Traffic violations in Colorado can result in fines, jail time, or points on your driver’s license. Getting the appropriate instruction from a competent driving school is the first step in learning how to avoid traffic infractions.
At iGottadrive, we teach our students to be safe and responsible drivers. Our programs cover everything from the basics of driving to more advanced skills and techniques to help you avoid getting a ticket. Here’s how to avoid some of the most common traffic violations in Colorado:
Do Not Hit and Run
Leaving the scene of an accident, even if you’re not at fault, is a serious offense in Colorado. If you’re involved in an accident, pull over to a safe location and exchange information with the other driver. If there’s property damage, you must also notify the police. Fleeing the scene of an accident results in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the accident’s severity.
Obey the Posted Speed Limit
Colorado has a basic speed law, which states that you must always drive at a safe speed. The posted speed limit is the maximum legal speed you can travel on a given road under ideal conditions.
You should constantly adjust your speed based on the current driving conditions. Slow down if it’s raining, snowing, or icy. Not only will slowing down help you avoid a driving violation, it will also help keep you safe during dangerous weather.
Drive Carefully
Careless driving is regarded as driving in a way that shows disregard for the safety of other people or property. It’s a broad offense that encompasses many different driving behaviors. Examples of careless driving include:
- Driving too fast for the road, weather, or traffic conditions
- Tailgating or following another vehicle too closely
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Making an improper turn
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
All of these behaviors put other drivers and passengers at risk. To avoid careless driving traffic violations, always drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings.
Never Drive While Impaired by Drugs or Alcohol
Driving while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs in Colorado is unlawful. You’ll be charged with a DUI if caught driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This traffic violation can result in high penalties such as jail time or loss of driving privileges. Find a designated driver or call a cab if you plan on drinking.
Come to a Complete Stop at a Red Light or Stop Sign
Running a red light or stop sign puts you at risk of colliding with another vehicle or any pedestrians. This traffic violation results in points against your driving record, a fine, or both. You should always come to a complete stop at a red light or stop sign and then proceed when it’s safe. You should also yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are crossing the street.
Have a Valid License and Insurance When Driving
Driving in Colorado without a valid driver’s license or insurance is illegal. If caught driving without a license, you’ll pay a fine, have your vehicle impounded, or even go to jail. You are responsible for damages if an accident occurs while driving without insurance.
To avoid this traffic violation, stay up-to-date on your license and insurance. At iGottadrive, we offer programs that help you quickly get your license.
Cooperate With Traffic Police Officers
If you flee from a Colorado police officer attempting to pull you over, you are charged with a class 2 misdemeanor traffic infraction. It is also against the law to give false information to a police officer or resist arrest. The penalties for this violation are jail time, a fine, or both.
If an officer stops you, be polite and cooperative. Pull over to a safe location, and wait for the officer to approach you.
Yield the Right-of-Way
You should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles when it is safe. When two cars approach an intersection simultaneously, the driver on the right has the right-of-way. If you fail to yield the right-of-way, you risk causing an accident.
Failure to yield the right-of-way results in fine points against your driving record or both. To avoid this traffic violation, always be aware of your surroundings and yield the right-of-way when necessary.
Enroll in a Driving School To Improve Your Driving Skills
If you want to avoid getting traffic tickets, learn how to be a safe and defensive driver. You can do this by enrolling in a driving school. At iGottadrive, we offer comprehensive driving programs to equip you or your teen with the skills and knowledge needed to be a competent driver.
Our driving school offers in-person and online classes to accommodate your busy schedule. Contact us today to learn more about how our driving programs help you avoid traffic violations.
