Colorado Traffic Laws For Drivers Under 18

Getting your driver's license is an exciting time for most teenagers, as you are looking forward to getting behind the wheel. According to the CDC, the crash rate for 16-year-old drivers is 1.5 times that of drivers aged 18 to 19. To keep teen drivers safe in Colorado, several traffic laws have been put in place specifically for drivers under 18. Find out those Colorado traffic laws for drivers under 18 below.

Graduated License Laws In Colorado

For minors in Colorado, you are allowed to get a learner's permit and take Driver's Ed. However, you are subject to certain restrictions on your driver's license while under the age of 18. Under the Graduated Driver License Program, the teen driver is issued a provisional license, which means:

• Everyone in the vehicle must be wearing a seat belt or child restraint system.
• You can not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by an instructor, parent or legal guardian.
• You may not use a cell phone while driving a vehicle.
• For the first six months of having your driver license, you may not have any passengers under 21 (siblings are exempt).
• Between six months and one year of holding your driver's license, you may have only one passenger under the age of 21 (siblings are exempt).

Except for the seat belt rule, the above rules are emergency exempt if an emergency should arise. If you get caught breaking a GDL law, Colorado will add points to your license. Each violation is worth two points—get three violations by the time you turn 18 and you’ll lose your license. Violations also result in fines, community service, and/or loss of your license, which is broken down here.

Distracted Driving Laws In Colorado

The data shows that texting while driving is extremely dangerous. Because of that, Colorado has put distracted driving laws in place to stop the use of devices while behind the wheel. The distracted driving laws do not ban cell phones for adults entirely, but the rules are different for teens.

Drivers under the age of 18 cannot use a cell phone or other handheld device for any purpose while driving. For violations of these rules, you’ll be fined 1 point off your license and a $57 fine for the 1st offense, and $107 for subsequent offenses. Exceptions include emergency calls to the police or fire department.

DWI Laws In Colorado

The legal drinking age in Colorado is 21. Colorado has almost a zero-tolerance stance for teens driving while intoxicated. The blood alcohol content (BAC) for adults in Colorado has to be below 0.08%, but for drivers under the age of 21 the legal maximum BAC is 0.02%. To break it down some more:

• A BAC between .020% and .049% will result in the person being charged with UDD (underage drinking and driving).
• Underage Drinking and Driving is a Class A Traffic infraction that carries the loss of your license among other penalties.
• Minors will be prosecuted the same as adults for BACs at or above .050%.

It is also illegal for persons under 21 to purchase or possess alcoholic beverages and it is illegal for those under age 21 to drink, buy, attempt to buy, possess or transport alcohol.

While it is exciting that you have your driver's license, these Colorado traffic laws are put in place to protect you and other drivers on the road. It takes time to master driving, so these restrictions give teens that extra practice time they need behind the wheel.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's license journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.