Legal Question in Traffic Law in Colorado

Speed Trap?

I was recently pulled over for speeding. I've heard that in CO, an officer doing speed violation monitoring at night has to either have at least his parking lights on, or be parked perpendicular to the road so that the reflective stickers on the car can be seen. The officer that pulled me over was parked in a dark area (no street lights within a good 50 yards in either direction of him), was parked parallel to the street and had no lights whatsoever on. I had 2 friends in my car with me that can confirm this. Is this something that can help me reduce get the ticket thrown out?


Asked on 5/12/04, 7:17 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Colt Colt Law Firm, P.C.

Re: Speed Trap?

Hello. Your question has particular relevance to me, as before I became an attorney, I worked as a deputy sheriff for 10 years, often working traffic enforcement.

In Colorado, a police officer is not required to have his parking lights while the officer is shooting radar and he is not required to park so that his reflective stickers are visible. It is only a rumor that these are the requirements and there is no legal basis in Colorado for these requirements.

During the years I was a deputy sheriff, I heard this rumor several times from persons that I met... I am guessing that in some states it might be the law... but not in Colorado.

I hope this answer helps you. David Colt.

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Answered on 5/12/04, 6:01 pm


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