For drivers under 18 years of age, Colorado implemented GDL laws to help teenagers gain important driving skills gradually while limiting dangers by restricting the number of passengers, banning cellphone use and setting a curfew.
Colorado’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws are designed to help new teen drivers under the age of 18 develop important driving skills gradually while adhering to crucial restrictions during the first years of driving.
Over the past 20 years, GDL laws have contributed to a near 50% reduction in traffic fatalities involving young drivers. GDL laws mean safer roads for everybody.
Types of training that may be required or recommended before obtaining a license:
- Instruction permit: All new drivers under age 18 require a parent/legal guardian’s signed “Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship” to get an instruction permit.
- 50 hours of logged driving time (10 of the 50 hours must be at night): Completed under the supervision of the Colorado-licensed parent or legal guardian who signed the Affidavit of Liability, or a Colorado-licensed alternate permit supervisor appointed by the parent/guardian.
- Driver’s education: An approved 30-hour classroom or internet-based course that covers all aspects of driving, as recommended by the USDOT.
- Driver awareness program: A 4-hour classroom course on safety and driver education.
- Behind-the-wheel training: 6 hours of driving, in traffic situations, with an instructor employed or associated with an approved driver education course. For a list of state-approved driving schools, visit the website for the Colorado Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles at colorado.gov/revenue/dmv.
- Driver’s license: Teens can apply for a license after having a permit for a full 12 months.
Penalties for permit violations:
| Violation | Minimum Fine | License Points |
|---|---|---|
| No approved supervisor | $70 | 3 |
| Cell phone use | $50 1st offense $100 2nd offense | 1 |
Penalties for restricted license violations:
| Violation | Minimum Fine | Hours of Community Service | License Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unauthorized passenger | $50 1st offense $100 2nd offense $150 3rd offense | 8 to 24 | 2 |
| All occupants must wear seat belt; more than one passenger front seat; more passengers than seat belts in rear | $65 1st offense $130 2nd offense $195 3rd offense | 8 to 40 | 2 |
| Curfew | $50 1st offense $100 2nd offense $150 3rd offense | 8 to 24 | 2 |
Remember:
- No passengers under 21 for the first 6 months and no more than one passenger under 21 during the second 6 months (siblings and medical emergencies are exempt).
- No cell phone use while driving. Visit codot.gov/handsfreeco for more information on Colorado’s hands-free driving law.
- Drivers and all passengers under 18 must wear a seat belt.
- No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by an instructor, parent or legal guardian.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Always carry proof of auto insurance.
- Breaking any driving laws, including GDL restrictions, can put you at risk of losing your license or being involved in a car crash.