Colorado Hit and Run – Striking Highway Fixtures or Traffic Control Devices

If you’re accused of leaving the scene after striking a highway fixture or traffic control device — like a sign, guardrail, or traffic light — you could be facing serious penalties under Colorado law. Even though no person may have been injured, prosecutors still take these cases seriously because of the property damage involved.

The Law

Under C.R.S. 42-4-1605, if you strike a highway fixture or traffic control device, you must:

• Take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge of the property, and
• Provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number.

In addition, under C.R.S. 42-4-1606, you also have a duty to immediately report the accident to law enforcement. This duty applies to all hit-and-run statutes in Colorado.

Failing to do these things is a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.

Penalties

• Jail: 10 to 90 days in county jail.
• Fines: $150 to $300.
• Points: 12 points on your Colorado driver’s license — enough to trigger a suspension.
• Restitution: Courts may order repayment for property damage not covered by insurance.

What the State Must Prove

To convict, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

1. You were driving a vehicle that struck a highway fixture or traffic control device,
2. You failed to stop and provide the required identifying information, and
3. You failed to report the accident to law enforcement as required by 42-4-1606.

Defense Strategies

Hit-and-run fixture cases are not open-and-shut. Possible defenses include:

• Identity: Can the state prove you were the driver involved?
• Knowledge: Did you actually know a collision occurred? (Minor damage can sometimes go unnoticed.)
• Compliance: Did you attempt to notify the responsible authority or police in good faith?
• Constitutional Issues: Illegal stops or improper questioning can weaken the prosecution’s case.

Why Experience Matters

Even when no one is injured, Colorado prosecutors aggressively pursue hit-and-run cases. With over 20 years of experience defending drivers in traffic and criminal cases, I know how to challenge the evidence, minimize the impact, and fight for alternatives that protect your license and record.

Call Me Today

If you’ve been charged with leaving the scene after striking a highway fixture or traffic control device, don’t face it alone. Call me directly at 303-355-5148 for a free consultation.

You’ll speak with me, Monte Robbins — not a call screener or junior associate.