SB 17-229

Senate Bill 17-229, also known as the "Move Over for Cody Act," updates Colorado law by requiring drivers to exercise caution when passing stationary public utility service vehicles, in addition to emergency and towing vehicles. If a driver's actions cause injury or death while passing these vehicles, the penalties are increased: it becomes a misdemeanor if someone is injured and a felony if someone dies as a result of the driver’s negligence. The bill has been signed into law, meaning drivers must now follow this new rule and face stricter consequences for failing to do so.

Official Summary

Under current, law a driver who fails to exhibit due care and caution when approaching or passing a stationary emergency vehicle or towing carrier vehicle commits careless driving, which is a class A traffic offense. The bill adds stationary public utility service vehicles to the statute. The bill increases the penalty to a class 1 misdemeanor if the driver's actions are the proximate cause of bodily injury to another person and to a class 6 felony if the actions are the proximate cause of the death of another person. The short title of the bill is the 'Move Over for Cody Act'. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

Votes