Colorado Motorcycle Laws

Motorcycles offer a unique way to experience Colorado’s mountain highways and wide-open plains. But the same highways and roads that draw riders from across the country come with risks that can turn dangerous in a moment. Colorado motorcycle laws are designed to reduce those risks, protect riders, and hold negligent drivers accountable when they fail to share the road safely.

If you’re thinking about riding a motorcycle in Colorado, or if you were injured by a negligent driver while riding, knowing the legal framework can be helpful in protecting your rights, making informed decisions, and strengthening any potential injury claim. 

Regulations for motorcycle licensing, helmets, insurance, and other issues affect how and where you ride, and they can also impact your claim if you’re injured. If you’re seeking answers after a serious collision, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Denver, Colorado, can help guide you through the legal steps that follow.

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Key Takeaways for Colorado Motorcycle Laws

• Riding a motorcycle in Colorado means sharing the road with vehicles that may be larger, faster, or less attentive. Staying visible and cautious is essential.
• The greatest threat to motorcyclists often comes from others behind the wheel. Knowing your rights and riding defensively can help protect you from careless drivers.
• Safety gear like helmets and eye protection may not always be required by law, but they often make the difference between walking away and lifelong injury.
• Following Colorado motorcycle laws is about building habits that reduce risk and help protect you from some of the most common motorcycle accident causes.
• If a crash does happen, having legal support from a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you hold others accountable and take control of your recovery.

Do You Need a Motorcycle License in Colorado?

Yes. In Colorado, you cannot legally operate a motorcycle on public roads without a valid motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. This applies to both residents and out-of-state motorcycle riders temporarily in Colorado.

Unlike some states that issue a separate license, Colorado adds a motorcycle endorsement, often called a Class M endorsement, to your existing driver’s license.

Do Motorcyclists Have to Wear Helmets in Colorado?

Colorado’s helmet laws strike a balance between rider choice and safety, at least for adults.

Motorcycle riders age 18 and over

You are not legally required to wear a helmet. However, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) strongly recommends wearing DOT-approved helmets, especially on highways or in high-traffic areas where the risk of head trauma is higher.

Riders and passengers under 18

You are legally required to wear a helmet that meets Department of Transportation (DOT) standards whenever the motorcycle is in motion. These are sometimes called “all-rider helmet laws” for minors.

Helmets must meet minimum safety standards and should be clearly labeled as DOT-compliant.

Riding without one not only puts your safety at risk—it may also complicate insurance claims after a crash, particularly if a traumatic brain injury is involved.

Is Eye Protection Mandatory for Motorcyclists in Colorado?

Eye protection is required by law in Colorado, regardless of age. All motorcycle operators and passengers in Colorado must wear eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windscreen designed to provide full facial coverage.

Colorado law recognizes the importance of shielding your eyes from wind, dust, and road debris. Adequate eye protection includes:

• Safety glasses or goggles
• Face shields attached to helmets
• A full windshield that offers adequate eye protection by Colorado’s legal standards

Standard sunglasses do not meet this requirement unless they’re shatterproof and specifically labeled for safety use.

Colorado Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Before you take your first ride, you’ll need to show proof of insurance that meets state minimum coverage requirements. These requirements are the same for motorcycles as they are for other motor vehicles:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident
• $15,000 for property damage per accident

While these are the legal minimums, many riders choose to carry higher limits and add underinsured/uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, and the minimum policy likely won’t come close to covering your medical expenses and losses if you suffer serious injuries in a motorcycle collision.

Can You Split Lanes or Ride Side by Side in Colorado?

This is one of the most common questions about Colorado motorcycle laws, especially with recent changes in the law. The answer depends on how you’re sharing the road—and when.

• Lane splitting remains illegal. Lane splitting refers to riding between lanes of moving traffic. In Colorado, this is still against the law and may result in a citation. It can also complicate your fault in a motorcycle accident claim.
• Lane filtering is now legal in limited situations. As of August 2024, lane filtering, which involves riding between lanes of stopped traffic at a light or intersection, is allowed under specific conditions:
  • Traffic must be completely stopped
  • The road must have at least two lanes moving in the same direction
  • The motorcyclist must ride no faster than 15 mph
  • Lane filtering is only permitted when it is safe to do so
• Lane sharing is legal. Two motorcycles may ride in the same lane side by side (riding “two abreast”). However, only two motorcycles are permitted per lane.

These changes aim to improve rider safety in high-traffic areas and reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. However, filtering must be done cautiously, and not all drivers expect it, especially in areas where the law is new. Even when allowed, lane filtering requires focus and restraint to avoid unexpected movement from surrounding vehicles.

Motorcycle Passenger Laws in Colorado

Bringing a passenger along? Colorado law has specific requirements for safely carrying someone on the back of a motorcycle.

To carry a passenger, your motorcycle must have:

• A dedicated passenger seat behind the operator
• Passenger footrests that your rider can use while the bike is moving

There is no minimum age requirement for passengers in Colorado. However, young children must be able to sit safely, reach the footrests, and hold on securely. In some cases, a sidecar or enclosed cab may be a safer option.

Riders must also follow all helmet and eye protection rules based on the age of the passenger.

Required Safety Equipment for Motorcycles in Colorado

Beyond helmets and insurance, Colorado law outlines certain safety standards that your motorcycle must meet. These regulations ensure your bike can be seen, heard, and operated safely in all road conditions.

Equipment legally required for motorcycles:

• Working turn signals on the front and back

• At least one rearview mirror
• A functional horn
• Brake lights and headlight
• Proper tires and tread depth
• Exhaust system that meets noise limits
• No handlebars above shoulder height

You may also need to pass a motorcycle inspection if your bike was rebuilt, modified, or lacks a clear title. 

Always verify that your equipment complies with Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42 – Vehicles and Traffic, which requires motorcycles to meet specific safety standards to be considered street legal. These rules are designed to improve visibility, control, and overall road safety for riders and others.

Can You Grab Onto Another Vehicle or Ride Tandem in Colorado?

Motorcycle operators must maintain complete control of their bikes at all times. Colorado law makes it illegal to attach your motorcycle to another vehicle, including cars, trucks, or other motorcycles. This includes using hands, ropes, straps, or any other method to ride close behind or tethered to another moving vehicle.

Riders cannot legally:

• Grab onto another motorcycle or vehicle
• Be towed by another vehicle; for example, grab onto a moving car or truck
• Ride between two motorcycles that are already riding two abreast
• Allow a passenger to sit on the gas tank or handlebars

While some of these might sound like stunts or harmless tricks, they are traffic law violations in Colorado that can result in fines or worse if they lead to an accident. These rules are enforced to keep both riders and surrounding drivers safe on the road.

Group Riding and Single Lane Rules

Motorcycles often travel in groups, especially during peak riding seasons across Colorado’s scenic routes. But riding together still requires following the law and staying alert to others around you.

When riding as part of a group, be sure to follow these key rules:

• Riders may share the same lane, but no more than two riders per lane side by side
• Each rider must have enough space to maneuver safely, even when riding “two abreast”
• Do not ride more than two abreast in a single lane or block traffic intentionally
• All riders must obey standard traffic laws, including stop signs, signals, lane markers, and speed limits

Popular stretches of Colorado highways, like Highway 36, I-70 through the Rockies, and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, often attract riders in large numbers. Staying within your lane, keeping a safe following distance, and watching for vehicles changing lanes are essential to ride safely in these areas.

Motorcycle Safety Gear: More Than Just Helmets

Wearing the right gear doesn’t just meet legal standards—it can save your life. While some safety equipment is legally required, others are strongly recommended to prevent serious injuries.

Protective gear Colorado riders should wear:

• DOT-approved helmets, especially on high-speed roads
• Eye protection: safety goggles or visors—even with a windshield
• Gloves with reinforced palms and knuckle protection
• Long sleeves and riding jackets made from abrasion-resistant material
• Boots that cover the ankles and provide grip
• Reflective vests or tape to increase visibility at night

These items meet or exceed minimum safety standards, and they can significantly reduce injury in a crash. While the law may not require all of them, crash statistics clearly show they save lives. Riders in shorts, sneakers, or without helmets face higher risks of road rash, head trauma, and even death.

What Happens If You’re in a Motorcycle Accident in Colorado?

If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident in Colorado, you have up to three years to file a claim under the state’s motor vehicle statute of limitations (Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-80-101(1)(n)).

Motorcycles are legally considered motor vehicles, so the longer three-year window applies, not the two-year deadline for general personal injury cases.

Fault and negligence rules

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:

• If you’re less than 50% at fault, you may still pursue compensation
• Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovery

This rule can affect your claim significantly. For example, if you weren’t wearing a helmet and suffered a head injury, the insurance company may argue that you contributed to your own injuries, even though helmets aren’t required for adults. A Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer can help respond to those arguments, prove the other driver’s negligence, and fight for your maximum compensation.

Common Legal Issues in Motorcycle Crash Cases

Even if the crash wasn’t your fault, insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. They might argue that you:

• Were speeding or weaving through traffic
• Didn’t have the proper motorcycle license or endorsement
• Failed to wear legally required protective gear
• Were riding too closely or attempting to lane split

Motorcycle accident claims often involve severe injuries, high medical costs, and complex investigations. Working with a legal team that understands both Colorado motorcycle laws and how to build a strong case is key.

FAQ for Colorado Motorcycle Laws

How old do you have to be to get a motorcycle license in Colorado?

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a motorcycle instruction permit in Colorado. Riders under 18 must also complete a safety course and hold the permit for 12 months before receiving a full motorcycle endorsement.

Do passengers have to wear helmets in Colorado?

Only passengers under 18 are required to wear helmets under Colorado law. Adult passengers are not legally required to wear helmets but are strongly encouraged to wear DOT-approved helmets for safety.

Can motorcycles ride in HOV or carpool lanes in Colorado?

Yes, motorcycles may use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) or carpool lanes, even with only one rider. Federal regulations allow motorcycles to use HOV lanes unless specifically prohibited, and Colorado follows this rule.

What happens if you ride without insurance in Colorado?

Riding without insurance is a serious offense. You may face fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment. If you’re involved in an accident without coverage, you may also be personally liable for all damages.

Is lane splitting legal for motorcycles in Colorado?

No. Lane splitting—riding between lanes of traffic—is not legal in Colorado. Doing so can result in a citation and may weaken your legal position if an accident occurs while splitting lanes.

Consult a Colorado Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Who Gets It

Motorcycle accidents can leave you dealing with serious injuries, surgeries, lost work, months of recovery, or even permanent disability. The last thing you need is the weight of a legal fight and the stress of not knowing what the future holds. 

At Fuicelli & Lee, our personal injury lawyers in Denver, Colorado, know how high the stakes are for riders. We’ve represented injured riders and their families through some of the most challenging times of their lives.

Our team includes trial-tested attorneys who are prepared to handle serious injury cases with the care, urgency, and commitment they demand. We build every case as if it’s going to trial and fight to pursue full, fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Whether you were struck while riding through Denver, injured on I-25, or sideswiped in the foothills near Golden, we’re ready to help. Contact us at (303)444-4444 or send us a message online to schedule your free consultation today. You’ll speak with an experienced Colorado motorcycle accident lawyer who’s here to listen and ready to fight for you.

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