PermitoColorado: what the handbook says and what the law says
A handbook is written to teach, and laws change. Below are places where the Colorado handbook (Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), December 2024 (published January 2025) edition) and the current law do not say the same thing. This is not a criticism of the agency: the handbook is a good study guide, and the test may follow it. Know both.
Parking
The handbook says
The Parking list of places you cannot park includes: "Within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, railroad crossing" and within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. (Parking, p. 13)
The law says
Section 42-4-1204 keeps 30 feet for flashing beacons, stop signs, yield signs and traffic signals (subsection 2(d)) and 15 feet for fire hydrants (2(b)). For railroad crossings it sets a larger distance: no parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail (subsection 3(a)). (Colorado Revised Statutes 42-4-1204(3)(a)).
What to do on the test
Know both. For the test, 30 feet is what the handbook lists. When you actually park near a crossing, stay at least 50 feet from the nearest rail.
Railroad crossings
The handbook says
Describing the stop line at a crossing, the handbook says that if no line is visible you must be "at least 10 feet from the tracks." (Railroad Crossing, p. 21)
The law says
Section 42-4-706(1)(a) says that when a driver must stop at a crossing and there is no marked stop line, the driver stops "not less than fifteen feet nor more than fifty feet from the nearest rail." (Colorado Revised Statutes 42-4-706(1)(a)).
What to do on the test
Know both. The handbook gives a minimum of 10 feet and the law gives a range of 15 to 50 feet. Stopping between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail satisfies both.
Know both
On the test, the answer may follow the handbook. On the road, the law applies. Learn what the handbook says and what the law says.
Spotted a mistake or a newer rule? Write to support@permito.app and we will check it.