To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Michael J. Hyman, Town Attorney
Title
Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Sections 10.04.010, 10.04.020, 10.04.030 and 10.04.040 of the Municipal Code and Adopting by Reference as a Primary Code, with Certain Amendments, the Model Traffic Code for Colorado November 2024 Revision 1.0; and Amending Sections 10.20.040 and 10.20.050 of the Municipal Code to Accurately Reference Relevant State Statutes (Second Reading - Approved on First Reading on October 21, 2025, by a vote 6-0)
Body
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Executive Summary
The Model Traffic Code is a standardized code adopted by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). It is designed to provide a level of uniformity regarding local traffic regulations throughout the State. The proposed ordinance is the result of a collaborative effort between the Town Manager, Town Attorney, Castle Rock Police Department, and Public Works Department.
History of Past Town Council, Boards & Commissions, or Other Discussions
At present, the Town utilizes the 2010 edition of the Model Traffic Code, which was adopted by Town Council in 2012. The 2024 edition of the Model Traffic Code is the second edition that has been promulgated by CDOT since that time, so an update to the 2024 edition is strongly recommended. Town Council had the opportunity to discuss the update at its most recent meeting on October 7, 2025.
Discussion
Among the major changes in the 2024 edition is the adoption of new regulations designed to provide additional protections for snowplow operators, stationary emergency vehicles, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users. Additionally, the 2024 edition establishes several new offenses, including failure to yield the right-of -way in a roundabout, illegal parking in a designated electric motor vehicle charging station, and unlawful use of a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.
Town staff is proposing several local amendments, including changes that allow the Town to enforce parking restrictions on private property where proper signs are posted and to keep off-highway vehicles, such as dirt bikes and unlicensed e-motorcycles, and golf cars off our streets, roadways, and sidewalks. Also, the Town is taking advantage of a recent change in state law that allows for the local enforcement of state vehicle registration requirements.
Two additional provisions were added to the proposed ordinance at the behest of Town Council following the October 7th discussion. First, language was inserted that makes it unlawful for a parent or guardian to cause or knowingly permit their child or ward under the age of eighteen years to drive or ride an off-highway vehicle in the Town. Second, a new section was added that allows a police officer to impound a vehicle if the officer has probable cause to believe that the operator is in violation of registration, driver’s license and compulsory insurance requirements.
Budget Impact
None.
Staff Recommendation
The Town Attorney’s Office recommends approval of the proposed ordinance.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the as introduced by title.”
Alternative Motions
I move to approve the ordinance as introduced by title, with the following conditions: __________________.
I move to continue the ordinance to the Town Council meeting on __________.
Attachments
Attachment A: Ordinance
Attachment B: Model Traffic Code for Colorado, 2024 Edition
Attachment C: Presentation of 2024 Model Traffic Code, First Reading