Colorado § 42-20-203 - Carrying of permit and shipping papers.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-20-203 — Carrying of permit and shipping papers., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-20-203. Carrying of permit and shipping papers.
(1) Any person transporting hazardous materials that require placarding under 49 CFR 172 or 173 in this state shall carry a copy of the shipping papers required in 49 CFR 172.200 and a copy of the hazardous materials transportation permit issued by the department of transportation or, before January 1, 2021, by the public utilities commission or by the Colorado state patrol at a port of entry weigh station in the transporting motor vehicle while in this state; except that, if a peace officer, as described in section 16-2.5-101, or any other enforcement official determines that the hazardous materials transportation permit can be electronically verified at the time of contact, a copy of the permit need not be carried by the person transporting hazardous materials. The permit is open to inspection or electronic verification by any enforcement official.
(2) In the event of an accident or crash involving hazardous materials, the operator of the motor vehicle shall provide the shipping papers to the emergency response authorities designated in or pursuant to article 22 of title 29 and immediately bring to their attention the fact that the motor vehicle is carrying hazardous materials.
Source: L. 94: Entire title amended with relocations, p. 2523, § 1, effective January 1, 1995. L. 2003: (1) amended, p. 583, § 4, effective January 1, 2004. L. 2004: (1) amended, p. 1212, § 102, effective August 4. L. 2012: (1) amended, (HB 12-1019), ch. 135, p. 472, § 22, effective July 1. L. 2020: (1) amended, (SB 20-118), ch. 155, p. 664, § 3, effective January 1, 2021. L. 2026: (2) amended, (HB 26-1237), ch. 117, p. 496, § 91, effective August 12.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 43-6-203 as it existed prior to 1994.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 42-20-203
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-20-203 cover?
Section 42-20-203 ("Carrying of permit and shipping papers.") 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 § 42-20-203?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-20-203" (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 § 42-20-203 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.