Aurora amends local traffic code to align eluding rules with state law; council approves 9-1

The Aurora City Council on July 28 adopted an amendment to section 134-2 of the city code to align the local eluding provision with Colorado law, including a change to permit certain unmarked police vehicles equipped with emergency lights and sirens to be used in pursuits. The ordinance passed with nine yes votes and one no vote.

Commander Matt Brookbacher of the Aurora Police Department’s Special Operations Bureau told the council the amendment "brings section 14-13 of the model traffic code into compliance with the Colorado Revised Statutes as it pertains to eluding." He said the biggest change removes the earlier requirement that only marked police vehicles could pursue and clarifies that unmarked but properly equipped vehicles may be used.

The change was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Sundberg and seconded by Council Member Jarenski. Council Member Coombs cast the sole no vote. The clerk recorded the motion as passing with nine yes votes and one no vote.

Council and staff said the change is intended to align local code with state law and avoid conflicting requirements for police operations; the motion carried without further amendment.

The ordinance was recorded as ordinance 20 25 62 and will be incorporated into the city code as a local amendment to the 2024 Model Traffic Code.