Colorado is a hub for commercial trucking activity. The state enforces strict trucking regulations designed to keep roads safe and trucking companies accountable. The sections below explain the major trucking laws in Colorado.
Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Registration Requirements
To operate a commercial vehicle in Colorado, truck drivers must meet licensing and registration requirements. Drivers must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with the proper endorsements for the type of cargo they haul (e.g., hazardous materials, tankers, or double trailers). They must also meet federal medical standards and pass background checks, especially if they transport hazardous materials.
Trucking companies operating within the state must register with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and secure the right permits. These rules ensure that all commercial carriers contribute to road maintenance and follow uniform safety standards.
Weight, Size, and Cargo Load
Colorado places strict limits on the size and weight of commercial trucks to protect the roadways and other drivers/passengers. The general weight limit for trucks is 85,000 pounds, which is 5,000 pounds heavier than the federal limit. Heavier loads require special overweight permits based on the state’s Bridge Formula, which calculates safe weight distribution.
Trucks are also limited to 8 feet 6 inches in width, 14 feet in height, and 70 feet in length (though combination vehicles may vary). Anything exceeding those limits requires an oversize/overweight permit from the Colorado Department of Transportation. Loads must also be properly secured under federal rules; violations can result in steep fines, vehicle impoundment, and increased liability if a crash occurs.
Trucking Laws in Colorado
Mountain Driving and Colorado’s Chain Laws
Few states present the same mountain driving challenges as Colorado. In certain parts of the year, commercial vehicles traveling on dangerous mountain routes must comply with Colorado’s chain law when conditions require it.
Essentially, trucks must have chains or approved traction devices on hand. Chains are required on drive tires while driving on affected roads.
Failure to comply can result in fines and other penalties. Additionally, ignoring chain laws can expose a driver or trucking company to a personal injury lawsuit if a crash occurs in hazardous weather.
Hours of Service Regulations
Colorado enforces federal Hours of Service regulations to reduce fatigue-related crashes. These rules limit truckers to:
- 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14 consecutive hours of total on-duty time per day, including driving and non-driving duties.
- 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days, depending on the carrier’s schedule.
Most drivers must also use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track their hours.
Who Enforces These Laws?
The Colorado State Patrol enforces trucking laws through weigh stations, roadside inspections, and random checks. Violations can lead to fines, CDL suspensions, and other penalties. Serious safety violations can also trigger investigations by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Personal Injury Claims After a Crash
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Colorado, you may be entitled to compensation from the truck driver, trucking company, or their insurer. A personal injury lawsuit can help you recover money for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
An experienced Englewood truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options after a collision. They can also evaluate whether the truck driver or trucking company violated Colorado’s trucking laws. Contact Legal Help in Colorado for a free consultation to discuss your rights.