The state of Colorado, the driving laws are tough on teens. As a result, between 2003-2008, the number of teen deaths from auto accidents has dropped by 44%. Unfortunately, in 2004, 80% of all teen passengers that died in car accidents, died while another teen was behind the wheel. Colorado continues to enhance its teen driving laws in a effort to reduce the number of fatal teen auto accidents even more. Not only does Colorado have an effective Graduated Licensing program in place, it also has drunk driving laws that prosecute parents of teens that get caught drinking and driving. Under Colorado’s “Social Host” law, the parent or “host” could be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor. Continue reading to learn more about Colorado’s teen driving laws and the consequences for violating them.
Colorado Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements
In the state of Colorado, under the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing laws, teens are eligible for an instruction permit at the age of 15, if he is participating in a state-approved driver’s education program. He must also complete at least 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Teen’s age 151/2 may obtain an instruction permit after completing at least a 4-hour driver awareness course. If the teen is 16, he may obtain an instruction permit without a driver’s education program or driver awareness course. All teen drivers under the age of 18 must provide a signed affidavit from the parent or legal guardian to receive a instruction permit.
To obtain a driver’s license, you must:
• Hold an instruction permit for at least 12 months
• Have a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel, supervised driving time, to include 10 hours of nighttime driving
• Have a clean driving record. Cell phone infractions will not be tolerated
To apply for a Colorado driver’s license you must provide any of the following documentation to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles to prove full legal name, age, and lawful presence in the United States:
• Social Security Card
• U.S. Birth Certificate
• Colorado Employment Lawyers
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Military ID
• VA Card w/photo
• Colorado Department of Corrections or Federal Bureau of Prison ID card