Unusual Snow Regulations: Unraveling Colorado’s Winter Fun and Safety Rules

Closeup of intricate snowflakes on a dark surface

Colorado’s quirky snow laws reveal a surprising blend of winter recreation management and public safety concerns.

At a Glance

Many strange Colorado laws found online are misinterpretations or fabrications
Throwing snowballs is technically illegal in Aspen, Colorado
Boulder prohibits keeping upholstered furniture outdoors
Car dealerships in Colorado cannot sell vehicles on Sundays
Pueblo residents must maintain weeds on their property under 10 inches

Debunking Mythical Colorado Laws

Colorado, known for its picturesque snowy landscapes, has become the subject of numerous online rumors regarding strange laws. However, many of these alleged regulations are either misinterpreted or entirely fabricated. For instance, contrary to popular belief, there is no law in Sterling requiring cats to have tail lights. Such misinformation often spreads rapidly online, creating a false impression of the state’s legal landscape.

While some of these laws may seem amusing, it’s crucial to distinguish between fact and fiction. Boulder, for example, does have an unusual ordinance, but it’s not about feline traffic safety. Instead, it concerns the interaction between citizens and law enforcement.

Unusual, But Real: Boulder’s Law on Insulting Police Officers

In an intriguing twist, Boulder’s municipal code allows for a certain degree of verbal confrontation with police officers. According to the code:

“If the person to whom such insult, taunt, or challenge is directed is a police officer, there is no violation of this section until the police officer requests the person to cease and discontinue the conduct” – Boulder’s municipal code, Sec. 5-3-6

This law underscores the balance between free speech and maintaining public order, reflecting Boulder’s unique approach to civic interaction.

Aspen’s Snowball Ban: Winter Fun or Public Nuisance?

Perhaps the most famous of Colorado’s quirky snow laws is Aspen’s ban on throwing snowballs. This regulation, which is indeed real, falls under a broader ordinance prohibiting the throwing of various projectiles. The law aims to prevent property damage and ensure public safety, but it also raises eyebrows given Colorado’s snowy reputation.

The city of Severance, Colorado, had an almost 100-year-old law banning snow ball fights, but one boy decided to fight it. https://t.co/82eCu54igu pic.twitter.com/HfplX0CPvv

— CNN International (@cnni) December 9, 2018

While the snowball ban may seem overly restrictive, it’s part of a larger set of regulations designed to manage the unique challenges posed by Aspen’s winter environment. The city’s municipal code specifically prohibits throwing snowballs, stones, or other projectiles at vehicles, buildings, or people in public spaces.

Other Unusual Colorado Laws

Colorado’s legal quirks extend beyond snow-related regulations. In Boulder, there’s a peculiar law regarding outdoor furniture:

“upholstered furniture not manufactured for outdoor use” – Boulder General Offenses under Title 5, Chapter 4, 5-4-16

This law prohibits keeping upholstered furniture outdoors unless it’s being moved, picked up as trash, or sold. The regulation likely aims to maintain the city’s aesthetic appeal and prevent potential health hazards.

Another statewide law affects the automobile industry:

“no person, firm, or corporation, whether owner, proprietor, agent, or employee, shall keep open, operate, or assist in keeping open or operating any place or premises or residences, whether open or closed, for the purpose of selling, bartering, or exchanging or offering for sale, barter, or exchange any motor vehicle, whether new, used, or secondhand, on the first day of the week commonly called Sunday” – Colorado Revised Statute § 12-6-302

This statute prohibits car dealerships from selling vehicles on Sundays, although auto accessories and repair services can still operate. The law’s origins likely lie in traditional “blue laws” that restricted Sunday commerce.

Pueblo’s War on Weeds

In Pueblo, Colorado, residents face strict regulations regarding weed control on their properties. The city’s ordinance states:

“It shall be unlawful for any owner of land to permit weeds in excess of ten (10) inches in height to grow, lie or be located upon such land. It shall be unlawful for the owner of land not to cut, destroy or remove from such land all weeds in excess of ten (10) inches in height” – Section 7-4-2 of Pueblo Colorado’s Code of Ordinances

This law specifically targets weeds like Canada thistle and Russian thistle but excludes flower gardens and vegetable plots. While it may seem overly prescriptive, such regulations often aim to maintain community standards and prevent the spread of invasive plant species.