Colorado § 42-4-233 - Alteration of suspension system.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-233 — Alteration of suspension system., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-4-233. Alteration of suspension system.
(1) No person shall operate a motor vehicle of a type required to be registered under the laws of this state upon a public highway with either the rear or front suspension system altered or changed from the manufacturer's original design except in accordance with specifications permitting such alteration established by the department. Nothing contained in this section shall prevent the installation of manufactured heavy-duty equipment to include shock absorbers and overload springs, nor shall anything contained in this section prevent a person from operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with normal wear of the suspension system if normal wear shall not affect the control of the vehicle.
(2) This section shall not apply to motor vehicles designed or modified primarily for off-highway racing purposes, and such motor vehicles may be lawfully towed on the highways of this state.
(3) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.
Source: L. 94: Entire title amended with relocations, p. 2267, § 1, effective January 1, 1995.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 42-4-232 as it existed prior to 1994, and the former § 42-4-233 was relocated to § 42-4-234.
Cross references: For the penalty for class 2 misdemeanor traffic offenses, see § 42-4-1701 (3)(a)(II); for the penalty and surcharge for equipment violations of this section, see § 42-4-1701 (4)(a)(I)(D).
ANNOTATION
Annotator's note. Since § 42-4-233 is similar to § 42-4-232 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 in the annotations to this section.
Section unconstitutional. This section's flat prohibition against any motor vehicle suspension system alteration, except the installation of heavy duty shock absorbers or springs, is unconstitutionally overbroad. People v. Von Tersch, 180 Colo. 295, 505 P.2d 5 (1973) (decided prior to 1975 amendment).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 42-4-233
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-233 cover?
Section 42-4-233 ("Alteration of suspension system.") 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 § 42-4-233?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-233" (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 § 42-4-233 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.