Colorado § 42-4-612 - When signals are inoperative or malfunctioning - penalty.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-612 — When signals are inoperative or malfunctioning - penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-4-612. When signals are inoperative or malfunctioning - penalty.
(1) (a) When a driver approaches an intersection and faces a traffic control signal that is inoperative, that remains on steady red or steady yellow during several time cycles, or that does not recognize a motorcycle or autocycle that is operated by the driver, the provisions controlling entrance to a through street or highway from a stop sign or highway, as provided under section 42-4-703, apply until a police officer assumes control of traffic or until the traffic control signal resumes normal operation.
(b) If a traffic control signal at a place other than an intersection ceases to operate or malfunctions as specified in subsection (1)(a) of this section, drivers may proceed past the signal only with caution, as if the signal were flashing yellow.
(2) Whenever a pedestrian faces a pedestrian-control signal as provided in section 42-4-802 which is inoperative or which remains on "Don't Walk" or "Wait" during several time cycles, such pedestrian shall not enter the roadway unless the pedestrian can do so safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.
(3) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class A traffic infraction.
Source: L. 94: Entire title amended with relocations, p. 2346, § 1, effective January 1, 1995. L. 2019: (1) amended, (SB 19-144), ch. 126, p. 571, § 1, effective August 2. L. 2022: (1)(a) amended, (HB 22-1043), ch. 361, p. 2586, § 21, effective January 1, 2023.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 42-4-514 as it existed prior to 1994, and the former § 42-4-612 was relocated to § 42-4-1903.
Cross references: For the penalty for a class A traffic infraction generally, see § 42-4-1701 (3)(a)(I); for the penalty and surcharge for signals, signs, and markings violations of this section, see § 42-4-1701 (4)(a)(I)(G).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 42-4-612
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-612 cover?
Section 42-4-612 ("When signals are inoperative or malfunctioning - penalty.") 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 § 42-4-612?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-612" (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 § 42-4-612 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
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