Colorado, Is It Legal to Warn Other Drivers About Deer on The Road?

Springtime in the Rockies means lots of wildlife are waking up. Larger animals like bears are starting to wake up from their winter hibernation. Elk and deer are becoming more active, and even the smaller critters like squirrels, skunks, and prairie dogs can already be seen running back and forth across the backroads in many parts of the state.

When you see wildlife near the road in Colorado, is it illegal to warn oncoming motorists by blinking your headlights or flashing your brights? This is very illegal in several states, but what about ours?

Read More: 8 Colorado Highways Named 'High Risk' Places You Might Hit a Deer

Flashing Headlights Is Illegal In Some States

Did you know in states like Alaska, Arizona, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, and North Dakota, it is illegal to flash your headlights at an oncoming vehicle less than 500 feet away, even if you are trying to warn them about a hazard on the road?

Get our free mobile app

Colorado's Headlight Law

The law is slightly different here in Colorado. You still can't flash your brights at an oncoming car less than 500 feet away. While Colorado does not have a law on the books that makes flashing your brights illegal from a distance, Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-217 says you could receive a citation for flashing your brights at an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet. You can also get a ticket for using your brights within 200 feet of a vehicle in front of you.

Read More: Is It Legal to Keep Roadkill in Colorado?

It's All About Distance

In summary, if you see deer crossing the road, you can flash your brights at oncoming cars as long as they are more than 500 feet away. Any closer, and you risk the possibility of a ticket according to Colorado's headlight laws.