CO HB1135

Reduces penalty for operating a commercial motor vehicle without a valid commercial driver's license from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class A traffic infraction if the driver presents a valid license to the court within 30 days of the violation or at the first scheduled court appearance.

Creates a new Class 1 misdemeanor offense called "unlawful direction to operate a commercial motor vehicle" that prohibits employers, officers, or agents from authorizing or permitting employees to operate commercial motor vehicles when the employer knows or should know the employee lacks required qualifications.

Establishes three interim legislative committee studies during the 2024 legislative interim on: (1) enforcement of impaired driving offenses and refusal to take blood or breath tests, (2) careless driving incidents resulting in accidental death, and (3) appropriate penalties for failing to maintain vehicle insurance and present proof of insurance.

Appropriates $1,455 for fiscal year 2024-25 to the Department of Revenue from the Colorado DRIVES vehicle services account for system maintenance, division of motor vehicles support, administrative services, and information technology payments.

Takes effect upon passage except Section 1 (commercial driver's license penalties) takes effect August 1, 2024, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.