Colorado Revised Statute 42-6-102(15) defines roadworthy:
“Roadworthy” means a condition in which a motor vehicle has sufficient power and is fit to operate on the roads and highways of this state after visual inspection by appropriate law enforcement authorities. In order to be roadworthy, such vehicle, in accord with its design and use, shall have all major parts and systems permanently attached and functioning and shall not be repaired in such a manner as to make the vehicle unsafe. For purposes of this subsection (15), “major parts and systems” shall include, but not be limited to, the body of a motor vehicle with related component parts, engine, transmission, tires, wheels, seats, exhaust, brakes, and all other equipment required by Colorado law for the particular vehicle.
The following are the most common issues preventing a vehicle from passing inspection:
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Vehicles with safety system warning lights. These lights indicate safety system problems and therefore are deemed to be hazardous to operate.
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Cracked windshields
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Tires with insufficient tread
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Inoperable lights: Headlights, high beams, signals, tail lights, brake lights and license plate lights are required.
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Horn must be operable and audible
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Anything deemed unsafe will not pass inspection.
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Older vehicles that did not have modern safety features (seatbelts, airbags, abs, etc) are not required to be retrofitted.
Regardless of age or manufacturer, the following items are required on ALL vehicles seeking to be titled:
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Front windshield glass constructed with safety glazing material (shatterproof)
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At least one working wiper blade
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Lights listed above
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Horn hardwired to the vehicle’s electrical system with sufficient decibels to be heard from 200 Feet
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DOT approved tires with more than 2/32 inch tread depth (off road tires not accepted)
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At least one rear facing mirror that allows the driver to view 200 feet behind them