Traffic Enforcement and Crash Response
This domain covers the core of patrol work: stopping vehicles lawfully, applying Colorado speed and lane rules, and running a crash scene from first arrival to final report. Expect scenario questions asking what you do first and which threshold triggers which duty.
Lawful stops and speed rules
A traffic stop is a seizure, so you need a specific, articulable violation or reasonable suspicion before you activate emergency lights. A valid observed violation supports the stop even if your underlying interest is something else.
Colorado's basic speed law controls: no one may drive faster than is reasonable and prudent for conditions, regardless of the posted limit - so a driver can be cited below the sign in snow or fog. Posted maximums are 75 mph on many rural interstate segments and 65 mph on most other highways unless posted otherwise; school zones are 20 mph when children are present unless posted. Fines double in construction zones when workers are present. On highways posted 65 mph or higher, the left lane is for passing, and slower traffic keeps right.
Move Over
When approaching a stationary emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicle with lights flashing, move out of the adjacent lane if it is safe to do so; if you cannot, slow down and proceed with caution. This duty covers tow trucks and highway maintenance, not just police.
Crash response and reporting
Sequence matters: position the patrol vehicle to protect the scene (offset, wheels turned away from traffic), render aid, request EMS and fire, set traffic control and lighting, identify and separate drivers and witnesses, document, then reopen lanes as soon as it is safe.
Report the crash immediately when there is injury, death, or property damage apparently exceeding $1,000. Leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death is a felony; property-damage-only hit-and-run is a lesser but still criminal offense. Commercial vehicles, hazardous materials, and spills pull in Motor Carrier Safety and hazmat resources.
Worked example
A two-car injury crash blocks a lane of I-25 at night and one driver flees on foot. Reasoning: the nearest threat is a secondary crash, so the first actions are scene protection and traffic control, not pursuit; next is medical aid and a broadcast description of the fleeing driver; the injury makes the departure a felony hit-and-run; the investigation follows only once the scene is stable.
Traps that cost marks
Treating the posted limit as automatically lawful. Mixing up the $1,000 reportable threshold. Forgetting the Move Over duty applies to tow and maintenance vehicles. Assuming all hit-and-run crashes are felonies. Leaving lanes open without warning devices. Failing to separate drivers before taking statements.