Denver driving guide

When visiting the Queen City of the Plains, you should prep for a rich journey through the scenic roads of the Centennial State. From navigating the downtown grid to tackling the mountain roads, we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to take note of before you set off in a comfy Hertz Rental car in Denver

From the basics of Colorado driving laws to toll road tips and parking spots, we've got you covered.

In this guide:

• Driving rules in Denver
• Speed limits in Denver
• Toll roads in and around Denver
• Denver’s driving license requirements
• Parking in Denver
• Electric car charging in Denver
• Quick driving tips for Denver
• Frequently asked questions

Driving rules in Denver, Colorado

Before you get in your car and set off driving around Denver, it pays to know some of the rules of the road. Here are a few of the most important rules to keep in mind:

• Pedestrians have the uncontested right of way at all junctions, intersections, and crosswalks.
• At a four-way stop, right of way goes to the first vehicle to arrive.
• When turning left, right of way goes to oncoming vehicles.
• Failing to use a turning signal can result in a fine, points on your license, and any additional court costs.
• You must have your headlights turned on from sunset to sunrise, or in any conditions where you cannot clearly see at least 1,000 feet ahead of you.
• While cell phone use while driving is not entirely prohibited, texting while driving is a serious offence. The Colorado Distracted Driving Law states that no driver of any age may text while driving. Drivers aged 19 and up can make use of a mobile if it is hands-free, but drivers aged 18 and under may not use a mobile at all when in the driving seat.
• There are traffic cameras deployed in the city to monitor infractions.

Speed limits in Denver

Speed limits in Denver are probably the most important rule of the road to follow. It’s essential to know the right speed when traveling on different roads, because there are traffic cameras throughout the city. Here’s a breakdown of the general speed limits in Denver by road type:

Toll roads in and around Denver

There are three main toll roads in Colorado, two of which are connected directly to Denver. It pays to know where these are so you can avoid them if you wish, or budget for using them.
 

E-470

The E-470 is a toll roadway that runs through the Denver suburbs and connects to Denver International Airport via a 47-mile-long route. You can enter and exit the toll road at various points, which determines your exact toll charge.

From: I-25 (in the north).

To: I-25 (in the south)

Cost for car: ExpressToll - $13.95 or License Plate Toll - $22.25

Cost for truck: ExpressToll - $21.20-$26.50 (based on time of day) or License Plate Toll - $44.50

How to pay: If you have an ExpressToll account, you can pay automatically when passing through. Go-Pass is also accepted. If you do not have either of these tags, you will be mailed an invoice via post based on your license plate.

Northwest Parkway

The nine-mile stretch of Northwest Parkway connects the city of Denver with Bromfield as an internal toll road from US 36 to the I-25 / E-470 intersection.

From: E-470 (North Denver)

To: U.S. 36, Bromfield Chicago

Cost for car: $4.80 for main plaza or $1.60 for ramp

Cost for truck: Additional $4.80 per axle at the main plaza, or an extra $2.15 per axle at the ramp.

How to pay: You can pay with a Go-Pass Regular or a License Plate, in either case you will be issued a bill. You can also pay automatically by using your Go-Pass or ExpressToll account.
 

Colorado Express Lane – I - 25

Out of the several Express lanes in Colorado, the I-25 lane is close to Denver, and allows drivers who have an ExpressToll account to speed up their journey times and reduce congestion.

You should never use Express Lanes as passing lanes, and you should only enter and exit through the dashed lines. Entering or leaving an Express Lane incorrectly over the double white lines may result in a fine up to $1,000. 

Denver’s driving license requirements

In Denver, the minimum age for independent driving is 16. Individuals between the ages of 16 and 21 with a minor license have restrictions on the number of passengers they can carry, and a strict curfew. Learner’s permits can be issued from the age of 15, but a licensed adult must always be present in the vehicle if a learner is driving.

To obtain a full minor license, you must have held a learner’s permit for a minimum of 12 months. Minor licenses are valid until no more than 20 days after the driver turns 21, after which they must be renewed to obtain a standard license.

Please note, although you may hold a learner’s permit, the minimum age to rent a car with Hertz in Denver is 21.

To learn more about car rental for young drivers, please visit our Hertz guide for renters under 25s.

Parking in Denver

When exploring the city, you’ll want to know the best places to find parking in Denver so you can relax and see what the city has to offer on foot as well. Luckily, the city offers a host of parking garages and street parking locations that can be accessed via the Denver parking app.

LAZ Parking Garage

LAZ offers over 230 spaces to allow you to park up and get started with your exploration in Denver. This lot is close to downtown and to major hotels such as the Hilton.

Location: LAZ Parking Limited, LLC

Address: 1735 Stout St, Lodo, Denver, CO 80202

Cost (per hour or per day): $18 Mon-Sun

How to pay: Pay on exit via card or cash

16th Street Mall Garage - ParkChirp

The 16th Street Mall Garage is a great pick for some local shopping on the popular 16th Street pedestrian mall, making it a popular choice for those visiting downtown Denver. With seven parking floors (EV charging available), it offers a choice between hourly and daily parking options to fit your itinerary.

Location: 16th Street Mall

Address:  951 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202, United States

Cost: $5 per hour with a daily maximum charge of $25 ($35 if overnight parking).

How to pay: Pay via card or online in advance via ParkChirp

ABM University Garage

If you’re looking for calmer area, you can park in this spot. With over 388 spaces, you’ll find convenient parking located close to the Denver Country Club, Botanical Gardens and Cheesman Park.

Location: 210 University Garage

Address:  ABM Parking Inc., 210 University Blvd, Cherry Creek, Denver, CO, 80206

Cost: $17 for Daytime week parking, or $4 per hour.

How to pay: Pay via card or cash on site

H3: Street parking in Denver

As well as the many parking lots available across Denver, you’ll also find there are plenty of options for free or cheap on-street parking. However, before you park on the street, remember to follow the instructions on payment and the time limit of the parking area. A parking permit can exempt you from this time restriction, however, this does not apply to rental vehicles.

The average street parking price is $1-$2 for 2 hours.

Denver parking app

To pay by app, download the PayByPhone app on your Android or iOS device. Here you can link and manage your parking sessions after you provide the following info for billing your parking spot:

• Mobile phone number
• Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
• License plate of car(s).

Electric car charging in Denver

The city of Denver has over 460 charging points for EV vehicles (the majority being level 2 charge points) and over 50% of them offer free charging, making hiring Hertz EV rental an excellent way to save on travel costs for your trip to Colorado.

For a detailed breakdown, check out our Denver EV driving guide here

Quick driving tips for Denver

Here are some of our top tips for you to keep in mind when traveling through the streets of Denver:

1. Plan your route ahead of time: Before starting any trip, check for any traffic congestion, construction, or road closures near the places you plan to go to. Keep yourself updated with real-time traffic updates from routing apps like Google Maps or Waze.
2. Choose the right time: The city has a morning and evening rush hour, which can cause significant delays on major highways and in the business district. Try to avoid driving during these peak times for a tension-free experience.
3. Prep for Parking: Using online booking or mobile apps for setting up parking can save you a ton of time and even get you some great deals.
4. Take note of events: Events, festivals, and sports matches can happen often in the city and can cause reroutes and closures. Always check for major events and timings before you head out.
5. Utilize the grid: Denver has a grid layout of streets, which can make getting around easier if you're familiar with it. To save time and steer clear of traffic on busy streets, look for shortcuts or alternative paths. However, before taking a shortcut, make sure you're aware of the whole route.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of day to drive in Denver?

Ideally, you should drive after 12, or before 4 for the best experience if you are driving during the day, as the city experiences rush hour in the morning and evening.

Is it difficult driving in Denver?

Denver generally has a logically simple grid layout making driving quite simple. Moreover, the extensive grid system also facilitates a much more efficient driving experience if you know your way around smaller streets.

How much is a speeding ticket in Denver?

Denver follows the general speed infraction regulations set up the state of Colorado with different fines for a Class A violation (10-24mph over speed limit - $135-200) and a Class 2 violation (over 25 mph - $150 to $300)

With its unique roads and breathtaking views, a trip through Denver via car can be an exciting and memorable experience. Whether you're a resident looking for a fresh perspective or a visitor experiencing the city for the first time, remember to drive safely and obey the rules of the road. Keep our tips in mind, and you're sure to have a stress-free experience on the road.

Don't forget to read our comprehensive Colorado driving guide to learn more about the area's picturesque mountain routes as you continue your journey through the state.

Get ready for your trip to Denver.

Ready for your trip to the Mile high city? Round up your plans with our other guides on where to stay, the best places to visit and what to do when you’re in Denver and Colorado!

• Best hotels in Denver
• Best things to do in Denver
• Denver neighborhoods