Colorado § 42-4-509 - Vehicles weighed - excess removed.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-509 — Vehicles weighed - excess removed., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-4-509. Vehicles weighed - excess removed.
(1) Any police or peace officer, as described in section 16-2.5-101, C.R.S., having reason to believe that the weight of a vehicle and load is unlawful is authorized to require the driver to stop and submit to a weighing of the same by means of either portable or stationary scales or shall require that such vehicle be driven to the nearest public scales in the event such scales are within five miles.
(2) (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (2), whenever an officer upon weighing a vehicle and load as provided in subsection (1) of this section determines that the weight is unlawful, such officer shall require the driver to stop the vehicle in a suitable place and remain standing until such portion of the load is removed as may be necessary to reduce the gross weight of such vehicle to such limit as permitted under sections 42-4-501 to 42-4-512 and 42-4-1407. All material so unloaded shall be cared for by the owner or operator of such vehicle at the risk of such owner or operator.
(b) Whenever an officer upon weighing a vehicle and load as provided in subsection (1) of this section determines that the weight is unlawful and the load consists solely of either explosives or hazardous materials as defined in section 42-1-102 (32), such officer shall permit the driver of such vehicle to proceed to the driver's destination without requiring the driver to unload the excess portion of such load.
(3) Any driver of a vehicle who fails or refuses to stop and submit the vehicle and load to a weighing or who fails or refuses when directed by an officer upon a weighing of the vehicle to stop the vehicle and otherwise comply with the provisions of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.
Source: L. 94: Entire title amended with relocations, p. 2333, § 1, effective January 1, 1995. L. 2003: (1) amended, p. 1628, § 61, effective August 6.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 42-4-408 as it existed prior to 1994, and the former § 42-4-509 was relocated to § 42-4-608.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 42-4-509
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-509 cover?
Section 42-4-509 ("Vehicles weighed - excess removed.") 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 § 42-4-509?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-509" (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 § 42-4-509 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.