Careless and Reckless Driving
C.R.S. 42-4-1401 — wanton or willful disregard is reckless, a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, and careless becomes class 1 with an injury
Reckless driving is driving a motor vehicle, bicycle or scooter in a way that shows a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property. It is a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, and a second conviction brings $50 to $1,000, 10 days to six months in jail, or both.
Who handles this in Colorado: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Colorado directory.
Careless driving is driving in a careless and imprudent manner, without due regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic and use of the road.
| Careless driving | Offense |
|---|---|
| Careless drivingWith no injury | OffenseClass 2 misdemeanor traffic offense |
| Careless drivingCausing bodily injury | OffenseClass 1 misdemeanor traffic offense |
| Careless drivingCausing serious bodily injury or death | OffenseClass 1 misdemeanor traffic offense, one count for each person |
Sources for this section (2)
- C.R.S. 42-4-1401 — Reckless driving - penalty
- C.R.S. 42-4-1402 — Careless driving - penalty
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Colorado attorney.