Home · DVIR Guides · States · Colorado
Last reviewed November 12, 2026.
This page summarizes what we could verify from official sources about how Colorado applies driver vehicle inspection and related vehicle-inspection rules. It is not a complete reprint of Colorado law.
Interstate operations
If you operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce to, from, or through Colorado, the federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) apply, including 49 CFR Part 396 and the DVIR rules in § 396.11 and § 396.13. State rules do not replace those federal interstate requirements. Start with What a DVIR is and who must complete one.
State agency
For Colorado-specific questions, including how the rules apply to operations that stay entirely inside Colorado, contact Colorado State Patrol, Motor Carrier Safety Section.
What official sources say about state adoption
The official Code of Colorado Regulations, 8 CCR 1507-1, adopted by the Colorado State Patrol, requires all intrastate and interstate motor carriers, commercial vehicles, and drivers operating within Colorado to operate consistently with listed Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, including 49 CFR Part 396 (Inspections, Repair, and Maintenance) and 49 CFR Part 396 Appendix A (minimum periodic inspection standards), as those federal rules were effective October 1, 2025, with modifications set out in the Colorado rule.
MCS 6.1 of that rule states that, unless otherwise specified, all references to interstate commerce by the adopted FMCSRs also include and apply to intrastate commerce.
Intrastate operations and variations
MCS 2 of 8 CCR 1507-1 says these rules apply to persons who operate commercial vehicles as defined in section 42-4-235(1)(a), Colorado Revised Statutes. MCS 6.12 repeats that the rules apply to all vehicles meeting that statutory definition, with listed exceptions. Those listed exceptions include, among others: drivers of intrastate vehicles and combinations with a GVWR or GCWR of not more than 26,000 pounds that do not require a CDL, who are not subject to 49 CFR Part 391, Subpart E (physical qualifications and examinations); certain out-of-state government vehicles not transporting placarded hazardous materials; authorized emergency vehicles in emergency and related operations; and snowplows and supporting vehicles in snow- or ice-removal operations. The 26,000-pound item in MCS 6.12.1 is a medical-qualification exception, not a stated exception from Part 396.
This page does not restate the full current wording of section 42-4-235(1)(a), C.R.S. Read that statute for the official definition of a commercial vehicle in Colorado, and confirm coverage with the Colorado State Patrol Motor Carrier Safety Section.
What we could not independently verify from official sources in this review:
- The current full wording of C.R.S. § 42-4-235(1)(a) defining “commercial vehicle” (the official Colorado rule incorporates that definition by reference).
Please confirm those points with the state agency linked on this page before relying on them.
Related federal guides
Sources
- 8 CCR 1507-1, official Code of Colorado Regulations (Colorado Secretary of State PDF)
- Colorado State Patrol, Motor Carrier Safety
Need a printable form? DVIR.io offers free FMCSA-aligned PDF templates, including post-trip, pre-trip, bus and motorcoach, and intermodal reports.
Get the free DVIR templatesThis page is general information only. It is not legal advice, and it is not advice on any specific DVIR or vehicle-inspection requirement. Rules can change, and how they apply depends on your operation, your vehicles, and your location. Get advice in your own area on your specific state and federal requirements. If you have a question for DVIR.io, use the contact form.