Fines for Express Lane weaving violations take effect Jan. 1; over 23,000 warnings issued during grace period
News Release
Denver — Following a 30-day grace period during which Colorado issued more than 23,000 warnings, drivers who enter and exit Express Lanes outside of designated areas in the Central 70, I-25 South Gap and US 36 corridors will face fines beginning Jan. 1.
Weaving in and out of the Express Lanes is extremely dangerous and increases the risk of a crash because of the significant speed differentials between vehicles in the Express Lanes and those in the general purpose lanes. Crossing over the solid lines has always been illegal, but now, with the help of state-of-the-art technology in the form of new software, cameras and roadway sensors, enforcing the rules of the road just got much easier.
“We’ve heard the public’s concerns about this unsafe driving behavior for years, and now we have the technology to hold these drivers accountable,” said CDOT spokesman Tim Hoover. “We’ve issued warnings for 30 days, but starting Jan. 1, violators will receive civil penalties in the mail if they continue driving recklessly.
"A good New Year’s resolution? Stop weaving over the Express Lane lines.”
Between Dec. 1 and Dec. 17, the state had issued 23,873 warnings to drivers weaving over Express Lanes lines on the Central 70, I-25 South Gap and US 36 corridors.
The Safety and Tolling Enforcement Program, or STEP, initially introduced last year on the I-70 Mountain Express Lane corridor, has now been expanded to include all of Colorado's actively tolled Express Lanes. Central 70 (I-70 between I-25 and Chambers Road), I-25’s South Gap (I-25 between Monument and Castle Rock) and US 36 between Federal Boulevard and Table Mesa Drive are the final tolled Express Lane corridors to adopt the new technology.
“This technology has already reduced violations by 80% in the corridors where we’ve deployed it,” Hoover said. “This means accidents avoided and lives saved.”
The fines, known as “civil penalties,” for violating the Express Lane rules start at $75 if paid within 20 days. After 20 days, the fine increases to $150. For those who receive a civil penalty, there will be several ways to pay the fine, including:
- Paying online at ExpressLaneSafety.com with their license plate or notice number.
- Paying with their notice number using the automated phone system at 1-800-343-2633.
Signage along the Express Lanes corridor indicates that violators could receive fines of up to $250. This is the total amount allowed by state statute, but per the direction of the board of directors for the Colorado Transportation Investment Office, the government-owned business within CDOT responsible for Express Lanes, fines will begin at $75.
CDOT has used highway variable message signs, billboards, traffic radio, digital and TV advertisements and a flood of social media posts to get the word out about the program.
To learn more, visit expresslanes.codot.gov.
About the Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO)
CTIO operates as a government-owned, independent business within CDOT. It searches out innovative ways to finance projects to help Colorado fulfill its commitment to increase travel choices through options that include Express Lanes, transit, biking, walking and carpooling. For more information, visit codot.gov/programs/ctio.
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
- Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
- Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
- Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
- Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
- Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
Download the COtrip App!
The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!
