Every city is allowed to set its own laws, and Boulder is no different. That means, what may have been legal in your home town, may not be here. Ignorance of a law is not a valid defense if you break that law. So, here are some things that are crimes here, but may not be where you are from.
-
The biggest confusion points when it comes to differing laws are minor in possession of drugs or alcohol and driving under the influence. To get the full story, click on the link in the menu on the right.
-
It is illegal to drive while wearing headphones. This includes headphones and earbuds. You may use one earbud for hands-free calling.
-
Boulder municipal code says that “No person upon any roller skate, in-line skate, skateboard, roller ski, ski, coaster, sled, toboggan, toy vehicle, child's tricycle or any similar device shall go upon a roadway except while crossing the roadway on a crosswalk.” The same code makes it a requirement for any wheeled device to yield to pedestrians on a sidewalk.
-
When riding a motorcycle or moped, you are only allowed to have as many riders as the vehicle is designed to carry. Just because you think that you can squeeze an extra rider on the seat doesn’t mean that it is legal. You have to have a second factory installed seat and foot pegs. It is also illegal to drive a motorcycle or moped while carrying anything that prohibits you from using two hands on the handlebars. If you have to hold it, you can’t drive with it.
Colorado MIP Law
-
Every state’s minor in possession (MIP) law is different. In Colorado, section (3)(a) of the law says, “…a person under twenty-one years of age who possesses or consumes ethyl alcohol (alcohol) anywhere in the state of Colorado commits illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol by an underage person.” Section (3)(b) of the law says, “a person under twenty-one years of age who possesses one ounce or less of marijuana or consumes marijuana anywhere in the state of Colorado commits illegal possession or consumption of marijuana by an underage person.
The key phrases in both of these sections is possesses or consumes. The definition of consumes is pretty obvious. Someone saw you consume the alcohol or drugs, it can be smelled on your breath, or there are obvious signs such as stumbling, slurred speech, or bloodshot or watery eyes.
It is the possession of the drugs or alcohol that can get confusing. In Colorado, It means alcohol is in your hand, in your pocket, in your backpack that you are wearing or under the seat in the car you are driving, it is in your possession.
If you receive a summons for MIP, you will have to appear in the Boulder Municipal Court.
CU Boulder Police also engage in proactive education regarding first MIP offenses. Read more about administrative citations and their positive impact.