Colorado Trucking Laws

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (Title 49, Parts 350-399) govern all vehicles engaged in interstate traffic.

There are some situations where a tractor-trailer or other commercial motor vehicle is involved in only intrastate travel. For example, an appliance store in Boulder may own a truck that only makes in-state deliveries.

The Colorado Department of Public Safety has adopted Title 49, Parts 382-384 and 390-399 of the federal regulations.

The following provisions are an overview of Colorado laws that affect trucks operating only in Colorado:

Driver Qualifications

Colorado has adopted Part 391 of the Federal Regulations with a few modifications. For example, any person not meeting the physical qualification requirements of Sec. 391.43 can apply with the Colorado State Patrol, Motor Carrier Safety Section for a waiver.

Hours of Service

Colorado has adopted the entirety of Part 395 of the Federal Regulations with a few exceptions. For example, Section 395.3 is not applicable to governmental and public utility drivers working an emergency, as defined in Sec 390.5, provided that drivers continue to comply with Sec. 395.1(e)(5) or Sec. 395.8 recording their hours of service. The motor carrier must document this local emergency.

Parts and Accessories

Colorado has adopted the entirety of Part 393 of the Federal Regulations with some differences. One notable exception is that Sec. 393.48 and Sec. 393.49 do not apply to trailers that have hydraulic surge breaks if the GCWR 26,000 pounds and they comply with the other rules concerning surge breaks in Colorado.

Crash reports are available from:

Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicle Business Group
Traffic Records Station
1881 Pierce St. Room 162
Lakewood, Co 80214
(303) 205-5613