Cross the line, pay the fine: Penalties for breaking Express Lanes rules to soon take effect on Central 70, I-25 South Gap and US 36 Corridors

News Release

Nov. 21, 2024 - Denver Metro - Advanced roadway technology will identify drivers entering and exiting Express Lanes outside of designated areas

Cruzas la línea, pagas la multa: sanciones por infringir las reglas de los Carriles Exprés entrarán en vigencia en los corredores Central 70, I-25 Sur y US 36 en español

Denver — Drivers who weave over the solid lines of Colorado’s Express Lanes in the Central 70, I-25 South Gap and US 36 corridors will soon face fines as new roadside technology is rolled out to automatically spot their dangerous driving next month.

Beginning Dec. 1, drivers on these corridors will receive a warning for entering or exiting the Express Lanes outside designated areas, a violation of Express Lanes rules. The enforcement will begin with a 30-day grace period, during which warnings will be mailed to the registered address of the vehicle. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, the warning period will end, and violators will receive fines known as “civil penalties.”

The roadside detection system, which identifies weaving vehicles using sensors, cameras and software, was first introduced in Colorado last year on the I-70 Mountain Express Lane corridor. It has since been expanded to the C-470 and North I-25 Express Lanes. Beginning Dec. 1, the remainder of Colorado’s actively tolled Express Lanes will adopt the system, which includes I-70 between I-25 and Chambers Road, I-25 between Monument and Castle Rock, and US 36 between Federal Boulevard and Table Mesa Drive.

“This technology has already reduced violations by 80% in the corridors where we’ve deployed it,” said Tim Hoover, a CDOT spokesman. “This means accidents avoided and lives saved.”

Drivers weaving over the solid lines between Express Lanes and the general purpose lanes cause crashes each year in Colorado. This behavior significantly increases crash risks due to the speed differentials between vehicles in the Express Lanes and those in the general purpose lanes. Drivers in all lanes do not anticipate cars suddenly crossing over solid lines in front of them, forcing them to react quickly to vehicles moving at different speeds. This unpredictability creates dangerous situations on the road. Vehicles should only enter or exit Express Lanes at clearly marked points with signs and dashed lines.

“More than 90% of drivers using Express Lanes follow the rules and don’t cross the solid lines. Unfortunately, the small percentage that do weave endanger themselves and everyone else,” said Hoover. “Starting Dec. 1, we’re giving these drivers 30 days notice to change their behavior. After that, if you cross the line, you pay the fine.

Civil penalties for violating the Express Lane rules start at $75 if paid within 20 days. After 20 days, the fine increases to $150.

To learn more, visit expresslanes.codot.gov.

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:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

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