Colorado § 42-4-242 - Automated driving systems - safe harbor.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-242 — Automated driving systems - safe harbor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-4-242. Automated driving systems - safe harbor.
(1) A person may use an automated driving system to drive a motor vehicle or to control a function of a motor vehicle if the system is capable of complying with every state and federal law that applies to the function that the system is operating.
(2) Any provision in articles 1 to 3 of this title 42 and this article 4 that by its nature regulates a human driver, including section 42-2-101, does not apply to an automated driving system, except for laws regulating the physical driving of a vehicle.
(3) (a) If an automated driving system is not capable of complying with every state and federal law that applies to the function the system is operating, a person shall not test the system unless approved by the Colorado state patrol and the Colorado department of transportation, in accordance with a process overseen by the Colorado state patrol and the Colorado department of transportation.
(b) A person who violates this subsection (3) commits a class B traffic infraction. Upon determining that there is probable cause to believe that a motor vehicle was used to violate this subsection (3), a peace officer of the state patrol may impound or immobilize the motor vehicle until the person who violated this section has obtained the required approval in accordance with subsection (3)(a) of this section or signed an affidavit, under penalty of perjury, stating the person's intention to cease using the automated driving system in Colorado without the required approval.
(4) The Colorado department of transportation shall report to the transportation legislation review committee by September 1 of each year, concerning the testing of automated driving systems in Colorado. The first report is due by September 1, 2018. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 24-1-136, the reporting requirement contained in this subsection (4) continues indefinitely.
(5) Liability for a crash involving an automated driving system driving a motor vehicle that is not under human control is determined in accordance with applicable state law, federal law, or common law.
Source: L. 2017: Entire section added, (SB 17-213), ch. 277, p. 1518, § 4, effective August 9.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration in SB 17-213, see section 1 of chapter 277, Session Laws of Colorado 2017.
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Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 42-4-242
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-242 cover?
Section 42-4-242 ("Automated driving systems - safe harbor.") 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 § 42-4-242?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-242" (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 § 42-4-242 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.