Colorado headlight laws (live, law, safety)

[rushhournewb]

The law states "between dusk and dawn". Is there some official definition of these two terms? Yes, I've searched high and low and only find "dusk and dawn". Like, headlights are supposed to be turned on 1/2 hour before you can't see anything? 1 hour? What is "dusk" anyway?

[reed303]

It seems the actual law in Colorado Revised Statutes uses the words "sunrise and sunset". As in

"TITLE 42. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
REGULATION OF VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
ARTICLE 4.REGULATION OF VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
PART 2. EQUIPMENT
C.R.S. 42-4-204 (2012)
42-4-204. When lighted lamps are required



(1) Every vehicle upon a highway within this state, between sunset and sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of one thousand feet ahead, shall display lighted lamps and illuminating devices as required by this article for different classes of vehicles, subject to exceptions with respect to parked vehicles."

C.R.S. 42-4-204

[reed303]

Re "What is "dusk" anyway?", see

Dusk - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[rushhournewb]

Originally Posted by reed303

It seems the actual law in Colorado Revised Statutes uses the words "sunrise and sunset". As in

"TITLE 42. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
REGULATION OF VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
ARTICLE 4.REGULATION OF VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
PART 2. EQUIPMENT
C.R.S. 42-4-204 (2012)
42-4-204. When lighted lamps are required



(1) Every vehicle upon a highway within this state, between sunset and sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of one thousand feet ahead, shall display lighted lamps and illuminating devices as required by this article for different classes of vehicles, subject to exceptions with respect to parked vehicles."

C.R.S. 42-4-204

So, "sunset and sunrise" as defined by who? Sunset (i.e. sun going "down") next the foothills is way sooner than out on the plains. "Clearly discernible" seems like a purely subjective call if pulled over--"hey, I can see just fine" Cop "no you can't".

[rushhournewb]

Originally Posted by reed303

Re "What is "dusk" anyway?", see

Dusk - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Clear as mud. Does Colorado law define "dusk" as "Civil" "Nautical" or "Astronomical"?

[Idunn]

This is academic to many, as under the misapprehension that Colorado is northern Sweden—therefore with headlights on continually. Note to same: the sun is out (as most always), your AC is likely full on, and everyone else can see you on full PC safety alert.

Otherwise, dusk is the betwixt and between when not so fully dark you'll drive off the side of the road without the help of some artificial light, but all still vaguely familiar as it grows dimmer. In other words, a good time to begin thinking of turning the lights on. And if it might help any other driver to see you, then before then (likely not July 4th, at Noon).

[BarryK123]

From what I see on the roads, black and gray cars are exempt from headlight laws and common sense.

I find it amusing how many of these dimwits who don't turn on lights when they should have a dented bumper.

[Sonic_Spork]

Originally Posted by BarryK123

From what I see on the roads, black and gray cars are exempt from headlight laws and common sense.

I find it amusing how many of these dimwits who don't turn on lights when they should have a dented bumper.

Dim...wits...ha! I see what you did there.

In many states where I've lived you are also supposed to have your lights on any time that your windshield wipers are in use (raining, snowing, etc.)

I have noticed any number of cars out when it is clearly dark, with no lights on. The only time I ever made the mistake of not turning on my lights at night, I left a very brightly lit gas station and was driving (in another state) on very brightly lit streets. I didn't really notice they were off for a minute...IIRC my husband noticed and said something. I can't see making that mistake here with the sporadic to nonexistent state of the street lights...

[CosmicWizard]

BarryK123 wrote: I find it amusing how many of these dimwits who don't turn on lights

This behaviour is more prevalent in Colorado than anywhere else I've ever lived. Everywhere else, I could flash my lights off and on at an oncoming car driving without lights in poor lighting conditions, and they'd turn on their lights...but not in Colorado. Either they don't get the message or they don't like having an oversight pointed out.

[CarsonCityKid]

What's the difference when dusk and dawn is? Just turn on your lights when its getting dark. What kind of thread is this.