Colorado § 42-4-217 - Use of multiple-beam lights.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-217 — Use of multiple-beam lights., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-4-217. Use of multiple-beam lights.
(1) Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated on a roadway or shoulder adjacent thereto during the times specified in section 42-4-204, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the following requirements and limitations:
(a) Whenever a driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within five hundred feet, such driver shall use a distribution of light or composite beam so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver. The lowermost distribution of light or composite beam specified in section 42-4-216 (1)(b) shall be deemed to avoid glare at all times, regardless of road contour and loading.
(b) Whenever the driver of a vehicle follows another vehicle within two hundred feet to the rear, except when engaged in the act of overtaking and passing, such driver shall use a distribution of light permissible under this title other than the uppermost distribution of light specified in section 42-4-216 (1)(a).
(c) A low-speed electric vehicle may use the distribution of light authorized in section 42-4-216 (1.5).
(2) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class A traffic infraction.
Source: L. 94: Entire title amended with relocations, p. 2253, § 1, effective January 1, 1995. L. 2009: (1)(c) added, (SB 09-075), ch. 418, p. 2324, § 11, effective August 5.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 42-4-215 as it existed prior to 1994, and the former § 42-4-217 was relocated to § 42-4-219.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 42-4-217
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-217 cover?
Section 42-4-217 ("Use of multiple-beam lights.") 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 § 42-4-217?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-217" (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 § 42-4-217 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.