Colorado parking laws: understanding the basics
Many drivers in Colorado are well aware of the regulations and laws when they are out driving on the roads. However, they may not be quite as familiar with the laws regarding parking. If you do not know where it is illegal to park, you could be facing some fines from the city or town where you live. In some cases, your vehicle might even be towed and impounded. It is important to have a basic understanding of these laws to avoid these issues.
Know the laws
In Colorado, there are a number of regulations and laws that prohibit parking unless it is an emergency. Understanding these laws will help ensure you do not park your vehicle in an area that could cause you to get a ticket and an expensive fine that you would much rather avoid. If you have to park in a public area, it is always a good idea to make sure you are as far off the road as possible. This will ensure that traffic can still flow, and that there is less of a risk of an accident.
Unless a law enforcement officer tells you to pull over in one of the following areas, you should never park there. Drivers are forbidden to park in intersections or on sidewalks and crosswalks. It is illegal to park between a safety zone and a curb as well. If there is construction and excavation happening on the street, or if there is an obstruction in the roadway, you are not allowed to park opposite or next to it.
Never park in a highway tunnel, an overpass, or a bridge. In addition, you cannot park on railroad tracks. In fact, you cannot park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing. Drivers are not allowed to park within 20 feet of a fire station driveway either.
Colorado parking law also states that you cannot park within five feet of a public or private driveway. If you park too close, it could make it difficult or impossible for other drivers to get into or out of it. Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, or within 30 feet of a flashing beacon, yield sign, stop sign, or traffic signal.
There may be other areas that prohibit parking. They will generally be denoted with signs, or the curb may be painted red, which would indicate a fire lane. Always pay attention to the signs to make sure you do not park in the wrong place inadvertently.
What are the fines?
Each town and city in Colorado will likely have its own set of regulations and laws for parking, which you will have to follow. In addition, the fines can vary based on the city or town where you received the ticket. It is important to make sure you pay for your fines as soon as possible, so they do not increase.
By paying attention to the laws and the signs, you should not run into any trouble when it comes to parking in Colorado.
