While many of the laws are already in effect, transportation officials say confusion about the rules continues to contribute to crashes and unsafe driving behavior.

Distracted Driving Remains a Priority

Colorado’s hands-free law continues to be one of the campaign’s primary messages. Since 2024, drivers have been prohibited from holding a cellphone or other electronic device while operating a vehicle. Hands-free accessories and dashboard-mounted devices remain legal, allowing motorists to make calls or use navigation without handling the device.

The campaign also reminds drivers that Colorado’s expressed consent law requires motorists suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol to submit to a breath or blood test. Refusing the test can result in the loss of driving privileges.

Laws That Affect Commercial Drivers

Several reminders included in the campaign are particularly relevant for truck drivers. Colorado’s traction and chain requirements remain in effect during winter weather events to improve highway safety and reduce closures. Commercial vehicles traveling through designated mountain corridors must meet those requirements whenever they are activated.

The department is likewise reminding motorists to keep right unless actively passing another vehicle and to comply with Colorado’s Move Over law when approaching stopped vehicles displaying hazard lights. If changing lanes cannot be done safely, drivers are required to slow to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit.

Sharing the Road

Another focus of the campaign is the interaction between passenger vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and large commercial vehicles.

Colorado law requires motorists to leave at least three feet when passing bicyclists and to yield to pedestrians using marked crosswalks. Drivers are also reminded that cyclists may treat stop signs as yield signs when an intersection is clear, although they must still stop for red traffic signals.

For truck drivers, CDOT notes that roundabouts require additional awareness from surrounding traffic. Because buses and commercial trucks often need extra room to complete a turn safely, other motorists should avoid attempting to drive alongside them while they are navigating the intersection.

CDOT has made the educational materials available through its YouTube channel as part of its ongoing effort to improve awareness of Colorado traffic laws.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 1, 2026

Source: Land Line Media

The post Colorado DOT Highlights Traffic Laws Drivers Commonly Overlook appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The technology enables CDOT staff to close the interstate directly from their operations center, eliminating the need to dispatch crews to block off lanes in person. Digital message boards and lane-use signs will display red Xs when the highway is closed, giving drivers immediate and clear instructions.

John Kronholm, CDOT resident engineer, explained how this will speed up safety operations. “Now, with this remote closure system, it will tell people that the highway is closed and we’ll be able to fill that gap in time in between when we really want the interstate closed and when we can get someone there to physically staff it,” Kronholm told 9News.

Previously, a closure required state patrol or CDOT employees to drive to specific areas along I-70 before shutting it down. By comparison, the new system is expected to save 30 to 45 minutes, giving road crews faster access to treat pavement and reopen travel sooner once conditions improve.

Officials are also reminding drivers that ignoring closure signs carries penalties. Motorists who continue past warnings and enter restricted areas will face tickets.

According to CDOT, the remote closure system will be ready for use during the upcoming winter season.

For drivers preparing for snow-covered routes, Land Line’s updated chain law guide will be released in the October edition of Land Line Magazine, offering a comprehensive look at requirements across North America.

Source: Land Line Media

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