No, applying makeup while driving is illegal in Colorado under CRS § 42-4-239, which prohibits all forms of personal grooming that distract from vehicle operation. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) enforces this as a primary offense, meaning law enforcement may cite drivers without additional traffic violations. Courts treat makeup application as a form of distracted driving, comparable to texting, with fines up to $300 for first offenses.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Colorado
- CRS § 42-4-239 Prohibition: Explicitly bans “personal grooming” activities, including makeup application, while operating a vehicle. The statute defines grooming as any activity that diverts attention from the road.
- CDOT Enforcement Priorities: CDOT’s 2026 Distracted Driving Action Plan identifies makeup application as a high-risk behavior, aligning with federal NHTSA guidelines. Officers may issue citations based solely on observed grooming.
- Penalties and Liability: Violations incur Class B traffic infractions, with fines escalating to $500 for repeat offenses. Insurance providers may classify convictions as “at-fault” incidents, potentially increasing premiums.
Local jurisdictions, such as Denver and Boulder, have augmented state laws with municipal ordinances imposing additional fines for distracted driving. Courts may consider mitigation if the driver demonstrates no collision occurred, though this does not negate the statutory violation. Commercial drivers face stricter scrutiny under FMCSA regulations, which prohibit grooming entirely during operation.