Statutory standard
Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1402 generally addresses driving alleged to be careless and imprudent without due regard for the roadway, traffic, and attendant circumstances.
A collision may be part of an allegation, but the occurrence of a collision does not by itself establish the statutory standard.
Careless and reckless driving are different offenses
Careless driving generally concerns careless and imprudent operation. Reckless driving uses a different standard of wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property.
Classifications, injury allegations, and points
The statute distinguishes ordinary careless-driving allegations from allegations involving bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death. The governing classification can depend on the incident date and alleged result.
Colorado’s statewide schedule currently lists ordinary careless driving at four points. The final reported conviction and existing record are separate DMV subjects.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Does every Colorado collision establish careless driving?
No. A collision may lead to an allegation, but the statutory question concerns the driving conduct and surrounding circumstances.
How many points are scheduled for ordinary careless driving?
Colorado’s statewide schedule currently lists ordinary careless driving at four points. The final reported conviction controls the entry.
How do careless and reckless driving differ?
Careless driving concerns careless and imprudent operation without due regard. Reckless driving requires the different standard of wanton or willful disregard for safety.
Can a careless-driving citation include a required court appearance?
Court and citation procedures vary. The appearance status is an official court or citation fact rather than a determination made by this page.
How can an injury allegation affect careless-driving classification?
Colorado law distinguishes ordinary allegations from specified bodily-injury, serious-bodily-injury, and death allegations. The incident date and charged provision determine the governing classification.
Official Colorado and federal sources
These official government sources support the factual copy above. Source availability, laws, and agency information can change.
- Colorado Revised Statutes 2026, Title 42 — § 42-4-1402
- Colorado Session Laws 2025 — SB 25-281
- Colorado DMV — Reinstatement FAQs and Point Suspensions
Sources checked August 22, 2026. Attorney reviewed August 22, 2026.