Colorado permits self-driving cars through permissive 2017 legislation but lacks dedicated regulatory oversight, relying instead on compliance with existing traffic laws. Drones face more structured rules, including registration and operational restrictions, with recent expansions for commercial use. This hands-off approach for autonomous vehicles contrasts with stricter drone controls amid growing deployments like Waymo in Denver.​
Autonomous Vehicles
Senate Bill 17-213 authorizes SAE Levels 4-5 vehicles statewide if they meet federal, state, and local laws, without requiring permits or human operators. Local governments cannot ban or specially regulate them, limiting city-level oversight. An advisory Autonomous Mobility Task Force involving CDOT, State Patrol, and DMV addresses issues like data privacy and cybersecurity, but a 2025 bill mandating human drivers in commercial AVs was vetoed.​
Drone Regulations
Colorado requires FAA registration for drones over 0.55 pounds, with remote ID mandates since 2023. State laws prohibit drone flights over critical infrastructure, prisons, or wildfires, and ban weaponized drones. Commercial operations expanded via HB 24-1329, allowing beyond-visual-line-of-sight under FAA waivers, while recreational users must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).​
Key Differences
| Aspect | Self-Driving Cars | Drones |
|---|---|---|
| Oversight | Permissive; no permits needed | FAA/state registration required |
| Local Control | Prohibited from special rules | Allowed for local restrictions |
| Recent Developments | Waymo testing in Denver (2025) | BVLOS for utilities (2024) |
| Challenges Addressed | Advisory task force only | Explicit bans on hazards |
SOURCES
[1](https://www.codot.gov/programs/innovativemobility/mobility-technology/autonomous-vehicles)
[2](https://www.governing.com/policy/waymos-self-driving-cars-arrive-in-denver-but-colorado-has-no-regulatory-oversight)
[3](https://tsscolorado.com/as-autonomous-vehicles-proliferate-colorado-officials-debate-the-need-for-more-regulation/)
[4](https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/cdot_av_update_-_presentation_to_tlrc_10.21.25.pdf)
[5](https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/02/self-driving-car-company-waymo-heading-to-metro-denver-in-2026/)
