving Under the Influence. (The BAC standards and penalties for drivers of commercial vehicles are more strict. See the Commercial Drivers Manual). Alcohol concentration in the body may be different for some people than others, even if they have consumed identical amounts of liquor over the same time period. Your BAC depends on several factors including: 13 Colorado Driver Handbook • Body weight. • The period of time in which the alcohol was consumed. • The amount of time since you had your last drink. It does not make any difference whether you drink beer, wine or liquor. Standard servings of each have the same amount of alcohol. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, a standard drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 72-proof distilled spirits, all of which contain the same amount of alcohol; about .54 ounces (NHTSA2002). 1-Glass 1-Shot 1-12 oz. Serving of Wine of Whiskey of Beer Food can slow down the absorption of alcohol. Drinking on a full stomach prevents large amounts of alcohol from going to your brain immediately. Once alcohol is in the blood stream, the body gets rid of it through normal bodily processes. In spite of popular opinion, coffee, cold showers, and other so-called “cures” will not make a person sober. Only the passage of time will make a person sober. On average, after a person reaches a peak BAC, it will drop by 0.015% per hour. For example, if the person reaches a maximum BAC of 0.15%, it will take about ten hours for them to eliminate all of the alcohol. 8.2 Drugs And Driving Driving while under the influence of drugs is illegal and subject to the same penalties as drinking and driving. Besides alcohol, there are many drugs that can affect your ability to safely operate a vehicle. This is true for many prescription drugs such as tranquilizers as well as over-the-counter medications for allergies and colds. If you are taking medication be sure to check the label for warnings about its effects prior to driving. If you are not sure it is safe to take the drug and drive, ask your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects. Never drink alcohol while you are taking other drugs. Mixing alcohol and drugs often multiplies the effects of the alcohol and any other drugs. For example, one drink, when you are also taking an allergy or cold medication, could have the same effect as several drinks. Illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, LSD and heroin also affect your reflexes, judgment, and alertness along with their many other dangerous side effects. These drugs can give a person a false sense of alertness and self confidence or make a person drowsy and unable to react to simple situations. 8.3 Express Consent Law (C.R.S. 42-4-1301) The Express Consent Law means that when you operate a motor vehicle within the state, you have already agreed to take a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine to determine the alcohol and/or drug content of your blood. The law is designed specifically to quickly remove the drinking or drugged driver from the roads. If a law enforcement officer suspects that you are driving under the influence or while your ability is impaired by alcohol and/or drugs, he can require that you take a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine. If you refuse to take the test or don’t cooperate with the testing procedure, your license will be revoked for a period of one year. If other suspensions or revocations come about from this same incident, they will be added onto the end of the revocation (consecutively). Because driving “under the influence” is so dangerous, the penalties for alcohol or drug related violations are very tough, and DUI enforcement efforts by the police are a top priority that can include jail, fines, and suspension of your driving privileges. Colorado law does not allow you to “plea bargain ” your way out of an alcohol or drug related driving offense. The only sure way to avoid the consequences is not to use alcohol or drugs at all when you will be driving. 8.4 Under Age 21 Effective August 5, 2009, any driver under the age of 21, convicted of DUI or DWAI, is subject to revocation for the first conviction if they fail to complete a court- ordered evaluation or program. A second or third conviction is a mandatory revocation. 8.4A Zero Tolerance: (C.R.S. 42-2-126) Drivers under the age of 21 with a BAC of .02 but less than .08 are subject to a mandatory revocation of their driving privilege. 8.4b BUY AND POSSESS: (C.R.S. 42-2-125) Any person under the age of 21 who buys or possesses liquor (including beer) is subject to mandatory revocation of their driving privilege even if driving is not a factor. 8.4c SUPPLYING ALCOHOL TO PERSONS UNDER 21: (C.R.S. 12-47-901) The department must suspend, for 6 months, the driving privilege of anyone convicted of providing any alcoholic beverage to minors under 21. This includes providing identification for a minor under 21 to use to purchase alcohol. 14 Colorado Driver Handbook 9. Before You Drive Your ability to be a safe driver depends on being able to see clearly, not being overly tired, not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, being generally healthy, and being emotionally fit to drive. In other words, being in “shape" to drive safely. Vision: Good vision is a must for safe driving. You drive based on what you see. If you cannot see clearly, you will have trouble identifying traffic and road conditions, spotting potential trouble, and reacting in a timely manner. It is important to have your eyes checked every year or two by an eye specialist. If you have a corrective lenses restriction on your license, you need to wear glasses or contact lenses while driving. Hearing: Hearing can be helpful to safe driving. The sounds of horns, a siren, or screeching tires can warn you of danger. Hearing problems, like bad eyesight, can come on so slowly that you do not notice it. These problems should be addressed on a regular basis. And, per C.R.S. 42-4-1411, it is illegal to wear any type of headphones while you are driving because they can interfere with your hearing. Fatigue: When you are tired, you cannot drive as safely as when you are rested. Your reactions and decision making skills are greatly reduced. Break long driving periods into two hour segments. If you become drowsy, pull off the road and rest! Health: Many health problems can affect your driving - a bad cold, infection, or a virus. Even little problems like a stiff neck, a cough, or a sore leg can affect your driving. Some conditions can be very dangerous, such as epilepsy, diabetes, and heart conditions. Check with your doctor if you think your health condition could affect your driving. Emotions: Emotions can have a great affect on safe driving. You may not be able to drive well if you are overly worried, excited, afraid or angry. Do not give in to “Road Rage”. See Page 26 on Aggressive Driving. Distractions: A distraction is anything that diverts your attention, even momentarily, from the task of driving. Driving requires your full attention. Before you begin your trip, adjust your seat, your mirrors, the radio and the temperature and secure any loose objects in the car. Be sure you and everyone else in the vehicle, particularly children, are wearing age-appropriate restraint devices. Do not allow yourself to become distracted by your cell phone, conversations with passengers, noisy children or by “rubbernecking”. Limit your cell phone use while driving to brief, essential or, if under 18, emergency calls, only. Pull off the road to a safe area for longer cell phone conversations or to control children. Do not attempt to eat or drink, read smoke, apply makeup, shave or adjust the radio or a CD while you are driving. In the time it takes to change radio stations, lives may be changed forever. Vehicle: How safely you can drive includes the vehicle you are driving. It is the responsibility of drivers to make certain that the vehicles they drive are safe to operate. A vehicle that is in poor operating condition is unsafe, costs more to run and may not get you out of an emergency situation such as a breakdown or collision. You should follow your vehicle owner's manual for routine maintenance. A few simple checks will prevent trouble on the road and ensure your vehicle is in compliance with Colorado Motor Vehicle laws. • Braking System: If the brakes do not seem to be working properly, such as the brake pedal goes to the floor, have a mechanic check them immediately. • Lights: Make sure that turn signals, brake lights, tail lights, and head lights are operating properly. • Windshield and Wipers: Damaged glass can easily break in a minor collision or when something hits the windshield. Have the windshield replaced. Windshield wipers keep the rain and snow off the windshield. Make sure they are in good operating condition. If the blades have not been working well, replace them. Keep the windshield clean inside and out, and keep your window washer bottle full. Clear snow, ice, or frost from all windows. • Tires: Worn or bald tires can increase your stopping distance, make turning more difficult, can cause “hydroplaning” at lower speeds when the road is wet, and increase the chance of having a flat tire. Unbalanced wheels and low tire pressure increase tire wear, reduce fuel economy, and make the vehicle harder to steer and stop. If the vehicle bounces, or the steering wheel shakes, or the vehicle pulls to one side, have a mechanic check your tires. • Steering System: If the vehicle is hard to turn have the steering checked by a mechanic. • Suspension System: If the vehicle bounces excessively, keeps bouncing after a bump, or after you stop, you may need new shocks or other suspension parts. Have a mechanic check it out. • Exhaust System: Fumes from a leaky exhaust system can cause death in a very short time. Never run the motor in your garage, or sit in the car with the motor running, without opening a window. Most exhaust problems are easily heard. Have them fixed. • Engine: A poorly tuned engine may lose power that is needed for normal driving and 15 Colorado Driver Handbook emergencies, may not start, gets poor fuel economy, pollutes the air, and could die on you when you are on the road, causing problems for you and other traffic. • Horn: The horn should be checked for operation periodically. • Mirrors: Adjust your rear view mirror and side mirrors before you begin to drive. You should be able to see out the back window with the rear view mirror, and adjust your side mirrors to let you see the lane behind and most of the lane next to you. • Loose Objects: Make sure that there are no packages or other objects on the rear shelf or back seat that could injure someone in the event of a sudden stop or crash. Make sure there are no objects on the floor that could roll under the brake pedal or accelerator and interfere with your safe driving. • Head restraints: They should be adjusted so the head restraint contacts the back of the head. 10. Rules Of The Road 10.1 Traffic Controls Traffic controls include traffic signals, traffic signs, and pavement markings. Traffic control also can be provided by law enforcement, highway personnel, or school crossing guards. You must obey directions from these persons. 10.1A Traffic Signals: Traffic signals are lights that tell you when or where to stop and go. Traffic lights are usually at intersections and are red, yellow, and green, from top to bottom. There are intersections and other locations where there are single green, yellow, or red lights. If the traffic signal is not operating or is malfunctioning, treat the intersection as a four way stop. (C.R.S. 42-4-612(1)) Steady Red Light: STOP until a green light appears. After stopping and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic, and if not prohibited by a traffic sign, you may turn right while the light is red. Also, you may turn left on a red light if you are turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless prohibited by a sign. Steady Yellow Light: A red light is about to appear. Stop unless you are already within the intersection. Steady Green Light: You may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign prohibits such turns. However, you must yield to any vehicle or pedestrian within the intersection or adjacent crosswalk. Green Arrow: A lighted green arrow, by itself or along with a red, green or yellow light means you may make the turn indicated by the arrow. If the green arrow goes off, but the circular green is on, you may still turn after 16 - yielding to through vehicles, unless prohibited by a sign or red arrow. Yellow Arrow: A lighted red arrow is about to appear. Stop if you are not already in the intersection. Red Arrow: A lighted red arrow means that you may not proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow. Flashing Red Light: A flashing red light means the same as a STOP sign. Stop; then proceed only after yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. £ © Flashing Yellow Light: a flashing yellow light is a warning of a hazard. Slow down and proceed with caution. 10.1B Traffic Signs: Traffic signs tell you about traffic rules, hazards, where you are, give directions, and where services are located. The shape and color of these signs give clues to the type of information they provide. Regulatory: These signs tell you of laws and regulations that apply at a specific location. They are black or red on a white background. Failure to obey these signs is a traffic violation. SPEED LIMIT Speed Limit Signs: These signs indicate the maximum or minimum safe speed that is allowed. The maximum limits are for ideal conditions and you must reduce your speed when conditions require it. kT A WRONG WAY Stop Signs: This sign means you must come to a complete stop. Stop at the marked stop line or, if none, at the point just before the intersecting street. If there is a crosswalk, you must come to a complete stop before entering it. You may proceed only after yielding to all pedestrians and vehicles. Yield Signs: This sign indicates drivers must reduce speed or stop if necessary to yield right-of-way to any traffic on the roadway they are crossing or entering. Wrong Way/Do Not Enter Signs: This sign is used to warn and redirect drivers who are heading Colorado Driver Handbook the wrong way on one-way streets or freeway ramps. Do not proceed past one of these signs. One Way Signs: Travel only in the direction indicated by the arrow on the sign. ONE WAY Lane Control Signs: These signs give direction and where you can turn and often use an arrow symbol. The signs are along the road or hanging over the road. Sometimes arrows may be painted on the road. Prohibited Signs: These signs indicate you cannot do something, for example, no left turn, or no U-turn. Passing Signs: These signs tell you where it is safe to pass another vehicle and where you cannot. Passing areas are based on how far you can see ahead. Where it is permitted to pass, you may do so only if it is safe. RIGHT LANE] MUST TURN RIGHT V- 'J Advisory Speed Signs: These cautionary signs show the safe speed around curves, corners, and off-ramps. Railroad Crossings: Many railroad crossings have signs or signals to warn drivers. Never try to beat a train across the tracks. Never start to cross the tracks until there is enough room for your vehicle to clear the tracks on the other side. Do not shift gears when crossing the railroad tracks in case your vehicle stalls. DO PASS NOT WITH PASS CARE Warning Signs: These signs are yellow or fluorescent green with black symbols and most are diamond shaped. They warn you to slow down and be prepared to stop if may warn of intersections, different types of highways, traffic entering your area, curves, etc. Work Zone Signs: These signs have an orange background with black letters or symbols. They are used with other traffic control devices or flag persons to help direct traffic safely through work areas and to protect highway workers. 17 Colorado Driver Handbook Guide Signs: These signs have a green background and provide directional and mileage information to specific destinations. Service Signs: These signs have blue backgrounds and provide directions to service facilities. Signs with brown backgrounds indicate recreational, historic or cultural areas. Route Signs And Markers: The shape of the sign indicates the type of roadway: Interstate, U.S., State or County highway. FOOD - PHONE GAS - LODGING HOSPITAL CAMPING SECOND RIGHT Slow Moving Vehicle: A reflective orange triangle on the rear of a vehicle means it is designed to travel at speeds less than 25 m.p.h.. Disabled Parking Signs - These signs mark special parking areas for only those vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit. Disabled parking indicators may also appear on the pavement in designated parking spaces. Crosshatched sections are for van access, only, and parking is not allowed at any time. In order to park in a disabled parking space, the person that owns the disabled placard must be entering or exiting the vehicle. If an individual parks illegally in a designated disabled parking spot without a placard or plate, they will be subject to a misdemeanor with a fine of between $350 to $5,000, to include possible jail time, loss of driving privileges, and/or their car being impounded. If someone parks in one of these spaces with a placard or plate not issued to them personally, they will be subject to double the fines listed above as well as jail time, loss of driving privileges, and towing. r -^ PARKING k_2 RESERVED PARKING d> STATE DISABLED PARKING PERMIT REQUIRED 10.1c PAVEMENT MARKINGS: Lines and symbols on the roadway divide lanes, tell you when you may pass other vehicles or change lanes, which lanes to use for turns, define pedestrian walkways, and mark where you must stop for traffic signals or signs. Yellow Lines: Separate traffic moving in opposite directions. • Broken Yellow Line: Drive on the right side of the road and pass with care. • Solid Yellow Lines: Means a NO-Passing Zone. • Double Solid Yellow Lines: Neither side can pass. • Solid & Broken Yellow Lines: You may not pass if the solid yellow line is on your side. If the broken yellow line is on your side, you may pass if it is safe to do so. You may cross a solid yellow line for a left turn into an alley, private road or driveway when such movement can be made safely. 18 Colorado Driver Handbook Two-lane, two-way t roadway, f passing l 1 permitted i 1 Two-lane, two-way roadway, passing prohibited both directions, crossing center line as part of left turn maneuver is permitted. Two-lane, two-way roadway, passing prohibited one direction. Multi-lane, two- lane, two-way roadway, crossing permitted only as part of left- turn maneuver. White Lines: Separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. • Broken White Line: You may change lanes if it is safe to do so. • Solid White Line: Requires you to stay within the lane and also marks the shoulder of the roadway. Crosswalks: Crosswalks define the area where pedestrians are to cross the roadway. They exist whether the lines are marked or unmarked. You must stop behind the crosswalk to allow any pedestrians to cross (See right of way). Whenever you approach any vehicle from the rear that is stopped at a crosswalk, you may not pass that vehicle. posted at the side of the road which specifies its use. Examples are transit, bus, or bicycle lanes. Reversible Lane: Some travel lanes are designed to carry traffic in one direction at certain times and in the opposite direction at other times. These lanes are separated by a barrier or marked by double-broken yellow lines. There may be signs posted by the side of the road or overhead. Sometimes special lights are used. High Occupancy Vehicle (Hov) Lane: These lanes are identified by a white diamond painted on the roadway, signs will identify the types of vehicles and the number of occupants required per vehicle to use the lane. Reversible Lane: Some travel lanes are designed to carry traffic in one direction at certain times and in the opposite direction at other times. These lanes are separated by a barrier or marked by double-broken yellow lines. There may be signs posted by the side of the road or overhead. Sometimes special lights are used. CAR POOLS ONLY 6 AM-9AM MON-FRI MOTORCYCLES OK These are some of the most common types of crosswalk markings. Be aware that there are others. 10.Id LANE CONTROLS: As a rule you must drive your vehicle on the right half of the road. Use only one lane, do not straddle lanes. On roadways without designated bicycle lanes, bicycles are generally required to stay to the far right side of the right lane. They may use the entire lane to pass another vehicle, avoid objects in the road, and turn left. Restricted Lane: One or more lanes may be restricted for special use. Restricted lanes are marked by signs or pavement markings stating that the lane is restricted for special use. There will be a white diamond painted on the road within the lane, and/or a sign Shared Center Turn Lane: These center lanes are reserved for turning and are used by vehicles traveling in both directions. You may turn into or from the road using this lane. You may stop in this lane until it is safe to complete the turn. When a street has a shared center turn lane, you may not turn left from any other lane. This lane is not to be used to pass another vehicle. 19 Colorado Driver Handbook Multi-lane, two-lane roadway, with two way left turn reserved exclusively for left turning vehicles. UNMARKED LANE: When there are no signs or pavement markings to control the use of lanes, there are rules that indicate which lane is to be used. • Drive just to the right of the center of the road. • Do not drive on the shoulder of the road. • The same rules for passing and turning on marked roads apply with unmarked roads. (See Passing & Turning sections) Rotary Island/Roundabout Lane: Yield to traffic already within the rotary island. Drive to the right and watch for directional signs and signals. 10.2 Right Of Way Where vehicles or pedestrians meet one another, and there are no signs or signals to regulate traffic, there are rules that say who must yield the right-of-way. These rules tell drivers who goes first and who must wait in different traffic situations. The law states who must yield the right-of-way; it does not give anyone the right-of-way, even if your traffic signal is green. You must do everything you can to prevent striking a pedestrian or another vehicle, regardless of the circumstances. Pedestrians: When driving, you should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians under all conditions. Be particularly watchful for children, elderly and blind persons. Most blind persons are easily recognized by the white cane they carry and/or by their guide dog. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all intersections and crosswalks. Drivers must come to a complete stop and let the person pass safely. Bicycles: Bicycles on the road are considered “vehicles” and have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. 4-Way Stop: You must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle that reached the intersection first. When more than one vehicle reaches the intersection at the same time the vehicle on the left must yield the right-of-way and allow the vehicle on the right to go first. Uncontrolled Intersections: When more than one vehicle reaches an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right and allow the vehicle on the right to go first. Turning Left: You must yield to all oncoming traffic. Changing Lanes And Passing: You must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already occupying the lane you wish to enter or use for passing. Do not change lanes if another vehicle must slow down for you. Merging: You must yield to all vehicles on that roadway. Do not merge if another vehicle must slow down for you. Backing: You must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles close enough to be a hazard. Narrow Mountain Roadway: When vehicles meet on a steep, narrow road which is not wide enough for two vehicles, the vehicle going downhill must yield the right- of-way by backing up to a wider place or by stopping to leave sufficient space for the vehicle going uphill, except where it is more practicable for the vehicle going uphill to return to a wider space or turnout. Emergency Vehicles: You must yield the right-of-way to all emergency vehicles using a siren, air horn, and/ or flashing red, blue or white lights. Where possible, you must pull over to the right edge of the road. If you are in an intersection, drive through the intersection before you pull over. On a roadway with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, if you are approaching an emergency vehicle that has stopped along the side of the road, when possible you must leave at least one lane between your vehicle and the emergency vehicle by changing lanes, unless directed otherwise by a police officer or emergency personnel or conditions prohibit the lane change. If the road only has one lane on your side, or you cannot change lanes, slow down to a safe speed and use due care and caution as you pass. Maintenance Vehicles: Yield the right-of-way to service vehicles and maintenance equipment engaged in work upon the roads using flashing yellow and blue warning lights. Use extra caution in approaching, overtaking, or passing maintenance vehicles and snow plows. Because of their traveling speed and size, snowplows tend to create large clouds of blowing snow that conceal the plow, making it invisible. 20 Colorado Driver Handbook School Bus: You must stop your vehicle at least 20 feet before reaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road, or at an intersection you are approaching. You must remain stopped until the flashing red lights are no longer operating. Watch carefully for children near the crossing the roadway before You are not required to stop if the bus is traveling toward you on a roadway that is separated by a median or other physical barrier. Transit Buses: Drivers in the same lane of traffic behind a transit bus (such as an RTD bus, for example) are required to yield the right-of-way to the bus if the bus, after stopping to allow passengers to board or exit, is signaling to enter a traffic lane and the “YIELD” warning sign on the back of the bus is illuminated. These yield signs are a warning to drivers behind transit buses that they are required to yield when the bus is entering a traffic lane. Road Work/Construction ZONE: You must yield the right-of-way to all workers and construction and construction vehicles. Drivers are responsible for knowing how to read and react to work zone directional signs, roadway markings, and flag persons. Normal speed limits are reduced for safety reasons and are clearly marked. Reduce speed, adjust lane position away from workers, and prepare for the unexpected. Failure to comply can result in double fines for certain violations. 10.3 Speed Almost half of the fatal accidents on Colorado highways involve excessive speed. Of all the possible causes of accidents, speeding or driving too fast for conditions is perhaps the most common and the most dangerous. Limits - Speed limit signs indicate the maximum speed allowed in ideal conditions. Some roads, such as freeways, have minimum speed limits posted. Driving slower than the minimum speed limit, in ideal conditions, is a traffic violation. Regardless of what the posted limit is, your safety and the safety of others may be affected by many things and it may be necessary to reduce your speed (See Safe Driving Tips). school bus and children proceeding. (C.R.S. 42-4-1101(3) EXCEEDED SAFE SPEED FOR CONDITIONS “No driver of a vehicle shall fail to decrease the speed of such vehicle from an otherwise lawful speed to a reasonable and prudent speed when a special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions. ” Reduced Speed Zones: At various locations, such as school zones and construction zones, a reduced speed is required during certain hours or periods of the day when temporary hazards exist. Signs will indicate when the lower speed limit is in effect. Unless otherwise posted, Colorado speed limits are as follows: 20 M.RH. - on narrow, winding mountain highways and blind curves. 25 M.RH. - in any business district. 30 M.RH. - in any residence district. 40 M.RH. - on open mountain highways. 45 M.RH. - for vehicles in the business of hauling trash. 55 M.RH. - on urban interstate and highways. 65-75 M.P.H. - on designated rural interstate and highways. Stopping Distance: Be alert so that you know when you will have to stop well ahead of time. Stopping suddenly is dangerous and usually points to a driver who was not paying attention. When you brake quickly, you could skid and lose control of your vehicle. You also make it harder for drivers behind you to stop without hitting you. Try to avoid panic stops by seeing events well in advance. By slowing down or changing lanes, you may not have to stop at all, and if you do, it can be a more gradual and safer stop. According to the National Safety Council, a lightweight passenger car traveling at 55 m.p.h. can stop in about 200 feet. Other vehicles require different stopping distances. The chart above shows stopping distances, under ideal conditions. 21 Colorado Driver Handbook — 10.4 Turning The most common faults when making turns are failing to signal, not signaling long enough, failing to search for hazards, turning from the wrong lane, and failing to turn properly. In urban or metropolitan areas, you must signal continuously for 100 feet before making a turn or a lane change. At speeds above 40 m.p.h. you must signal continuously for 200 feet before making a turn or lane change. Extra caution should be used by the drivers of vehicles A & B when a private drive or side street is near an intersection. • Driver A should not assume driver B will yield the right of way. • Driver B should not assume where driver A is turning. Signaling: Before making any turn, whether the turn is into another roadway, a parking lot, another traffic lane, or leaving a parked position, it is extremely important that you signal. Your signal lets other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians know your intentions. In urban or metropolitan areas, you must signal continuously for 100 ft. before making a turn or lane change. On four-lane highways where the posted speed limit is more than 40 m.p.h. you must signal for 200 ft. Turning From The Proper Lane - If you are making a left turn, you must begin in the left-most lane. If you are making a right turn, you must begin in the right-most lane, unless traffic signs, signals or lane markings clearly permit turning from more than one lane. Turning In A Correct Path - Do not turn too short so as to cut corners on left turns or run over the curb on right turns. Turning too wide or too late, straddling lanes, or turning into the wrong side of the street will result in not being able to turn into the correct lane. Complete your turn in the lane closest to you on your side of the street. And always follow the solid white lines in intersections using multiple turn lanes. Left Turns - If you are turning left, you should wait at the stop line or crosswalk until there is a gap in traffic large enough to allow you to pull into the intersection and complete your turn. Pulling into the intersection to wait to turn left blocks the intersection for emergency vehicles, limits visibility for oncoming traffic and puts you in a position to get in an accident if the light changes and oncoming traffic runs the red light while you are making your turn. Never turn the front wheels towards the left while you are waiting to turn. If you happen to get rear ended, you would be pushed into oncoming traffic. Failing to signal is a traffic violation. If your vehicle’s turn signals do not work, you must use hand signals. If using hand signals, end your signal before starting to make your turn, and place both hands on the wheel while making your turn. As seen from behind: “Mil LEFT SLOW/ RIGHT STOP U-Turns - U-turns are forbidden unless they can be made without endangering other traffic. Prohibitory signs are usually posted at hazardous locations. U-turns are normally permitted where your vehicle can be seen for a great distance. However, it is always preferable to continue to the next street or turn-around area if a U-tum cannot be made safely. Do not try to make a sudden U-turn in front of traffic traveling either direction. 10.5 PARKING There are several locations where it is forbidden to stop or park a vehicle. Among these are: 22 Colorado Driver Handbook • On a crosswalk, sidewalk, bridge, elevated structure, railroad tracks, or any controlled access highway. • Within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, railroad crossing or within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. • Within an intersection, tunnel, runaway truck ramp, on/off ramp, or blocking a driveway. Stop even with the car ahead: turn the wheel sharp right and back slowly toward the car behind When clear of the car ahead, turn wheel sharp left and back slowly to car behind Turn wheel sharp right and pull toward curb in center of parking space When you pull away from a parallel parked position, you should follow all the steps for changing lanes; signal, glance in the mirrors, look over your shoulder and pull away only when it is safe. Where parking is permitted, your vehicle must be within 12 inches of the curb or as close as possible to the outside edge of the shoulder, so that traffic will not be impeded. Leave the car in low gear if headed uphill and in reverse gear if headed downhill or in park position if your vehicle has automatic transmission. Set the emergency brake and remember to remove the ignition key when leaving the car. Downhill: When you stop your car headed downhill, turn your front wheels toward the curb. Let your vehicle roll slowly until the front tire rests against the curb using it as a block. Uphill: When headed uphill at a curb, turn the front wheels away from the curb and let your vehicle roll backwards slowly until the rear part of the front wheel rests against the curb using it as a block. No Curb: When headed uphill with no curb, always turn your front wheels to the right so I that if your vehicle moves, it will roll off the It I highway, not into traffic. 11. Safe Driving Tips Everything that is contained in this manual is for the purpose of eliminating driver error. If you obey every highway rule and regulation, your chances of being involved in an accident will be greatly reduced. However, can you be certain that other drivers are following every rule and regulation? It is important that you become a defensive driver. Defensive driving is driving to protect yourself and others from dangerous and unexpected driving situations as well as everyday driving. 11.1 Steering Keep both hands on the steering wheel. The two most effective positions are 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock for vehicles without airbags and 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock for vehicles with airbags. When turning corners, use the “hand-over-hand” or grip and slide method. Do not turn the wheel with the palm of your hand. Letting the wheel slip through your fingers could be dangerous. Steering Lock: Never turn your vehicle’s ignition to the “lock” position while it is still in motion. This will cause the steering to lock if you turn the steering wheel and you will lose control of your vehicle. Steering Lock Operation: • The Transmission Park System - Park. Shift the transmission into the “park” position. Turn key to LOCK and remove. • The Two-Hand Button System - Park. This system requires two hands. Depress button below the steering column. Turn key to LOCK and remove. • The Lever System - Park. Depress lever located near the ignition. Turn key to LOCK and remove. • The One-Hand Button System - Park. Depress button located near the ignition. Turn key to LOCK and remove. • The Push-In System - Park. Turn key to OFF, push in. Turn key to LOCK and remove. • The Turn and Remove System - Park. Turn key to LOCK and remove. ©1992 Automobile Safety Foundation 11.2 Scanning To be a good driver you must know what is happening around your vehicle. You must look ahead, to the sides, and behind the vehicle. When you are turning, driving through, or entering an intersection always look left, right, and left again. Scanning helps you to see 23 Colorado Driver Handbook — problems ahead, vehicles and people that may be in the road, or on the shoulder by the time you reach them, and warning signs of problems ahead and signs giving you directions. Look Ahead: In order to avoid last-minute braking or the need to turn abruptly, you should look down the road at least 10 seconds ahead of your vehicle (City - one block, Open road - one half a mile). By looking well ahead and being ready to stop or change lanes if needed, you can drive more safely, save on fuel, and help keep traffic moving at a steady pace. Look To The Sides: As other vehicles or pedestrians may cross or enter your path at anytime, you should look to both sides to watch for potential trouble. Look Behind: You must check traffic behind you. This is the only way to know if someone is following too closely or coming up too fast, and it will give you time to do something about it. You need to check more often when traffic is heavy. It is very important to look behind you when you change lanes, slow down, back up, or are driving down a long or steep hill. 11.3 Following Another Vehicle (C.R.S. 42-4-1008(1)) Following Too Closely “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway. ” Under normal conditions, use the “THREE SECOND RULE.” Watch the car ahead of you; when it passes a reference point (such as a mile marker, sign or telephone pole) then count “one-thousand-one, one- thousand-two, one-thousand-three.” If you pass the reference point before you finish counting, you are following too closely. It is also important to consider weather, road conditions, the amount of traffic, and time of day. If the road is slick, the stopping distance required is greatly increased. 11.4 Adjusting To Traffic Keep pace with traffic in a reasonable and prudent manner. If you are going faster than traffic, you will have to keep passing others. Each time you pass someone, there is a chance for collision. Driving considerably slower than other vehicles can be just as bad as speeding. It tends to make vehicles bunch up behind you and causes the other traffic to try to pass you. Remember to obey all posted speed limits. 11.5 Trouble Spots Wherever people or traffic gather, your time and room to maneuver is limited. These areas require slower speeds and increased observation. Shopping centers Rush Hour Traffic Schools Narrow Bridges Playgrounds Toll Plazas Residential Streets 11.6 Entering The Freeway High speed roadways generally have acceleration ramps to give you time to build up your speed. When entering a freeway from an on-ramp try to increase your speed to match that of the freeway traffic. Do not merge into traffic until the solid white line has ended. Do not stop in the acceleration lane unless absolutely necessary. Remember, you must yield the right of way to the traffic already on the freeway. Adjust to freeway DO NOT Signal and move speed in the cross solid carefully into Acceleration Lane. white line. freeway lane. Some freeway entrance ramps have traffic signals which regulate the release of vehicles onto a freeway to allow easier merging and a smoother traffic flow. Motorists on metered ramps will be required to stop and wait to be released on a green light to enter the freeway. The ramp signals operate during morning peak periods (6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.) and evening peak periods (3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.). 11.6A Freeway Driving: Freeway driving is different from driving on a regular street or highway mainly because the highways are designed to move a greater volume of traffic at a higher rate of speed. 24 Colorado Driver Handbook • Traffic moving at less than the normal speed should always use the right lane. • To be courteous to vehicles entering the freeway, you should change to the left (or center) lane, if you can do so safely and without slowing the traffic flow. • Observe the movement of traffic well ahead of you, around you, and behind you. Be particularly aware of any vehicles traveling in your blind spots. • Plan ahead, look for directional signs and guidance signs. • Signal at least 200 feet before you change lanes, avoiding frequent lane changes. • Do not drive across, over, or within any median or island. 11.6B Leaving The Freeway: When exiting the freeway, you must use the deceleration lane. This lane is designed to allow you to slow down before reaching the exit ramp without being a hazard to other vehicles on the freeway. Enter the deceleration lane at approximately the speed you were going on the freeway, then slow down after you have entered the deceleration lane to the advisory speed. Do not slow Slow down after here on turning into freeway. Deceleration Lane. Do not make Check posted last minute safe speed for turnoff. exit ramp. 11.7 Changing Lanes You must check for possible hazards or vehicles in the lane you want to enter. This means you must check for traffic ahead, to the side, and behind your vehicle before you change lanes. Changing lanes includes: Changing from one lane to another, passing another vehicle, merging onto a roadway from an entrance ramp, and entering the roadway from the curb or shoulder. Be aware of the blind spots. Blind spots are areas slightly to the sides and the rear of your vehicle that you can not see in your rear view or side view mirrors. Bind Spot Right. When changing lanes, you should: 1. Turn your signal on. 2. Check your mirrors. 3. Check your blind spot. (Look over your shoulder.) 4. If it is safe, you may change lanes. 5. Turn off your signal after completing the lane change. 11.8 Passing Whenever signs or road markings permit you to pass, you will have to judge whether you have enough room to pass safely. If you do, follow the 5 steps for changing lanes. Return to the driving lane when you can see both headlights of the other vehicle in your inside rear view mirror, using the 5 steps for changing lanes again. Do not count on having enough time to pass several cars at once. To be safe, as a general rule, only pass one vehicle at a time. DO NOT PASS... • If you cannot safely return to the right-hand side before coming within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle, including a bicyclist in the oncoming lane or shoulder. • If you cannot safely return to the right-hand side before the solid yellow line begins. If passing a bicyclist you can briefly cross a solid yellow when there is no oncoming traffic and you have a clear view ahead. • On a curve or hill when your view is obstructed. • Within 100 feet of a marked or unmarked intersection, or railroad crossing. • Within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel when view is obstructed. • A bicyclist unless you can allow a minimum three foot buffer zone between your vehicle, including mirrors, and the bicyclist. You may pass another vehicle on the right side on a one-way street or on a roadway with two or more lanes of traffic in each direction. At no time shall such pass be made by driving off the pavement of the main- traveled portion of the roadway. 11.9 Hills And Curves You may not know what is on the other side of a hill or just around a curve, even if you have driven the road hundreds of times. If an obstruction is in the road just over a hill or around a curve, you must be able to stop. A vehicle can travel much faster in a straight line than it can in a curve. If you go too fast, the tires will not be able to grip the road, and the vehicle will skid. Always slow down before reaching the curve, and accelerate only after passing the middle of the curve. 11.10 Night Driving Driving in the evening, at dusk, at night, and just prior to sunrise is normally more hazardous than driving during daylight hours. This is due to limited visibility, the limited area illuminated by your headlights and the blinding 25 Colorado Driver Handbook effect of high beam lights or low beam lights with fog lights. Colorado law requires you to drive with your headlights on from sunset to sunrise or when visibility is less than I, 000 feet. Parking lights must be illuminated on any vehicle parked alongside the roadway, whether attended or not from sunset to sunrise or whenever visibility is less than 1,000 feet. Tips for driving at night... • Use your bright lights when driving in rural areas and on open highways away from urban and metropolitan areas. • If you are driving with your high beam lights on or your low beam lights with fog lights on, you must dim them before coming within 500 feet of any oncoming vehicle so the oncoming driver is not blinded by the glare. • When following another vehicle, you must use your low beam lights, with your fog lights off, if you are within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead of you. • Never look directly into an approaching car’s headlights. As the car draws near, watch the right edge of your lane, noting the position of the oncoming car out of the corner of your eye. • When driving through fog at night it is best to use your low beam lights and fog lights, if you have them. Driving with high beam lights is like shining your lights on a mirror. • Be alert to vehicles, particularly darker vehicles, traveling after sunset without their headlights on. II. 11 Bad Weather In bad weather conditions such as rain, fog, ice, wind, and dust you should slow your speed and drive at a speed that is safe for conditions. When roads are wet they may become very slippery when water mixes with oil, grease, and exhaust particles on the roadway. These conditions affect ALL types of vehicles including: Front wheel drive, sport utility, 4-wheel drive, and all¬ wheel drive vehicles. Hydroplaning is a natural phenomenon whereby the water forms a very thin, but very strong, film on the highway. This film can actually support your vehicle. Your tires may have absolutely no contact with the roadway. This is extremely dangerous for you have little or no control of your vehicle. A vehicle may hydroplane at speeds as low as 50 m.p.h. in water one-eighth of an inch deep. If it feels like your tires have lost traction with the surface of the road you should: • Ease your foot off the gas pedal or, • If engaged, immediately turn off your cruise control and allow your vehicle to slow down and regain traction. If the highway is wet or icy, do not use cruise control. • Keep the steering wheel straight. • Do not try to stop or turn until your tires are gripping the road again. An increasing number of new vehicles are equipped with rear fog lights. These lights help to reduce rear-end collisions in severe weather conditions. If your vehicle is equipped with rear fog lights use them while driving in heavy fog, rain or similar weather conditions. Be sure to switch them off once the conditions clear. 11.11A Snow And Ice: Streets and highways covered with snow, snowpack or ice are extremely hazardous. They are most hazardous when the snow or ice begins to melt. The slush or wet surface acts as a lubricant and traction is reduced. Overpasses, bridges, shaded areas and snow packed portions of the road can be icy even when other pavement is not. f vou begin to skid, let up on the accelerator and turn Turn Steering Wheel in Direction of Skid the front wheels in the direction of the skid. Here are a few simple precautions which you should follow: 1. Make sure your tires have good tread for adequate traction. In winter, chains or snow tires are certainly preferable. (However, remember that even chains and snow tires will slip on slick pavement.) 2. Make sure your brakes are in good condition and properly adjusted so that the braking power of each wheel is uniform. Anti-Lock Brakes: Apply the brakes with hard firm pressure from the start of the skid and maintain this pressure until you have stopped. You may feel or hear vibrations and/or pulsations. This is normal. No Anti-Lock Brakes: Threshold breaking: Apply the brakes just hard enough to not lock the wheels, release and apply the brakes the same way again. 3. Keep the windows clear by making certain the defrosters and windshield wipers are working properly. Use a good window scraper to remove all ice, snow, and frost even if you are just traveling a short distance. Fogging or condensation of moisture on the inside of the windshield can quickly be removed by opening the side vent windows. 4. Be alert for snow plows and sanding trucks. They use flashing yellow and blue lights as a warning for you to use extreme caution when approaching or passing them. 5. Maintain an extra large space between you and the car ahead. 26 Colorado Driver Handbook 6. Start gradually by using a low gear and accelerating gently. 11.12 MOUNTAIN DRIVING Mountain driving can be very different from normal driving conditions. Some hazards you should be aware of are steep hills, changing weather, wildlife, and rocks in the roadway. If your vehicle experiences difficulty traveling up steep roadways, pull off the road at the first place you may do so safely, or stay in the right lane to allow other vehicles to pass. Here are some added tips: • Pay special attention to speed limit signs and warning signs, such as those warning of curves, steep hills or other hazards. • Watch for bicyclists near the right side of the road. • Use a lower gear to control speeds while going up or down long, steep hills. • You must yield to vehicles going uphill if you are traveling downhill on a narrow road. • Do not coast downhill by shifting into neutral or disengaging the clutch. 11.13 Rural Driving When driving in rural or country areas, there are a number of special situations that require attention. Watch for driveways, farm equipment, railroad crossings that might not be marked, and bridges that are narrow and poorly surfaced. Some intersections may be hidden by trees, brush and crops. Animals often are found wandering along the roadway. Extra care and slower speeds should be used when driving on gravel roads because of the reduced traction due to the road surface. The road surface can be affected by loose gravel, slippery conditions after rain or snow, ruts in the driving lanes, and washboard conditions. When approaching oncoming vehicles, watch for soft shoulders or the absence of shoulders. 11.14 Construction Zones Every year drivers are faced with highway construction and maintenance projects, which are designed to improve the efficiency and safety of our transportation systems. Every construction or maintenance operation creates a work zone with equipment, workers, and, in some cases, daily changes to the road that you may be used to driving. In advance of these projects are signs, cones, and other devices designed to warn you of the upcoming changes and hazards associated with the road construction. These changes and additions require you to stay alert and focused at all times while driving. Large construction projects can have complex work zones with flaggers, portable concrete barriers, complicated directional signing, and reduced speed limits to safely direct you through the work zone. The reduced speed limits are critical because they give drivers more time to understand and react to the information and reduced speed allows more time to safely drive through the complex assortment of devices, workers, and equipment. Unfortunately, there is no way to completely separate drivers from these work zone hazards, which places the construction crews at additional risk. Not only are these workers dealing with construction dangers associated with heavy equipment, excavation, power lines, and other activities but they are constantly on guard for vehicles that may stray into the work area. Your safety, your passenger’s safety, and the safety of these workers depends on you. Of the 1267 road construction related deaths nationally since 1992, 147 happened in Colorado. Because of this, increased police enforcement is routinely added to construction projects. In order to ensure drivers understand the importance of complying with signs and directions given in work zones, the fines have been doubled for most of the violations that occur in these work zones. So, remember when driving on Colorado’s highways, if you encounter a work zone, for your own safety and the safety of the workers: 1. Pay attention, use extra caution and stay focused on the driving task 2. Obey all construction signs (including work zone speed limit signs) and flagger instructions 3. Watch the vehicle in front of you (most work zone crashes are rear-end collisions due to an inattentive driver) 4. Drive calmly and avoid entanglements with aggressive drivers 5. Remember to require all occupants to buckle-up. This includes making sure children are in the back seat and also properly secured in the vehicle. 12. Sharing The Road Sharing the road means “getting along, not ahead.” A courteous, alert, and knowledgeable driver will make the highways safer for all. Bicycles, motorcycles, buses, trucks, and truck tractors each have unique operating characteristics. Let’s share the road safely with trucks and buses. 12.1 Large Trucks And Buses Due to their size and weight, large trucks and buses present unique problems to motorists who share the highway with them. A loaded truck with good tires and properly adjusted brakes traveling at 55 m.p.h. on a Colorado Driver Handbook — clear, dry roadway requires a minimum of 290 feet to come to a complete stop. Trucks/buses require more room than automobiles to execute turns, make lane changes, and other driving maneuvers. Trucks/buses have blind spots which are called No- Zones. No-Zones are the areas around trucks/buses where cars either disappear into blind spots or are so close that they restrict the truck or bus driver’s ability to stop or maneuver safely. Both types of No-Zones greatly increase the potential for a crash. Know the No- Zone. Points To Remember BACKING UP: Do not pass or stop close to a truck/bus that is preparing to or is backing up, as the trailer will hide objects in the No-Zone. Passing: Maintain a constant speed when passing and reentering the lane in front of trucks or buses, since they require longer distances to slow down than cars. Do not pull in front of a truck or bus until you can see the entire front of the vehicle. Rear Blind Spots: Trucks/buses have large blind spots behind them. If you tailgate, not only do you make it impossible for the driver to see you, but you also cut off your own view of traffic. Side Blind Spots: Trucks/buses have much larger blind spots on both sides than cars. If the truck or bus driver needs to make an emergency maneuver or change lanes, they will not be able to see you and a collision could result. Wide Turns: Because of their size trucks/buses often need to move to the left lane to make right turns. Cutting in between the truck/ bus and the curb or shoulder increases the possibility of a crash. Runaway Truck Ramps: Occasionally truck/buses lose their ability to brake. In order to prevent serious accidents from occurring due to out-of-control vehicles, runaway truck ramps have been built. Never park on the ramp or even in the entrance. Not only is this illegal, it is inviting disaster. You may be depriving a truck or bus driver of the chance to survive by denying him or her access to the runaway ramp. One indication of a runaway truck/bus is smoke coming from the brakes. Get out of the way and/or do not get in front of the truck/ bus. BUS RELATED ISSUES: Buses make frequent stops. Avoid being caught behind the bus by making safe lane changes. If you are passing a stopped bus use care as the bus may start to move out into your lane of traffic. REMEMBER - THE BIGGER THE TRUCK/BUS: • The bigger the blind spots. • The more room they need to maneuver. • The longer it takes them to stop. • The longer it takes them to accelerate. • The longer it takes to pass them. • The more likely you’re going to be the loser in a collision. 12.2 Railroad Crossing When approaching a railroad crossing, be cautious because a train can arrive at any time, day, or night. Obey all warning devices, lights, gates, and signs. Do not drive onto a crossing until you are sure the tracks are clear, especially when there are multiple tracks. There may be a second train. Do not misjudge the train’s speed and distance. Because of its large size, a train appears to be moving much slower than you think. The average freight train traveling at 55 m.p.h. requires approximately one mile to stop. Trains can not stop, you can. Warning Devices Advance Warning Signs: A railroad crossing is ahead. The warning sign is located at a sufficient distance to allow you to stop (if necessary) before reaching the crossing. Pavement Markings: Consists of an “R X R” and a stop line and may be painted on the pavement in front of a crossing. Always stay behind the painted stop line while waiting for a passing train. Crossbuck Signs: These signs should be treated the same as a yield sign. If there is more than one track, a 28 Colorado Driver Handbook sign below the Crossbuck indicates the number of tracks at this crossing. Flashing Light Signals: Always stop when the lights begin to flash. Do not attempt to cross until the lights have stopped flashing. Gates: Gates are used with flashing light signals at certain crossings. Do not cross until the gates are raised and the lights have stopped flashing. 12.3 Light Rail The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has added Light Rail Transit (LRT) to its bus fleet in the Denver Metropolitan area. Light Rail Vehicles (LRV’s) are six axle, articulated, bidirectional rail vehicles powered by 750 volts DC from an overhead catenary wire. Clean, quiet and reliable, light rail is safe, proven technology - but it requires additional attention from pedestrians and motorists. LRT Map ◄ North ■ i i i Souths i E < ■ 1 Southbound Northbound In some areas, LRV’s will operate on streets in the same way as other motor vehicles, and will have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists. In other areas (such as on Stout and California streets in downtown Denver) LRV’s will operate in the opposite direction from other traffic. The LRV’s will be governed by all traffic signals and signs when operating on the streets. Pedestrian Safety Tips • LRV’s are very quiet so when approaching a light rail line stop, look, and listen in both directions (even on one way streets). • Do not step on the rails as they can be very slippery. • Never climb between two LRV’s that are hooked together. Driver Safety Tips Each light rail car can weigh up to 40 tons and therefore cannot stop quickly. Remember these important tips while driving in a light rail area: LRV Stopping Distances • Never turn in front of an approaching LRV. • Never turn across a set of light rail tracks without checking in all directions. • Watch for people getting on and off a stopped LRV. • Be especially alert in light rail areas as nearby buildings and foliage can make it difficult for motorists to see them. • The light rail crossing areas for motorists can have regular traffic lights. Some have warning lights and some have gates with railroad type traffic arms. All these signals mean the same thing: STOP! DO NOT CROSS THE TRACKS. • Never drive around traffic gates, even if a LRV has just passed. Another vehicle may be coming from the other direction. • Be aware of your vehicle height. Overhead wires are a standard height of 18 feet, 6 inches above the center of the tracks. • Always assume a wire hanging from the overhead catenary is HOT (electrified) so never touch the wire or anything it is in contact with. Pay particular attention to these special traffic warning signs in connection with light rail. 29 Colorado Driver Handbook — WARNING NO TRESPASSING RTD PROPERTY [Sfl5> If you find a wire hanging from the overhead or if you think any safety devices are malfunctioning, please call RTD at 303-299-6000 and report the situation. 12.4 BICYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES Motorists must be on the lookout for cyclists and anticipate sudden and unexpected moves from them. A “Share the Road” attitude is the best policy to promote safe highways in Colorado. The most common motorist- caused car-bicycle or car-motorcycle collision is a motorist turning left in front of an oncoming bicycle or motorcycle. Drivers may fail to see cyclists or a driver may fail to judge the speed of oncoming cyclists. As a driver, remember to look for cyclists at the right side of the lane or on the shoulder and then look again. Make sure you see the cyclist and know their speed before you make your left turn. Bicycles travel in the same direction as motor vehicles and are entitled to the full lane when traveling at the normal speed of traffic. However, they are generally moving more slowly and will usually travel to the right of the right lane or on the shoulder or bike lane. Exceptions include making left turns, or when a right turn lane is present and the cyclist is traveling straight through. Motorcycles are entitled to the same full lane width as other vehicles. Motorcyclists constantly change position within their lane so they can see and be seen and avoid road hazards. Never move into the same lane with a motorcycle, even if the motorcycle is traveling to one side of the lane. Also, be aware that strong winds can unexpectedly move a motorcycle out if its lane. Bicycles and motorcycles are smaller, harder to see and can move faster and stop faster than expected. Their control is more easily hampered by road defects and debris. You should watch for bicycles and motorcycles, use extra caution when driving around either and increase your following distance. 12.5 Careless / Reckless Driving Sharing the road is important not only for your safety and the safety of others, it is the law. 42-4-1401 Reckless Driving: Any person who drives any motor vehicle, bicycle, or motorized bicycle in such a manner as to indicate either a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. 42-4-1402 Careless Driving: Any person who drives any motor vehicle, bicycle, or motorized bicycle in careless DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE KEEP OUT A la® WARNING HIGH SPEED TRAINS OPERATING S) DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE la® and imprudent manner, without due regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic and use of the streets and highways and all other attendant circumstances, is guilty of careless driving. 12.6 Aggressive Driving Aggressive driving or reckless driving is defined as any behind-the-wheel behavior that places another person (or people) and/or property in danger through willful action without regard to safety. Aggressive vs. Reckless Driving assertively to enter a freeway or changing lanes to protect yourself from another motorist encroaching on your lane is acceptable, but at what point does assertive driving become aggressive or reckless? The line is defined by your intent as a motorist. If a law enforcement officer notes your actions as endangering another person or property (including the other motorist’s vehicle) you can be charged under Colorado’s reckless driving statute (42-4-1401) and if convicted, up to eight points can be assessed against your driving record. A single act, such as tailgating another driver, passing on the shoulder or running a red light could be seen by a law enforcement officer as aggressive if the officer believes the action is willful and places others in danger. A combination of acts, such as speeding, cutting off other vehicles, swerving toward another motorist, honking, flashing headlights, yelling and using inappropriate hand gestures can also be considered aggressive driving. Some acts, such as waving a weapon at another motorist, bumping or ramming another vehicle or high speed pursuit of a vehicle can result in criminal charges beyond a reckless driving charge. Protecting Yourself From Aggressive Drivers To protect yourself from an aggressive driver, don’t engage with that driver. Don’t attempt to match his or her aggressive act. Avoid eye contact. Even if you’ve unintentionally made a mistake that made the other driver angry, back off, give way to the other driver and let the aggressive driver go. A few seconds engaged with an aggressive driver could change your life, or the lives of the loved ones riding with you, forever. Reporting Aggressive Drivers Dial *CSP to report aggressive drivers! The Colorado State Patrol has set aside a special cellular telephone number for motorists and bicyclists to use in reporting aggressive drivers. The call will be handled by the state patrol trooper closest to the caller, or will be referred to a participating local law enforcement agency. There is no charge for the call. 30 Colorado Driver Handbook Could I become an Aggressive Driver? Anyone is capable of becoming an aggressive driver. Some drivers may be more likely to become aggressive. Here is a series of questions developed by Leon James PhD., to determine whether you have a greater potential to become aggressive behind the wheel. Take a few minutes to ask yourself these questions, and be honest with yourself. Do you: • Mentally condemn other drivers as incompetent or stupid? • Make negative comments about other drivers to those riding with you? • Close up space to stop other motorists from merging or changing lanes? • Prevent another driver from passing? • Tailgate a driver to get them to speed up or get out of your way? • Angrily speed past another driver? • Run a stop sign, red light or other traffic control device out of frustration or anger? • Honk or yell at someone to express your anger or frustration? • Make an obscene gesture at another driver? • Pursue another vehicle to express your anger? • Deliberately bump or ram another vehicle? • Exit your vehicle to teach the other driver a lesson through either a verbal exchange or physical confrontation? • Fantasize about physically attacking another driver? If you answered yes to these questions, even a couple of these questions, you may be at risk to become an aggressive driver. How do I Avoid Becoming an Aggressive Driver? Leave early for any trip. Too frequently people don’t allow enough time to get where they want on time! Play music that you like, but not so loud that you can’t hear emergency vehicles. Keep cool. Don’t transfer the anger you may feel from other situations into your driving. Let people merge, even if they’ve done something stupid. Why make their problem your problem? 13. The Drive Test Drive tests are by appointment only. Generally, Mondays, Fridays and days after holidays are the busiest. To allow for sufficient time to complete the drive test and any processing, the last appointment for a drive test is at 4:00 p.m. at those offices with 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. hours of operation. Appointments are scheduled close together. You must be on time. If you are late for your appointment, you will have to reschedule. Not all driver’s license offices offer drive tests. Check the list of offices in the Service Center Guide, in the back of this handbook, for locations, services provided, and hours of operation. The drive test will be given in a legally licensed vehicle that you provide. You must show evidence of insurance for that vehicle. The examiner will check the vehicle for safety including brake lights, turn signals, seat belts, the windshield, and tires. For safety reasons, only the driver and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle during the test. The drive test measures your skill and knowledge of legal and safe driving practices. You will not be tricked or asked to do anything illegal. You may question the examiner before the test begins. After that, any unnecessary talking will only hamper the test. You will be scored during the entire test. The drive test will be administered using guidelines from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). The skills measured will be an assessment of all three of the following categories: Perceptual: The ability to interpret the traffic environment in a way that permits proper vehicle operation. (See and know what to do) Perceptual - Motor: The ability to couple driving responses with traffic stimuli. (See, know what to do, and do it) Attention Sharing: The ability to carry out two or more performances simultaneously. (Steer, control speed, and watch) Your driving test score will be based upon how well you perform the following maneuvers: Left or right turns Stop intersections Through intersections Lane changes in traffic General driving behavior Merging to and from traffic Each of these maneuvers has grading factors that are associated with the performance requirements. These are: Lane Selection: Enters/exits traffic from proper lane, approaches intersections in proper lane, ends maneuver in proper lane. Lane Management: Remaining entirely within the turning lane, keeps both hands on the wheel, uses approved method of steering control (hand-over-hand or push-pull-slide), keeping vehicle centered in appropriate lane at start and finish of maneuver, starts/finishes turns in proper lane, does not encroach over lane markings, or drag wheels over curbs. 31 Colorado Driver Handbook — Signals: Activates signal the proper distance in advance of turning or making a lane change, cancels signal, if necessary, after completion of maneuver. Speed Control: Smooth deceleration, does not impede traffic, adjusts speed to react to traffic or conditions, maintains steady speed during lane change, approaches intersection at a speed which allows the turn to be made without stopping or braking during the turn. Stopping: Does not encroach over stop line, crosswalk, keeps vehicle wheels pointed straight ahead while stopped, does not turn wheels until actually beginning to make the turn, maintains an adequate gap between vehicles (rear wheels of vehicle ahead are visible and/ or uses three (3) second following distance to stop). Acceleration: Accelerates smoothly without jerking, doesn’t lug engine, coast, impede traffic, clash gears, or stall vehicle. Observation: Observes the traffic environment, looks over shoulder before changing lanes, uses mirrors, looks left, right, left prior to entering intersections. General Driving Behavior: Steering, braking, acceleration, observation, lane usage, and obeying all traffic laws, signs, and signals. If you fail the drive test, you must wait at least 1 day before another exam will be given, unless the examiner feels more time is necessary to allow for improvement. 14. Emergencies All drivers sooner or later will find themselves in an emergency situation. As careful as you are, there are situations that could cause you a problem. If you are prepared, you may be able to prevent any serious outcomes. 14.1 Avoiding Collisions When it looks like a collision may happen, many drivers panic and fail to act. In some cases, they do act, but do something that does not help to reduce the chance of the collision. There almost always is something you can do to avoid the crash, or reduce the results of the crash. In avoiding a collision, drivers have three options: (1) stop or slow down. (2) turn. (3) speed up. Stopping Quickly: Many newer vehicles have ABS (ANTI-LOCK Braking System). Be sure to read the vehicle owners manual on how to use the ABS. The ABS system will allow you stop without skidding. In general, if you need to stop quickly: With ABS: Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep pressing on it. You might feel the brake pedal pushing back when the ABS is working. Do not let up on the brake pedal. The ABS system will only work with the brake pedal pushed down. Without ABS: You can cause the vehicle to go into a skid if you brake too hard. Apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking them. If the brakes lock up, you will feel the vehicle start to skid. Quickly let up on the brake pedal. As soon as the vehicle stops skidding, push down on the brake pedal again. Keep doing this until the vehicle has stopped. Turning Quickly: In most cases, you can turn the vehicle quicker than you can stop it. You should consider turning in order to avoid a collision. Make sure you have a good grip with both hands on the steering wheel (see §11.1, Steering). Once you have turned away or changed lanes, you must be ready to keep the vehicle under control. Some drivers steer away from one collision only to end up in another. Always steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. With ABS: One aspect of having ABS, is that you can turn your vehicle while braking without skidding. This is very helpful if you must turn and stop or slow down. Without ABS: If you do not have ABS, you must use a different procedure to turn quickly. Step on the brake pedal, but then let up and turn the steering wheel. Braking will slow the vehicle some, and it puts more weight on the front tires and this allows for a quicker turn. Do not lock up the front wheels while braking or turn so sharply that the vehicle can only plow ahead. Another consideration is that generally it is better to run off the road than to crash head-on into another vehicle. SPEEDING UP: Sometimes it is best or necessary to speed up to avoid a collision. This may happen when another vehicle is about to hit you from the side or from behind and there is room to the front of you to get out of danger. Be sure to slow down once the danger has passed. 14.2 Vehicle Emergencies There is always a chance of a vehicle problem while driving. You should follow the recommended maintenance schedule listed in the vehicle owner’s manual. Following these preventive measures greatly reduces the chance your vehicle will have a problem. The following section notes some possible vehicle failures and what you can do if they happen. 14.2A Brake Failure: Pump the brake pedal several times. This will often build up enough brake pressure to allow you to stop. If that does not work, use the parking brake. Pull on the parking brake handle slowly so you will not lock the rear wheels and cause a skid. Be ready to release the brake if the vehicle does start to skid. If that does not work, start shifting to lower gears and look for a safe place to slow to a stop. Make sure the car is off the roadway. Don’t drive the vehicle without brakes. 32 Colorado Driver Handbook 14.2B Tire Blowout: Hold the steering wheel tightly, and keep the vehicle going straight. Slow down gradually. Take your foot off the gas pedal and use the brakes lightly. Do not stop on the road if at all possible. Pull off the road in a safe place. 14.2c Power Failure: Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel. Be aware that the steering may be difficult to turn but you can turn it. Pull off the roadway. The brakes will still work but you may have to push very hard on the brake pedal. 14.2d Headlight Failure: Try the headlight switch a few times. If that does not work, put on the emergency flashers, turn signals, or fog lights, if you have them. Pull off the road as soon as possible. 14.2e Jammed Gas Pedal: Keep your eyes on the road. Quickly shift to neutral. Pull off the road when safe to do so. Turn off the engine. 14.2f Driving Off the PAVEMENT: If your right wheels run off the pavement edge, do not use your brakes. Do not try to puli sharply back onto the pavement. Take your foot off the accelerator, steer straight ahead, straddling the pavement edge, until the car has almost stopped. Then turn and guide your car back onto the road. 14.3 Animals There may be occasions when an animal suddenly runs in front of your vehicle. Small animals such as rabbits, dogs, or cats seldom cause severe property damage to vehicles, but present a hazard if a motorist takes evasive action that results in losing control of the vehicle. Big game animals, mostly deer, are large enough to cause damage to a motor vehicle. However, the size of these animals may cause the motorist to take drastic evasive action to prevent a collision. This may result in a more serious crash than if the vehicle collided with the animal. Regretfully, the safest alternative may be hitting the animal. Concentrate on retaining control of the vehicle before, during, and after the collision with the animal. About 90% of deer-vehicle crashes occur between dusk and dawn, at all times of the year. Big game animals can appear in metropolitan areas as well as mountainous regions. If there are animals near the roadway, slow down and proceed with extreme caution. 14.4 Accidents In the event of an accident you should: 1. Stop immediately. 2. Check for injuries and where practical render reasonable assistance. 3. Call the police and emergency personnel. 4. Exchange name, address, phone, registration and insurance information. If under accident alert status: If alcohol and drugs are not involved, there are no injuries, and all vehicles are still drivable, exchange information listed under #4 above. You must file an accident report with the police within 24 hours. If an accident involves a parked car and you cannot find the owner, call the police and leave a note in a place that the owner of the car can find it. 14.5 First Aid Good Samaritan laws were developed to encourage people to help others in emergency situations. They require that the “Good Samaritan use common sense and a reasonable level of skill, not to exceed the scope of the individual’s training in emergency situations.” They assume each person would do his or her best to save a life or prevent further injury. When citizens respond to an emergency and act as a reasonable and prudent person would under the same conditions, Good Samaritan immunity generally prevails. This legal immunity protects you, as a rescuer, from being sued and found financially responsible for the victims injury. For example, a reasonable and prudent person would... • Move a victim only if the victim’s life was endangered. • Ask a conscious victim for permission before giving care. • Check the victim for life-threatening emergencies before providing further care. • Summon professional help to the scene by calling the local emergency number or the operator. • Continue to provide care until more highly trained personnel arrive. 15. Pedestrians Pedestrians are those people standing, walking or using a wheelchair on public streets, highways, and private property. As a pedestrian, you should avoid walking on the traveled portion of a road. When there is no sidewalk, you should walk on the outside of a curb or painted edge strip, if either exists. When walking along a road, you should walk on the side facing traffic. When vision is poor, such as at night, make yourself more visible by wearing light-colored clothing, a white cloth tied around your arm, or some reflective material. You have the right-of-way at crosswalks and intersections whether the crosswalks are marked or not. However, you should always watch for vehicles. If there is an accident you are the one who will suffer. • Never walk across a freeway or expressway. • Do not leave the curb or sidewalk so suddenly that an approaching vehicle cannot yield. • Look for Walk and Don’t Walk signals at intersections. 33 Colorado Driver Handbook Steady Don’t Walk - Do not cross. Steady Walk - You may cross. Flashing Walk - You may not start across the street. Those pedestrians that started across during a steady walk signal shall complete their crossing to a sidewalk or island. 16. Bicycles Bicycles are a legitimate form of transportation and are considered “vehicles” under state law. Per Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1412, bicyclists have the same rights and duties as motorists. Because motorists and bicyclists share the road, both are responsible for following the rules of the road to ensure safety and both can be ticketed for not obeying traffic laws though points are not assessed against the bicyclist's driver’s license. 16.1 Bicycling And Driving Rules Roads can be safe for all users if motorists and bicyclists understand and obey the following state laws: • Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic and as far to the right as is judged safe by the bicyclist. • On a multilane one-way street, a bicyclist can ride to the right or the left side of roadway. • Bicyclists can ride side-by-side as long as they are not impeding the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. Moving to single file to allow easier passing is courteous practice. • At night and low-light situations, bicyclists are required to have a headlight, side reflectors, and a red rear reflector. • No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed or equipped. • Bicyclists shall not attach himself/herself to any moving vehicle upon the roadway. • Bicyclists shall keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. • Motorists must give a bicyclist at least a three foot buffer when overtaking or passing. • Motorists can cross a center line when passing a bicyclist if the oncoming lane is clear and they won’t interfere with any other traffic. Bicyclists are required to use hand signals to communicate turns unless the hand is needed in the control or operation of the bicycle. • For a right turn, extend the right arm straight out to the right or left arm upward from the elbow. • For a left turn, extend the left arm directly out to the left. • If slowing or stopping, drop the left arm down at the elbow. Left Turn RightTurn Stop Persons may park bicycles on a sidewalk unless prohibited or restricted by an official traffic control device or local ordinance. Bicycles are allowed on sidewalks and bike paths unless restricted by local ordinance. Bicyclists must give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian. 16.2 Avoiding Collisions Drivers of vehicles can help to prevent collisions with bicyclists by knowing the most common causes of motorist-bicyclist collisions and how to avoid them. Five common errors that can cause a motorist- bicyclist collision include. Cause of Collision How to Prevent Motorist turning left in front of an oncoming bicyclist Look for oncoming bicyclists riding on the shoulder or edge of the lane before turning Motorist or bicyclist running a stop sign or stop signal Stop first and then proceed into intersection yielding to others Motorist opening a vehicle door without looking behind for a passing bicyclist Always check behind you before opening a door into the roadway Bicyclist riding the wrong way against traffic, toward the motorist Ride bicycles in the same direction as traffic Motorist pulling out from a driveway and failing to see a bicyclist on road or sidewalk Check both directions when crossing a sidewalk, bike path, or road Though bicycles travel in the same direction as motor vehicles, they are generally moving more slowly and usually travel to the right of the right lane, on the shoulder, or in a bike lane. Exceptions include: making left turns, when a right turn lane is present and the cyclist is traveling straight through, or when the right 34 side of a lane has hazards or debris that the bicyclist must avoid. Motorists must be aware that bicyclists, like pedestrians, are more vulnerable users of the public roads and that they may change positions in the road to avoid road hazards. Also, be aware that strong winds can unexpectedly move a bicyclist into a different position on the road. Inexperienced bicyclists or younger bicyclists may be less predictable. Signs of an inexperienced bicyclist include: riding against traffic, riding on the sidewalk, or swerving. Take extra precautions when driving around or near bicyclists displaying these behaviors. 17. Organ Donation Donate Life Colorado Registry People who choose to become organ and tissue donors see it as a way to make a difference in the world. They say it feels good to know they can help others. Currently, in Colorado, there are over 1900 people waiting for life¬ saving organ transplants. You can make a difference by saying “yes” and joining the Donate Life Colorado Registry. When applying for or renewing a Colorado Driver's license, Instruction Permit or ID card, you will be asked two important questions regarding organ and tissue donation. • Would you like to be an organ and tissue donor? If you say “yes”, a red heart with a “Y” will appear on the front of your license, permit or ID card. Your name will automatically be added to the Donate Life Colorado Registry. Being in the Donor Registry means you have elected to have all of your organs and tissues made available for transplant at the time of your death. Joining the Registry not only documents your decision to save lives by becoming an organ and tissue donor, it relieves your family of having to make the donation decision on your behalf. The Registry is managed by Donor Alliance, a non-profit, federally-designated organ and tissue recovery agency, and is accessible only to authorized donation personnel. Consider these facts about donation: • One donor can save the lives of up to 8 people, and enhance the lives of up to 100 others. • People of all ages and medical histories can be donors - even those with diabetes or hepatitis C. • All costs related to donation are paid by recovery agencies. • All major religions support organ and tissue donation. • An open casket remains an option • Organ and tissue recovery happens only after all life-saving efforts have been exhausted and death has been legally declared. It is possible to sign up, or remove your name from the Donor Registry by visiting: www.DonateLifeColorado.org or by calling 303-329-4747 or 888-868-4747 • Would you like to contribute a dollar or more to the Emily Maureen Ellen Keyes Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund? Another way for you to support organ and tissue donation is to make a voluntary contribution to the Emily Maureen Ellen Keyes Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund. The Fund was created in 1996 by the Colorado State Legislature to increase organ and tissue donation in Colorado. Your contributions to the Fund go directly to public outreach and education surrounding organ, eye and tissue donation. Information brochures are available at all Colorado driver’s license offices. For more information, call 303-329-4747 or 888-868-4747 or visit www.donoralliance.org 18. Service Center Guide 18.1 Driver’s License 18.1A SERVICES PROVIDED Limited Service Offices: Renewal, out-of-state transfers, change of name and address, voter registration, hearing requests, duplicates, ID cards, basic and motorcycle written tests and driving permits. Full Service Offices : Renewals, out of state transfers, change of name and address, motor vehicle records, voter registration, hearing requests, duplicates, ID cards, all written tests, driving permits and basic driving test. Some offices provide the motorcycle drive tests. Administration: 1881 Pierce St., Lakewood. Driver Services Section: 1881 Pierce St., Lakewood. (303) 205-5613. This section provides reinstatements, multiple motor vehicle records, extensions and duplicate lost license when customer is out of state. (No testing). Colorado Driver Handbook 18.1B Office Locations Denver Metro Offices Limited Service Full Service Arapahoe County - No Testing Aurora Golden 15400 E 14th Place 14391 E 4th Avenue 16950 W Colfax Avenue #104 5334 S Prince Street 8:00-5:00 M-F 8:00-5:00 M-F 8:00-4:30 M-F (303) 344-8400 (720)497-1182 (303) 795-4500 Arapahoe County Central Boulder Littleton No Testing 2850 Iris Avenue #F 311 E County Line Road 6954 Lima St 8:00-5:00 M-F 8:00-5:00 M-F 8:00-4:30 M-F (303) 442-3006 (303) 795-5954 (303) 795-4500 Lakewood - No Testing Denver - Athmar Northglenn 1881 Pierce Street 1865 W Mississippi Avenue 11900 N Washington St 8:00-5:00 M-F 8:00-5:00 M-F 8:00-5:00 M-F (303) 205-5609 (303) 937-9507 (720) 929-8636 Denver - Ne Parker 4685 Peoria Street #115 17924 Cottonwood Drive 8:00-5:00 M-F 8:00-5:00 M-F (303) 373-0161 (303) 627-0985 Out Of Denver Metro Area Offices City Location Hours Phone # AKRON 150 Ash 8:00-4:30 M-F (970) 345-2404 ALAMOSA 715 6th St 8:00-5:00 M-F (719) 589-4274 BOULDER 2850 Iris Ave #F 8:00-5:00 M-F (303) 442-3006 BURLINGTON 251 16th St 8:00-4:00 M-F (719) 346-8638 CANON CITY 127 Justice Center Rd #K 8:00-5:00 M-F (719)275-5617 CASTLE ROCK/ DOUGLAS CO 301 Wilcox St 8:00-5:00 M-F no public number CHEYENNE WELLS 51 S 1st Street 8:00-4:00 M-F (719) 767-5685 COLORADO SPRINGS 2447 N Union Blvd 8:00-5:00 M-F (719) 594-8701 COLO SPGS/CASCADE Centennial Hall, 200 S Cascade Ave 8:00-5:00 M-F (719) 520-6240 COLO SPGS/GARDEN GODS 1675 W Garden of the Gods Rd 8:00-5:00 M-F (719) 520-7302 COLO SPGS/UNION TOWN CENTER 8830 N Union Blvd 8:00-5:00 M-F 8:00-1:00 SAT (719) 520-6240 COLO SPGS/POWERS BRANCH 5650 Industrial PI #100 8:00-5:00 M-F (719) 520-7910 CORTEZ 2210 E Main St 8:00-5:00 M-F (970) 565-9779 CRAIG 555 Breeze #130 9:00-5:00 M-F (970) 824-5447 DELTA 501 Palmer 8:00-5:00 M-F (970) 874-9795 DURANGO 329-A S Camino del Rio 8:00-5:00 M-F (970) 247-4591 EADS 1305 Goff St 8:30-4:30 TU,W (719)438-5421 FT. COLLINS 3030 S College Ave #100 8:00-5:00 M-F (970) 494-9806 FT. MORGAN 201 Ensign 8:00-5:00 M,W,F (970) 867-2647 FRISCO 0037 Summit County Rd 1005 8:00-4:30 M-F (970) 668-5015 GLENWOOD SPRINGS Glenwood Spings Mall 8:00-5:00 M-F (970) 945-8229 GRAND JUNCTION 222 S 6th St #111 8:00-5:00 M-F (970)248-7010 36 Colorado Driver Handbook City Location Hours Phone # GREELEY 2320 Reservoir Road, Unit A 8:00-5:00 M-F (970) 352-5845 GUNNISON 221 N Wisconsin 9:00-4:00 TU,TH (970)641-1052 HOT SULPHER SPRINGS 308 W Byers Ave #127 8:30-5:00 M-F (970) 725-3053 HOLYOKE 221 S Interocean 8:00-4:00 M-F (970) 854-3131 HUGO 103 3rd Ave 8:00-4:30 M-F (719) 743-2796 JULESBURG 315 Cedar St#220 8:00-3:30 M-F (970)474-3417 LAJUNTA Otero County Courthouse 8:00-5:00 M,W,F (719) 384-2801 LAMAR Village Center #10 8:00-5:00 TU,TH (719) 336-2670 LEADVILLE 505 Harrison Ave 9:30-4:30 TU,W,F (719)486-0888 LONGMONT 917 S Main St #600 8:00-5:00 M-F (303) 776-4073 LOVELAND 118 E 29th St 8:00-5:00 M-F (970) 667-7247 MEEKER 265 8th St Temporarily Closed (970) 878-5548 MONTROSE 86 Rose Lane 9:00-4:00 M-F (970) 249-5426 PUEBLO 827 W 4th St 8:00-5:00 M-F (719) 543-5164 RANGELY 17497 Hwy 64 Temporarily Closed (970) 675-2881 SAGUACHE COUNTY 501 4th 8:30-3:00 TU,TH (719)655-2512 SALIDA 120 W 3rd St 8:00-5:00 TU,TH (719) 539-2802 SPRINGFIELD 741 Main St 9:00-3:30 W,TH (719) 523-4372 STEAMBOAT SPRINGS 425 Anglers Drive, Bldg H #C 9:00-4:00 T,W,TH (970) 879-0715 STERLING 714 W Main St 9:00-4:00 TU,TH, (970) 522-5982 TRINIDAD Las Animas County Courthouse 8:00-5:00 M-F (719) 846-4348 WRAY 310 Ash #F 8:30-4:30 M,W,F (970) 332-5855 YUMA 910 S Main St #102 8:30-4:30 TU,TH (970) 848-2335 37 Colorado Driver Handbook 18.2 County Motor Vehicle Offices (License Plate Location Phone Number Location Phone Number ADAMS COUNTY (303) 654-6010 ELBERT COUNTY (303)621-3123 Aurora 3449 N. Chambers Rd. #A EL PASO COUNTY (719) 520-6240 Brighton 450 S. 4th Ave. Chapel Hills 1710 Briargate Blvd., #350 Commerce City 4201 E. 72nd Ave. Suite A Colo. Springs 200 S. Cascade Ave. Westminster 12200 Pecos St. Colo. Springs 5650 Industrial Place Watkins 5150 Front Range Parkway FREMONT COUNTY (719) 276-7330 Westminster 8452 Federal Blvd. GARFIELD COUNTY (970) 384-3700 ALAMOSA COUNTY (719) 589-6681 GILPIN COUNTY (303) 582-5321 ARAPAHOE COUNTY (303) 795-4500 GRAND COUNTY (970) 725-3347 Aurora 490 S. Chambers Rd. GUNNISON COUNTY (970) 641-1602 15400 E. 14th PI. HINSDALE COUNTY (970) 944-2228 Byers 538 N. Hwy 36 HUERFANO COUNTY (719) 738-2380 Englewood 12600 E. Arapahoe Road JACKSON COUNTY (970) 723-4334 Littleton 5334 S. Prince JEFFERSON COUNTY (303) 271-8100 ARCHULETA COUNTY (970) 264-8350 Arvada 6510 Wadsworth Blvd., #320 BACA COUNTY (719) 523-4372 Evergreen 4990 Cty Hwy 73 BENT COUNTY (719)456-2009 Lakewood 2099 Wadsworth Blvd., #H BOULDER COUNTY (303) 413-7710 Littleton 6004 S. Kipling, #A Boulder 1750 33rd St., Suite 101 Golden 100 Jefferson County Pkwy Longmont 529 Coffman St 110 KIOWA COUNTY (719)438-5421 Louisville 722 Main St. KIT CARSON COUNTY (719) 346-8638 BROOMFIELD COUNTY (303) 464-5888 LAKE COUNTY (719)486-1410 Broomfield One Des Combes Drive LA PLATA COUNTY (970) 385-0240 CHAFFEE COUNTY (719) 539-4004 LARIMER COUNTY (970) 498-7878 CHEYENNE COUNTY (719) 767-5685 Estes Park 1601 Brodie Avenue CLEAR CREEK COUN- (303)679-2339 TY Ft Collins 200 W. Oak St. Loveland 205 E. 6th St. CONEJOS COUNTY (719) 376-5422 LAS ANIMAS COUNTY (719) 846-3314 COSTILLA COUNTY (719)672-3301 LINCOLN COUNTY (719)743-2444 CROWLEY COUNTY (719)267-4643 LOGAN COUNTY (970) 522-1158 CUSTER COUNTY (719) 783-2441 MESA COUNTY (970)244-1664 DELTA COUNTY (970) 874-2150 MINERAL COUNTY (719)658-2440 DENVER COUNTY (303) 376-2200 MOFFAT COUNTY (970) 824-9104 Main Office 4685 Peoria St. MONTEZUMA COUNTY (970) 565-3728 5 Points Plaza 2736 Welton St MONTROSE COUNTY (970) 249-3362 S.E. Branch 10890 E. Dartmouth Ave. MORGAN COUNTY (970) 542-3521 S.W. Branch 3199 S. Sheridan Blvd. OTERO COUNTY (719) 383-3020 N.W. Branch 3698 W. 44th Ave. OURAY COUNTY (970) 325-4961 DOLORES COUNTY (970) 677-2381 PARK COUNTY (719) 836-4333 DOUGLAS COUNTY (303) 660-7440 PHILLIPS COUNTY (970) 854-3131 Castle Rock 301 Wilcox St. PITKIN COUNTY (970) 920-5180 Littleton 2223 W Wildcat Reserve Pkwy Unit G PROWERS COUNTY (719) 336-8011 Parker 16522 Keystone Blvd. #F PUEBLO COUNTY (719) 583-6518 EAGLE COUNTY (303) 328-8717 RIO BLANCO COUNTY (970) 878-5068 38 Colorado Driver Handbook Location Phone Number RIO GRANDE COUNTY (719)657-3334 ROUTT COUNTY (970) 870-5557 SAGUACHE COUNTY (719)655-2512 SAN JUAN COUNTY (970) 387-5671 SAN MIGUEL COUNTY (970) 728-3954 SEDGWICK COUNTY (970) 474-3346 SUMMIT COUNTY (970) 668-5623 TELLER COUNTY (719) 689-2951 WASHINGTON COUNTY (970) 345-6565 WELD COUNTY (970) 304-6520 Longmont 4209 Weld County RD, 24 1/2 Ft. Lupton 2950 9th St Greeley 1402 N 17th Ave YUMA COUNTY (970) 332-5809 39 Drive Time Log Sheet Colorado Driver Handbook DR 2324 (07/22/14) COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES Student’s Name_ YOUR INSTRUCTION PERMIT... If you are under 18, you must comply with the following requirements: You must be 16 years of age to be issued an instruction permit unless... You have completed and passed the classroom portion of an approved driver education course then you may be issued an instruction permit at the age of 15 years. You must submit proof of completion, along with your identification, at the time you apply for the permit. Or, if you have completed a State-approved 4-hour driver awareness course, then you may be issued a permit at 15 years/6 months. You must submit proof of completion, along with your identification, at the time you apply for the permit. You are required to hold your first instruction permit for at least twelve months and be at least 16 years of age before you can get a driver’s license in Colorado. This means that if you get your permit on your 15th birthday, you will have to hold the permit until your 16th birthday before you can apply for the license. You are required, by law, to complete behind-the-wheel training before you can be issued your driver’s license if you are under the age of 16 years, 6 months at the time you apply for your driver’s license. The BTW training can be administered two ways: you can take 6 hours with a driving instructor from a department-approved school or, if there isn’t a driving school that offers BTW training at least 20 hours per week with an address that is within 30 miles of the permit holder’s residence, you may complete 12 hours with a parent, guardian or alternate permit supervisor. At the time you apply for your driver’s license, you are also required, by law, to submit a log of your driving experience. The log sheet must show a minimum total of 50 hours, with 10 hours of those 50 hours having been driven at night. The Drive Time Log Sheet is used any time you drive. The appropriate box is filled in by the parent/guardian driving with you or by the driver authorized by your parent/guardian to accompany you while you are driving. They will fill in the date, the total drive time, the amount of night driving (if any) and their initials. The Comments section is optional for licensing purposes, but is useful for you to track your progress. The Driver Time Log Sheet is the only log sheet acceptable as proof of the required 50 hours of driving time unless the log sheet you are presenting is from a state-approved Commercial Driving School, Driver Education or 3rd-party testing organization. The 50 hour total may include your 6-hour BTW training, if your BTW training was with your driver's education teacher. If you complete 12 hours of BTW training with your parent/guardian/alternate permit supervisor, the 12 hours is IN ADDITION to the 50 hour requirement of the log sheet, for a total of 62 hours. You may make photocopies of the log sheet if you need more than one to complete your 50 hours. When you have reached your required totals, your parent, stepparent, guardian or grandparent with Power of Attorney (the same person that signed the DR 2460, Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship, for you to get your permit) or your driver education instructor must then verify total driving time and total Permit Number night driving time on your log sheet(s). These totals are entered on the appropriate lines on the back of the last log sheet. The parent/ guardian or driver education instructor will then sign and date only the back of the log sheet that has the final completed totals. Once you have held your instruction permit for at least 12 full months, and you are at least 16 years of age, you are eligible to apply for your license. You will need to bring the completed original Drive Time Log Sheet(s) with you when you come in. You must submit the completed Drive Time Log Sheet at the time you apply for your license. If your parent/guardian/ alternate permit supervisor administered the required behind- the-wheel training, they will complete the back of a DR2460, the Affidavit of Completion of a Driver Education Classroom Course or BTW. Reminder, drive tests at driver’s license offices are by appointment, only. YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE... When you are issued your driver’s license, if you are under the age of 18, there are still a few things you need to be aware of. The law does not allow you to carry a passenger under the age of 21 until you have held your license for at least 6 months. And, you can’t carry more than one passenger under 21 until you’ve held your license for at least one year. The exceptions to this are if your parent/guardian is with you, or there is an adult passenger 21 or older who has a valid license and has held that license for at least one year, or the passenger under 21 needs emergency medical assistance or is a member of your immediate family. While you are under 18, you cannot drive between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless you have held your license for at least one year. The exceptions to this are if your parent/ guardian is with you, or there is an adult passenger 21 or older who has a valid license and has held that license for at least one year, or it is an emergency, or you are an emancipated minor with a valid license. You may drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. if it’s to a school or school-authorized activity where the school doesn't provide transportation. You will need a signed statement from the school official showing the date of the activity. And, you may drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m., if it's to and from work. You must carry a signed statement from your employer verifying your employment. While you are under the age of 18, when you carry any allowed passengers, everyone riding with you must wear their seat belt. Only one passenger can ride in the front seat with you. You can only carry as many passengers in the back seat as there are seat belts. Colorado law prohibits drivers under 18 years age from using a cell or mobile phone while driving unless it is to contact the police or fire department or it is an emergency. Drivers 18 and older may not use a cell or mobile telephone for text messaging while driving unless it is to contact the police or fire department or it is an emergency. Your license expires 20 days after your 21 st birthday. Have a safe journey and we will see you when you turn 21. 40 Date Verifier’s Initials Driving Time Night Driving Comments: Date Verifier’s Initials Driving Time Night Driving Comments: Date Verifier’s Initials Driving Time Night Driving Comments: Date Verifier’s Initials Driving Time Night Driving Comments: Date Verifier’s Initials Driving Time Night Driving Comments: Date Verifier’s Initials Driving Time Night Driving Comments: Date Verifier’s Initials Driving Time Night Driving Comments: Date Verifier’s Initials Driving Time Night Driving Comments: Date Verifier’s Initials Driving Time Night Driving Comments: Date Verifier’s Initials Driving Time Night Driving Comments: Date Verifier’s Initials Driving Time Night Driving Comments: Date Verifier’s Initials Driving Time Night Driving Comments: Date Verifier’s Initials Driving Time Night Driving Comments: Totals. Driving Time Night Driving Minimum of 50 hours Minimum of 10 hours The verifying signature must be from one of the signers of the Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship, form DR 2460, or from the Driver Education Instructor. Please check all totals prior to signing. By signing below, I certify that the above total hours of driving experience is true and accurate. Signed_ Date_ Parent/Guardian or Driver Education Instructor DR 2460 (07/16/14) COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE Division Of Motor Vehicles Driver's License Section Affidavit Of Liability And Guardianship (C.R.S. 42-2-108 and 42-2-109) Must be signed in the presence of a Motor Vehicle Employee or Notary Public Minor's First Name Middle Name Last Name Date of Birth (mm/dd/yy) I/We understand by signing this form l/we assume liabilities of the above minor driving a motor vehicle, and I/We understand my/our signatures may be withdrawn upon written request and the minor's license/permit will be cancelled. Printed Name and Signature of Parent or Guardian or Person Assuming Liability EH Guardian* EH Other* Printed Name and Signature of Parent or Guardian or Person Assuming Liability EH Father EH Guardian* EH Other* Motor Vehicle Employee Date Notary Public Subscribed and sworn before me this davof ,20 EH Mother IntheStateofColorado, County of_ My commission expires_ SignatureofNotaryPublic_ ‘Court or Powerof Attorney documents presented: By signing this form, I / We give our consent as Parent(s) / Guardian(s), for the above named Minor to be designated as an Organ / Tissue Donor □ YES □ NO Seal Affidavit of Exemption From Behind-the-Wheel Training Minor's First Name Middle Name Last Name Date of Birth (mm/dd/yy) There is no behind-the-wheel training offered within 30 miles of the permit holder's residence. Therefore, in addition to the drive time required by the log sheet, the required 12-hour behind-the-wheel training was administered by: □ Mother□ Father□ Legal Guardian□ Alternate Permit Supervisor Print Name Signature Date (MM/DD/YY) Alternate Permit Supervisor = If the person(s) signing the Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship does not hold a valid Colorado driver's license, they may appoint an Alternate Permit Supervisor to supervise the minor while learning to drive. The Alternate Permit Supervisor must hold a valid Colorado driver's license and be 21 years of age or older. DON’T DRINK m Hansom To report a drunk driver, call *DUI (*384) or *CSP (*277) from a cellular phone. Your call is free and may save lives! 'The Heat is On" is sponsored by the Colorado eopartment of Transportation and supported by the Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement across the State of Colorado.