Bringing A Car
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Driver’s License
Driver’s License
Driving Schools
Driving Schools
Registration/Tags/Plates
Registration/Tags/Plates
Emissions Testing
Emissions Testing
Parking Permits
Parking Permits
Parking Availability
Parking Availability
Traffic
Traffic
Winterizing your car
Winterizing your car
Bringing a Car
Bringing a Car
2. Bringing a Car
Bringing a Car
2.1 Driver’s License
Driver’s License
2.2 Driving Schools
Driving Schools
2.2 Registration/Tags/Plates
Registration/Tags/Plates
2.3 Emissions Testing
Emissions Testing
2.4 Insurance
Insurance
2.5 Parking Permits
Parking Permits
2.6 Parking Availability
Parking Availability
2.7 Traffic
Traffic
2.9 Winterizing your car
Winterizing your car
2. Bringing a Car
Car ownership in Colorado can be relatively expensive compared to other parts of the United States. In addition, the handling of car registration and tagging is somewhat different than in most states. Read the information below carefully. Once everything is legal, enjoy the access a car provides you. Some of the world's best recreation sites (mountains, ski resorts, and national parks) are within your reach.
2.1 Driver’s License
Driver's licenses may be obtained at the DMV office located on Prospect Ave. Get there early to avoid lines. In Colorado, organ donation may be specified directly on your license and you may also register to vote (for US citizens) at the time you pick up your license. You will be required to take an eye test so don't forget your glasses. International students may need to bring supplementary documentation (like passport, I-94, I-20), so call ahead to avoid repeated trips. You can also obtain a state id from the same office. This may be helpful for international students to avoid having to carry their passport as identification every time. For more information contact:
License Office 1121 W. Prospect (970) 494-9809 http://www.mv.state.co.us
2.2 Driving Schools
It is usually more convenient for international students to take driving lessons before obtaining their license. This is because they may not be aware of driving rules in USA. Also, driving schools have the authority to give driving tests (in the car provided by the driving school). Hence, international students do not have to deal with renting cars (with an international driving license!!). For more information contact:
Choice Drivers Education 1124 W. Elizabeth (970) 484-5229 Conahan's Driving Institute (970) 223-8900
2.2 Registration/Tags/Plates
Registering and licensing your car is done at the Larimer County Courthouse. There is usually a line that moves quickly. Take a number outside the door and have a seat. Auto inspections are not necessary but you will need to get an emissions test (see section 2.3). Cars are subject to property taxes in Colorado so registration costs vary depending on your car's value, age and size. Registration costs of old, small, inexpensive cars are comparable to out of state charges, but new SUV's may cost you well into the hundreds of dollars for annual registration. Don't be surprised.
Colorado may also set a world record for the number of vanity license plate offerings available to the public. The basic plate, a lovely green and white portrait of the Front Range, will set you back about $25. You may also select from several dozen vanity plates such as the blue and white columbine emblazoned "Respect Life" plate or the prestigious "Pioneer" plate (only available to those who can trace their heritage to Colorado's early settlers). Whatever your fancy, be prepared to spend big money on the vanity plates.
For more information regarding titling, registering, or tagging your vehicle contact:
Larimer County Motor Vehicle 200 W. Oak St. Fort Collins, CO (970) 498-7878 http://www.larimer.org/clerk
2.3 Emissions Testing
Colorado requires emissions tests for all cars registered along the Front Range. Almost any station performs the service for a modest $15 fee. Make sure the proper form is filled out and take it with you when going to the courthouse to register your car. 2.4 Insurance
Unless you hail from New Jersey, you may find purchasing auto insurance in Colorado expensive. Colorado is the second highest risk state in the western United States as rated by auto insurers. Higher risk translates to higher premiums, so be prepared for an increase when you shop around for quotes. All major insurance companies sell auto insurance in Colorado, so you may be able to transfer existing policies to your new address - premium adjusted, of course.
2.5 Parking Permits
If you plan to park on campus during weekdays you will be required to get a parking-permit to display in your front windshield. Authorities strictly enforce parking regulations and chances of getting caught without a permit are very high even if you leave your car for just a few minutes. Tickets vary in the $12-$75 range. Permits cost $70 for the entire school year. Monthly permits may be purchased for $10. Depending on your living arrangements you will be issued a Z permit (off-campus commuter) or a W permit (dorm student). Parking permits are only good for parking areas of the same letter and/or color designation. For copies of regulations or parking maps, or to buy parking permits contact:
University Parking Services 201 Green Hall Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523-6012 (970) 491-7041 http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Parking
2.6 Parking Availability
The most frustrating aspect of CSU is the lack of parking near campus. For commuter students (those with Z permits) only a few lots are available (only 1 of them is near the Computer Science building). What little parking that does exist (Z-lot) is usually full from 9AM to 5PM weekdays (with the exception of lunch-time). During these times, the only available parking will come from students leaving school to go home. If you need to use these lots between 9AM-5PM, try arriving approximately ten minutes before the hour. This is your best bet to find students leaving these parking lots during class changeovers. Free off-campus parking is available north of campus between Shields and College from Laurel to Mulberry. (Note that the CS department is located off-campus). Most spaces are free but can sometimes be hourly or 2-hour spots, so look for signs. Authorities ticket people diligently.
2.7 Traffic
Traffic in Fort Collins varies between heavy to gridlock depending on the time of day and whether school is in session or not. The amount of traffic lights within city limits may shock out-of-town arrivals. Also, a freight train line runs directly through the center of town that often splits the city in half for up to fifteen minutes at a time. Be prepared for long delays when traveling along the major thoroughfares during morning or afternoon rush hours (Lemay, College, Shields, Taft Hill, Mulberry, Prospect, Drake, Horsetooth, Harmony). Plan ahead if commuting to morning classes or "Be Green" and opt for bicycling. You may also use the city public transportation system (TransFort). See Section 3 for details on bicycle commuting and TransFort use. 2.8 Engine Performance at high-altitude
The city of Fort Collins sits at approximately 5080 ft. elevation. The atmosphere at this altitude contains about 33% less oxygen that at sea level. While modern cars have computerized carburetors that automatically adjust to optimize efficiency at reduced oxygen levels, engine power is compromised at high-altitude. As a result, expect reduced fuel economy for your car. Contrary to myth, purchasing high-octane gasoline at high altitude doesn't counter the effects of reduced oxygen levels (nothing does short of nitrous oxide or some other artificial oxygen supply for the combustion process). 2.9 Winterizing your car
Winters in Colorado are no joke. While snow in Fort Collins is generally not a problem, cold temperatures can abuse your car and travel West into the mountains can be frustrating or even dangerous without proper gear.
Make sure you keep your engine's antifreeze levels full. The overnight temperatures in Fort Collins often drop below zero for several months at a time. Keep an emergency kit in your car with the following items: candles, matches, flares, emergency thermal blanket, flashlight w/batteries and jumper cables. Be sure to check weather and road conditions before traveling westward. Some roads require chains by law in the winter months or after heavy snowfalls. Generally, the major highways West are kept in excellent condition so you will not need to purchase chains. Read your car's "Owner's Manual" for more details on winter and/or cold weather conditions.