Colorado § 42-4-1602 - Crash involving damage - duty.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1602 — Crash involving damage - duty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-4-1602. Crash involving damage - duty.
(1) The driver of any vehicle directly involved in a crash resulting only in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such crash or as close thereto as possible but shall immediately return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of such crash, except in the circumstances provided in subsection (2) of this section, until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of section 42-4-1603. Every such stop must be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. Any person who violates any provision of this subsection (1) commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.
(2) When a crash occurs on the traveled portion, median, or ramp of a divided highway and each vehicle involved can be safely driven, each driver shall move such driver's vehicle as soon as practicable off the traveled portion, median, or ramp to a frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street, or other suitable location to fulfill the requirements of section 42-4-1603.
Source: L. 94: Entire title amended with relocations, p. 2400, § 1, effective January 1, 1995. L. 2026: Entire section amended, (HB 26-1237), ch. 117, p. 482, § 60, effective August 12.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 42-4-1402 as it existed prior to 1994, and the former § 42-4-1602 was relocated to § 42-4-1802.
ANNOTATION
Annotator's note. Since § 42-4-1602 is similar to § 42-4-1402 as it existed prior to the 1994 amending of title 42 as enacted by SB 94-1, relevant cases construing that provision have been included with the annotations to this section.
This section and § 42-4-1401 cover accidents involving death, injuries, and property damage. City of Aurora v. Mitchell, 144 Colo. 526, 357 P.2d 923 (1960).
Section applies only to accidents involving damage to vehicle which is driven or attended by another person. Lumbardy v. People, 625 P.2d 1026 (Colo. 1981).
Section cannot serve as basis of conviction for leaving the scene of a single-car accident. Lumbardy v. People, 625 P.2d 1026 (Colo. 1981).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 42-4-1602
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1602 cover?
Section 42-4-1602 ("Crash involving damage - duty.") 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 § 42-4-1602?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1602" (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 § 42-4-1602 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.