New CDOT videos break down commonly misunderstood traffic laws

Nuevos videos de CDOT explican leyes de tráfico comúnmente mal entendidas en español.

Statewide — Understanding traffic laws is a key part of keeping Colorado’s roads safe. To make that information easier to access, the Colorado Department of Transportation has released a video series that explains several new and existing laws drivers should know. The short videos break down commonly misunderstood rules — from tire traction requirements to passing bicyclists — offering a quick and easy refresher for all road users.

The “Road Laws” series includes three videos, each focused on a different set of laws. The videos are available on CDOT’s YouTube channel and are intended to serve as a simple reference for drivers looking to brush up on the rules of the road.

Episode 1: Driver Safety

Hands-Free Law — As of 2024, it’s illegal to hold your phone — or any electronic device — while driving. This includes making phone calls, texting, emailing and scrolling. Hands-free accessories and phone mounts are permitted.

Expressed Consent Law — Drivers in Colorado automatically consent to a breath or blood test if suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Refusing a test can result in license revocation among other penalties.

Traction Law — During certain winter weather conditions, drivers must meet traction or chain requirements. These rules help prevent crashes, closures and backups during storms.

Episode 2: Lane Laws

Left Lane Is for Passing — Colorado law requires drivers to keep right unless actively passing another vehicle. Driving slowly in the left lane can cause congestion, aggressive driving and dangerous passing behavior.

Move Over Law — Drivers must slow down and move over when approaching any stopped vehicle on the side of the road with their hazard lights on. This includes stopped emergency, maintenance or tow vehicles displaying. The law is designed to protect first responders, roadside workers and civilians who are vulnerable to passing traffic. If you can’t safely move over, slow down to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit on highways. On all other roads, slow down to 25 mph or less in a 40 mph zone and at least 20 mph in a 45 mph or higher zone.

Motorcycle Lane Filtering — Motorcyclists in Colorado are allowed to pass stopped vehicles by slowly traveling between lanes such as when traffic is stopped behind a red signal light. Motorcyclists cannot lane split, which involves riding between lanes of moving traffic, which is very dangerous. This video clarifies when lane filtering is legal and what both drivers and motorcyclists should expect to keep everyone safe.

Episode 3: Bikes, Pedestrians and Intersections

Passing Cyclists — Drivers must give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing. When necessary and safe, drivers are allowed to cross a double yellow line to provide adequate clearance. If it is not safe to move over, then drivers must slow down and safely stay behind bicyclists.

Cyclists & Stop Signs/Red Lights — Cyclists are allowed to treat stop signs as yield signs when the intersection is clear and it is safe to proceed. At red lights, cyclists must come to a complete stop and may proceed only when the intersection is clear.

Using Crosswalks — Pedestrians should always use crosswalks when crossing the street and avoid crossing mid-block. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and use extra caution, especially in low-light conditions when visibility is reduced.

Roundabout Rules — When large vehicles such as buses or commercial trucks are in a roundabout, other traffic must yield to allow them adequate space. Drivers approaching a roundabout must also yield to traffic already circulating, which comes from the left.

CDOT encourages all drivers to take a few minutes to watch the videos and refresh their understanding of these laws to help reduce crashes and make Colorado’s roadways safer for everyone. Learn more about traffic safety and Colorado driving laws at codot.gov.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!