All the key numbers from the Colorado Driver Handbook (December 2024). Memorize these before your test.
| Situation | Limit / Rule |
|---|---|
| BAC limit — DUI per se (21+) | 0.08% |
| BAC limit — DWAI (21+) | 0.05% |
| BAC limit — drivers under 21 | 0.02% Zero Tolerance |
| BAC limit — CDL / commercial drivers | 0.04% |
| Marijuana DUI permissible inference | 5 ng/ml THC in blood |
| Under-21 DUI/DWAI — 1st conviction | Revocation if court-ordered program not completed |
| Reinstatement fee | Varies — confirm at myDMV.Colorado.gov |
| Express Consent refusal (1st) | 1-year license revocation |
| Express Consent refusal — ignition interlock | Required for 2 years on any vehicle you drive |
| DUI plea bargain | Not allowed under Colorado law |
| Offense | Fine | Jail | Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DWAI (BAC 0.05–0.079%) | $200–$500 | 2–180 days | 24–48 hrs CS / 8 points |
| 1st DUI (BAC 0.08%+) | $600–$1,000 | 5–365 days | 48–96 hrs CS / 9-mo revocation |
| 2nd DWAI or DUI | $600–$1,500 | 10–365 days | 48–120 hrs CS / 1-yr revocation |
| 3rd or subsequent DWAI or DUI | $600–$1,500 | 60–365 days | 48–120 hrs CS / 2-yr revocation |
| Open container (alcohol or marijuana) | Unlawful | Passenger-area | Public road violation |
| Road Type | Speed Limit |
|---|---|
| Business district | 25 mph (unless otherwise posted) |
| Residence district | 30 mph (unless otherwise posted) |
| Urban interstate / highway | 55 mph |
| Designated rural interstate / highway | 65–75 mph (where posted) |
| Open mountain highway | 40 mph |
| Narrow, winding mountain highway / blind curve | 20 mph |
| School zones / work zones | Obey posted limit — fines are DOUBLED |
| Situation | Distance |
|---|---|
| Signal before turn/lane change — urban | 100 feet |
| Signal before turn/lane change — 4-lane hwy >40 mph | 200 feet |
| Minimum signal on time | 3 seconds (canceled within 3 seconds of completing) |
| Following distance (normal conditions) | 3-second rule (pick fixed object; count "one thousand one, two, three") |
| Following distance (adverse conditions) | Increase following distance in rain, fog, snow, ice, or high winds |
| Stop at railroad crossing (no stop line) | At least 10 feet from the tracks |
| Fire hydrant | 15 feet MEMORIZE |
| Parallel park — distance from curb | Within 12 inches of curb |
| Traffic signal, stop sign, or railroad crossing | 30 feet |
| No passing near intersection or railroad crossing | 100 feet |
| In front of any driveway | Always prohibited |
| School bus stopped with red flashing lights | Stop at least 20 feet before the bus (both sides unless physical barrier or median) |
| Dim headlights (oncoming vehicle) | 500 feet |
| Dim headlights (following vehicle) | 200 feet |
| Bicyclist passing clearance | Minimum 3 feet between vehicle and cyclist |
| Headlights on | Sunset to sunrise OR when visibility is less than 1,000 feet |
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Instruction Permit minimum age | 15 (with driver education) or 16 |
| Instruction Permit fee | Confirm current amount at myDMV.Colorado.gov |
| Instruction Permit minimum hold period | 12 months before applying for a driver license |
| Supervisor requirement (permit) | 21+ with a valid Colorado license, seated in the front passenger seat |
| Supervised driving log | 50 hours total (10 at night). Affidavit of Liability (DR2460) required for under-18. |
| Behind-the-wheel training (under 16½) | 6 hours with approved driver education instructor |
| Driver License eligible | After 12 months with permit AND at least age 16 |
| Curfew (first year of licensure, under 18) | No driving midnight–5 a.m. unless with instructor/parent/legal guardian; exceptions for school, work (signed statement), and medical emergencies |
| Passenger restriction (under 18) | First 6 months of licensure: no passengers under 21 (parent/licensed adult exception); next 6 months: 1 passenger under 21; after 1 year: no limit |
| Cell phone rule | All drivers: handheld use prohibited (hands-free permitted; emergency/law enforcement exceptions). Texting banned outright. |
| All minor-driver rules end at | Age 18 |
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Under 2 yr AND under 40 lbs | Rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat |
| Under 2 yr AND 40+ lbs | Rear-facing OR forward-facing child restraint |
| Age 2 to under 4 AND at least 20 lbs | Rear-facing or forward-facing restraint in the rear seat (if available) |
| Age 4 to under 9 AND at least 40 lbs | Child restraint or booster seat in the rear seat (if available) |
| Age 9 to 18 | Seat belt or child restraint system per manufacturer instructions |
| Children under 16 | Must be properly restrained — this is a primary Colorado law |
| Safety belt required | Driver, all front-seat passengers, and children under 16 (primary enforcement) |
| Coverage | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Proof of insurance | Required when operating a vehicle; must show on officer request |
| Minimum liability limits | Set by Colorado Financial Responsibility Law — confirm with DMV / DORA |
| Failure to provide insurance | Traffic violation |
| Proof of insurance required | Must be available at traffic stop; electronic proof on phone is acceptable |
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard Driver License fee | Confirm current fee at myDMV.Colorado.gov |
| Knowledge test | Included in license application — verify at myDMV.Colorado.gov |
| Instruction Permit fee | Verify at myDMV.Colorado.gov |
| Duplicate license / renewals online | myDMV.Colorado.gov (eligible customers) |
| License renewal frequency | Confirm at myDMV.Colorado.gov; vision exam may apply |
| Address / name change deadline | Within 30 days (notify the Colorado DMV) |
| Organ donor registry | Donate Life Colorado — DonateLifeColorado.org (Donor Alliance 303-329-4747) |
| Work zone fines | Doubled for violations in work zones and school zones |
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual