Colorado § 42-2-139 - Permitting unauthorized minor to drive.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-2-139 — Permitting unauthorized minor to drive., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-2-139. Permitting unauthorized minor to drive.
(1) No parent or guardian shall cause or knowingly permit his or her child or ward under the age of eighteen years to drive a motor vehicle upon any highway when such minor has not been issued a currently valid minor driver's license or instruction permit or shall cause or knowingly permit such child or ward to drive a motor vehicle upon any highway in violation of the conditions, limitations, or restrictions contained in a license or permit which has been issued to such child or ward.
(2) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.
Source: L. 94: Entire title amended with relocations, p. 2157, § 1, effective January 1, 1995. L. 2000: (1) amended, p. 1358, § 35, effective July 1, 2001.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 42-2-131 as it existed prior to 1994.
Cross references: For the penalty for a class B traffic infraction, see § 42-4-1701 (3)(a)(I).
ANNOTATION
Annotator's note. Since § 42-2-139 is similar to § 42-2-131 as it existed prior to the 1994 amending of title 42 as enacted by SB 94-1, a relevant case construing that provision has been included with the annotations to this section.
Under this section it must be shown parent knowingly permitted child to drive. Even if conceded that defendant has on other occasions permitted his son to drive a car, before liability will attach, it is necessary that it be shown that the parent caused, or knowingly permitted, the son to drive the car. Kirkpatrick v. McCarty, 112 Colo. 588, 152 P.2d 994 (1944) (decided under repealed CSA, C. 16, § 153).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 42-2-139
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-2-139 cover?
Section 42-2-139 ("Permitting unauthorized minor to drive.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 42-2-139?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-2-139" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 42-2-139 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.