DENVER — Beginning January 1, 2025, drivers in Colorado will face new fines for improper use of express lanes. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced these changes aimed at improving safety on the state's busy roadways, primarily affecting traffic on the Central 70, Interstate 25 South Gap, and US 36 corridors.
The new regulations will impose fines starting at $75 for motorists who weave in and out of express lanes and exit or enter outside designated areas. This measure aims to curtail the dangerous practice of trying to evade tolling by avoiding license plate capture as Tim Hoover from CDOT explained, “So in some cases, it's people who try to drive past the tolling gantry and then swoop over after the tolling gantry so...they can only exit at designated places.” These fines will double to $150 if not paid within 20 days, with potential penalties as high as $250 depending on the violation.
Over the course of the recent warning period, which ran from December 1 to December 17, 2024, CDOT issued roughly 23,873 notifications to drivers who were improperly using express lanes. When the new fines take effect, these warnings will be replaced by monetary penalties intended to deter such violations.
Hoover highlighted the importance of these changes, stating they are focused on enhancing road safety. Police and transportation officials have witnessed alarming rates of weaving violations, which can lead to dangerous traffic situations. By enforcing strict penalties on these behaviors, CDOT hopes to encourage drivers to adhere to traffic regulations.
The steps taken by CDOT are not without precedent. The department has previously deployed its anti-weaving program along the Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor, resulting in compelling data: the program reportedly saw up to an 80% decrease in weaving incidents on those roadways. Such successes have bolstered confidence and support for expanded regulations like the ones announced for 2025.
Cutting-edge technology will play a key role in enforcing these new fines. A combination of cameras, sensors, and advanced software will be utilized to identify violators. Hoover remarked on the revolutionary nature of this monitoring system, noting, “Before we started this [Safety and Tolling Enforcement Program], this had never been tried anywhere...the system is extremely effective… it correctly identifies license plates more than 99.9% of the time.” This high level of accuracy allows CDOT to efficiently manage express lanes and deter dangerous driving practices.
With public safety as the driving force behind these new regulations, CDOT is calling on all drivers to be aware of and comply with express lane rules. The agency believes education about the new fines and improved adherence to existing lane regulations will result in fewer accidents and smoother traffic flow.
Starting January 1, 2025, the shift from warnings to fines marks not only a significant policy change but also reflects Colorado's commitment to modernizing traffic management and ensuring the well-being of its road users. With both public education campaigns and strict enforcement on the horizon, CDOT is aiming for safer highways for everyone.
