This single tip saves 20% gas!

[Mavster Mechanic]

How do you know if and when the Semi driver slams on his brakes because he sees something ahead and you don’t? Just curious, not starting a flame war here!

You need to go out and see what 5 seconds looks like.

It's generally regarded as safe following distance. The 5 second rule means as speed goes up, following distance goes up.

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[MakinDoForNow]

You need to go out and see what 5 seconds looks like.

It's generally regarded as safe following distance. The 5 second rule means as speed goes up, following distance goes up.

Five seconds at 70 mph is 513.33 feet (1.7 football fields).

 

[UpACurb]

drive slower to save gas


some other helpful hints....

eat less to lose weight
spend less to save money
take a shower to get cleaner
mow your grass to make it shorter
heat your food to make it warmer
freeze your food to make it colder
water your grass to make it greener

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Years ago. If I had to drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas at night, on Route 93. I always pulled in behind a semi and followed it North to the I-40 interchange no matter how slow it went. Route 93 was a two-lane Highway known as the Widowmaker.
I always figured if somebody in oncoming traffic was going to pull out to pass, they'd have to go through the semi first before they hit me. Same goes for a deer crossing the road. I didn't leave a whole lot of space between the back of the semi and me.
To the Chagrin of some, I'm still here unscathed.

 

[urwatuis]

I stay off the interstate highways and get much better gas mileage and it does take me a little longer to get places but I don't care because I am not in a hurry to go anywhere. I turn on the music and listen to some tunes to make the journey through space/time more pleasant. The stress and anxiety of having to rush and hurry is bad for my mental health. Besides taking local highways allows me to travel through towns and villages I would have never seen.

 

[Bob zimmerman]

. Be careful in Denver area. Passed a new law a few years back. If you drive the speed limit and most of the other traffic is running 5-10 MPH over the limit, YOU are the one who gets the ticket! Yeah it's crazy over there. Too fast-get ticket. Too slow-get ticket. Drive speed limit-get ticket??

That is not true.

 

[First Sergeant]

That is not true.

Perhaps I am right. Oh, and I am from the state and go back there several times a year to see kids and such. Be careful if you visit and decide to drive too slowly!

Introduction
When it comes to safe driving, most people think about not exceeding the speed limit. However, driving too slowly can also be dangerous and is regulated by Colorado law. Whether you’re cruising through Commerce City or navigating the bustling streets of Denver, maintaining a safe speed is critical for the flow of traffic and your safety. But can you actually get a ticket for driving too slowly in Colorado? The short answer is yes. In this article, we’ll explore Colorado’s minimum speed laws, why driving too slowly can be problematic, and the legal consequences of impeding traffic.

Minimum Speed Laws in Colorado
Colorado law requires drivers to maintain speeds that are reasonable and prudent given the road conditions, traffic, and weather. While speed limits are usually set to prevent drivers from going too fast, there are also provisions for those who drive too slowly, potentially disrupting traffic flow.

1. Basic Rule: Drive at a Safe Speed
Colorado’s law (C.R.S. 42-4-1103) states that “No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.” In other words, while there isn’t always a posted minimum speed, drivers are expected to maintain a speed that keeps up with the flow of traffic. This ensures that traffic moves efficiently and helps prevent accidents caused by sudden stops or slow-moving vehicles.

2. Interstate Highways and Minimum Speeds
On Colorado highways and interstates, particularly in areas like Broomfield or Aurora where high-speed traffic is common, driving too slowly can be especially dangerous. Some highways, such as Interstate 25 or Interstate 70, may have posted minimum speed limits. On these roads, driving slower than the posted minimum can result in a ticket.

3. Keep Right Unless Passing
Another related law in Colorado requires slower drivers to stay in the right lane. This is particularly important on multi-lane roads and highways. If you’re driving below the normal speed of traffic, even if you are at the speed limit, you are expected to stay in the right-hand lane unless passing. Failing to do so can also lead to a citation for impeding traffic.

Why Driving Too Slowly is a Safety Concern
Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding. Here are a few reasons why maintaining a reasonable speed is crucial for traffic safety:

1. Causing Traffic Congestion
When a vehicle is moving too slowly, it can create a bottleneck effect, causing traffic to back up. In high-traffic areas like Denver or Westminster, this can lead to frustration for other drivers and increase the risk of rear-end collisions as drivers attempt to brake or pass.

2. Encouraging Dangerous Overtaking
Slow-moving vehicles may cause other drivers to take risks they otherwise wouldn’t, such as unsafe passing on two-lane roads or highways. This increases the likelihood of head-on collisions or accidents during lane changes.

3. Impairing Emergency Response
Slow-moving vehicles can impede emergency response vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks, or police cars, delaying their arrival to critical situations. This is especially a concern in busy urban areas like Commerce City.

Legal Consequences for Driving Too Slowly in Colorado
If you’re caught driving too slowly or impeding the flow of traffic, you can face legal penalties. Here’s what you might expect:

1. Traffic Citations
Law enforcement in Colorado has the authority to issue traffic tickets to drivers impeding traffic by moving too slowly. The fine for impeding traffic can range from $50 to $200, depending on the severity of the situation. Repeat offenders may face higher fines or additional penalties.

2. Points on Your Driver’s License
In Colorado, driving too slowly and impeding traffic can add points to your driver’s license. Accumulating too many points can lead to the suspension of your driving privileges. For example, being cited for driving too slowly may add two or three points to your license, which can affect your insurance rates as well.

3. Court Appearance
In more severe cases, particularly if your slow driving results in an accident or a hazardous situation, you may be required to appear in court. Failing to show up for a traffic court date can result in additional fines or even a warrant for your arrest.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Flatlanders may not understand.
Driving in Colorado, Nevada, Utah.. any of the mountainous States. When it was applicable. We would drive the terrain. Meaning speed and inertia going downhill stored/carried over for the uphill slog.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

Flatlanders may not understand.
Driving in Colorado, Nevada, Utah.. any of the mountainous States. When it was applicable. We would drive the terrain. Meaning speed and inertia going downhill stored/carried over for the uphill slog.

Also known as "driving with load constant" vs. driving with speed constant. I feel they taught this in Truck driving school at some point.

 

[MaverickDragon]

drive slower to save gas


some other helpful hints....

eat less to lose weight
spend less to save money
take a shower to get cleaner
mow your grass to make it shorter
heat your food to make it warmer
freeze your food to make it colder
water your grass to make it greener

All true statements, but the connection between speed and mpg's is not as obvious or known to a surprising number of drivers.
I saw an episode of "Speeders" and the excuse by the driver doing 20 over the limit was that he was low on fuel and needed to get to a gas station quickly before he ran out of gas....

On a related item, a lady ordered a small pizza she said she would eat by herself and the guy asked her if she wanted it cut into 6 or 8 slices. She said 6 as eating all 8 would be too much....

 

[MaverickDragon]

Flatlanders may not understand.
Driving in Colorado, Nevada, Utah.. any of the mountainous States. When it was applicable. We would drive the terrain. Meaning speed and inertia going downhill stored/carried over for the uphill slog.

That saves a lot a fuel as does turning off cruise control with a lot of varied terrain, which is everywhere I go in northern AZ. With cruise, the vehicle works too hard to maintain speed up a steep hill and then uses the brakes (except in a hybrid) going down the other side.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

Perhaps I am right. Oh, and I am from the state and go back there several times a year to see kids and such. Be careful if you visit and decide to drive too slowly!

Introduction
When it comes to safe driving, most people think about not exceeding the speed limit. However, driving too slowly can also be dangerous and is regulated by Colorado law. Whether you’re cruising through Commerce City or navigating the bustling streets of Denver, maintaining a safe speed is critical for the flow of traffic and your safety. But can you actually get a ticket for driving too slowly in Colorado? The short answer is yes. In this article, we’ll explore Colorado’s minimum speed laws, why driving too slowly can be problematic, and the legal consequences of impeding traffic.

Minimum Speed Laws in Colorado
Colorado law requires drivers to maintain speeds that are reasonable and prudent given the road conditions, traffic, and weather. While speed limits are usually set to prevent drivers from going too fast, there are also provisions for those who drive too slowly, potentially disrupting traffic flow.

1. Basic Rule: Drive at a Safe Speed
Colorado’s law (C.R.S. 42-4-1103) states that “No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.” In other words, while there isn’t always a posted minimum speed, drivers are expected to maintain a speed that keeps up with the flow of traffic. This ensures that traffic moves efficiently and helps prevent accidents caused by sudden stops or slow-moving vehicles.

2. Interstate Highways and Minimum Speeds
On Colorado highways and interstates, particularly in areas like Broomfield or Aurora where high-speed traffic is common, driving too slowly can be especially dangerous. Some highways, such as Interstate 25 or Interstate 70, may have posted minimum speed limits. On these roads, driving slower than the posted minimum can result in a ticket.

3. Keep Right Unless Passing
Another related law in Colorado requires slower drivers to stay in the right lane. This is particularly important on multi-lane roads and highways. If you’re driving below the normal speed of traffic, even if you are at the speed limit, you are expected to stay in the right-hand lane unless passing. Failing to do so can also lead to a citation for impeding traffic.

Why Driving Too Slowly is a Safety Concern
Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding. Here are a few reasons why maintaining a reasonable speed is crucial for traffic safety:

1. Causing Traffic Congestion
When a vehicle is moving too slowly, it can create a bottleneck effect, causing traffic to back up. In high-traffic areas like Denver or Westminster, this can lead to frustration for other drivers and increase the risk of rear-end collisions as drivers attempt to brake or pass.

2. Encouraging Dangerous Overtaking
Slow-moving vehicles may cause other drivers to take risks they otherwise wouldn’t, such as unsafe passing on two-lane roads or highways. This increases the likelihood of head-on collisions or accidents during lane changes.

3. Impairing Emergency Response
Slow-moving vehicles can impede emergency response vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks, or police cars, delaying their arrival to critical situations. This is especially a concern in busy urban areas like Commerce City.

Legal Consequences for Driving Too Slowly in Colorado
If you’re caught driving too slowly or impeding the flow of traffic, you can face legal penalties. Here’s what you might expect:

1. Traffic Citations
Law enforcement in Colorado has the authority to issue traffic tickets to drivers impeding traffic by moving too slowly. The fine for impeding traffic can range from $50 to $200, depending on the severity of the situation. Repeat offenders may face higher fines or additional penalties.

2. Points on Your Driver’s License
In Colorado, driving too slowly and impeding traffic can add points to your driver’s license. Accumulating too many points can lead to the suspension of your driving privileges. For example, being cited for driving too slowly may add two or three points to your license, which can affect your insurance rates as well.

3. Court Appearance
In more severe cases, particularly if your slow driving results in an accident or a hazardous situation, you may be required to appear in court. Failing to show up for a traffic court date can result in additional fines or even a warrant for your arrest.

The minimum speed on Colorado Interstates is 40 MPH. Here is a sign from the Denver area.

Across the Nation, the most common sign, in states that choose to post minimum speed signs is 40 mph.
Some post 45 mph.
And very rarely 55 mph. (I'm guessing TX).

Here's your sign....

 

[26mavxlt]

Does that mean driving above the speed limit?

Its rare that I drive the speed limit, most are going over and Im just not going to be the one fool going the speed limit

 

[Blue_Max]

I saw an episode of "Speeders" and the excuse by the driver doing 20 over the limit was that he was low on fuel and needed to get to a gas station quickly before he ran out of gas....

Liars don't necessarily feel bound by scientific accuracy.

 

[babytruk]

Also known as "driving with load constant" vs. driving with speed constant. I feel they taught this in Truck driving school at some point.

Yes they “do” teach that in truck driving school. Training here needs to be for non-commercial vehicles. I like thinking my Maverick is a truck but driving it like a Semi is pushing boundries
Also total agreement with @MaverickDragon about cruise control and hills.

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