Springtime in the Rockies means lots of wildlife are waking up. Larger animals like bears are starting to wake up from their winter hibernation. Elk and deer are becoming more active, and even the smaller critters like squirrels, skunks, and prairie dogs can already be seen running back and forth across the backroads in many parts of the state.

When you see wildlife near the road in Colorado, is it illegal to warn oncoming motorists by blinking your headlights or flashing your brights? This is very illegal in several states, but what about ours?

Read More: 8 Colorado Highways Named 'High Risk' Places You Might Hit a Deer

Flashing Headlights Is Illegal In Some States

Colorado's headlight laws
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Did you know in states like Alaska, Arizona, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, and North Dakota, it is illegal to flash your headlights at an oncoming vehicle less than 500 feet away, even if you are trying to warn them about a hazard on the road?

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Colorado's Headlight Law

Colorado headlight laws
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The law is slightly different here in Colorado. You still can't flash your brights at an oncoming car less than 500 feet away. While Colorado does not have a law on the books that makes flashing your brights illegal from a distance, Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-217 says you could receive a citation for flashing your brights at an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet. You can also get a ticket for using your brights within 200 feet of a vehicle in front of you.

Read More: Is It Legal to Keep Roadkill in Colorado?

It's All About Distance

Colorado headlight laws
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In summary, if you see deer crossing the road, you can flash your brights at oncoming cars as long as they are more than 500 feet away. Any closer, and you risk the possibility of a ticket according to Colorado's headlight laws.

LOOK: Robert Grant Photos: Western Colorado Wildlife Part II

Grand Junction, Colorado photographer Robert Grant was a Western Colorado native. Over his five decades in photography he captured thousands of wildlife images. Below you'll find a gallery of images lifted from recently discovered negatives.

Gallery Credit: Waylon Jordan

MORE: 10 Things to Know About Hunting Elk in Colorado

Colorado Parks and Wildlife had a hand in some big changes to the elk hunting season in Colorado a few years back, and some of those changes may affect the way you apply. Here are 10 things to know before the hunts begin in 2023.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

KEEP GOING: White Knuckle Your Way Down Colorado's Most Dangerous Roads

Slivers of asphalt cling to mountainsides with barely enough room for a subcompact car, let alone the monster RVs peppering the roadways. Blind corners leave even the most experienced drivers wondering what awaits around the bend. Let's not forget the thousand-foot drops with nothing between safety and impending doom but a thin slice of gravel -- talk about white knuckles.

If you're brave enough to "risk your life" for beautiful views, you won't be disappointed.

How many of these dangerous roads have you traveled in Colorado?

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