Private roads are roads or driveways on private property. Because private roads are located on private property, persons other than the landowner generally do not have a right to drive on, walk on, or otherwise access the roads—unless they have a form of express or implied permission as provided by state law, such as a license or an easement to use or access the private road.
Persons who use or access a private road without the legally required permission may be subject to civil and criminal penalties for trespassing.
In Colorado, private roads are considered the property of the landowner and are not for public use unless permission is granted. The landowner can give express permission through a license or an implied permission through an easement, which is a legal right to use the property for a specific purpose. Without such permission, any use or access by others can be considered trespassing. Trespassing on private property, including private roads, can lead to civil liability for damages and criminal penalties under Colorado Revised Statutes Title 18 Criminal Code, Section 18-4-504. It's important for individuals to respect the rights of private road owners and seek the necessary permission to avoid legal consequences.