How are speed limits set in Colorado?

Speed limits — we pass by them every day but too often ignore them. In fact, studies show that most Colorado drivers exceed the speed limit at least some of the time. Unrealistically low or high speed limits especially get ignored. But aren’t speed limits more of a suggestion anyway? Not so fast!
Setting speed limits in Colorado involves a science-based and data-driven process that carefully balances safety and travel time. So, before putting the pedal to the metal, consider the fact that traffic engineers use a speed management process to determine safe speeds. Remember, following the speed limit can prevent high-impact collisions.

CDOT’s Speed Management Process

CDOT’s goal is to set realistic speed limits that maximize safety and are respected by motorists. The speed management process includes speed studies, school zone studies, speed compliance studies and no-passing-zone studies conducted by traffic engineers in the state. The speed management process also considers:

• Roadway environment and conditions (including lane width, curves and sight distance).
• Public transportation volume.
• Pedestrian and bicyclist activity.
• Geographical type (urban, rural or suburban).
• Crash data.
• Trends in operating speeds.

Once a speed limit is determined, signs are posted along the road. These can appear as standard black and white signs, electronic variable signs, black and yellow warning signs, work zone signs, or school zone signs. Ultimately, the goal is to get motorists to their destination as safely and efficiently as possible.

Colorado Speed Limit Laws

In Colorado, prima facie speed limits (those which seem reasonable under normal conditions) are:

• 20 mph on narrow, winding mountain roads.
• 25 mph in any business district.
• 30 mph in any residential district.
• 40 mph on open mountain highways.
• 55 mph on non-interstate open highways.
• 65 mph on interstate highways, freeways or expressways.

The absolute speed limits, listed below, are the maximum lawful speed limits and may not be exceeded under any circumstances.

• 75 mph.
• Posted work zone and school zone speeds.

Under Colorado law, driving up to 24 mph over the posted speed limit is a Class A traffic infraction. Driving 25 mph or more over the posted limit is a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. Violating the speed limit can result in fines, surcharges, points on your license, community service requirements and even jail time in some cases. Fines for speeding typically range from $15 to $100 but can reach up to $1,000. Revenues generated by these surcharges are credited to the Crime Victim Compensation Fund and the Victims and Witness Assistance and Law Enforcement Fund. Learn more about the penalties for speeding violations in Colorado here.

Roadway Safety Begins with Safe Speeds

Speeding is inherently dangerous and remains a leading factor in Colorado traffic deaths. In 2023, speed-related crashes killed 257 people on Colorado roads, which is the equivalent of more than two entire rows of seating at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Speed limits promote safer travel for all Coloradans and provide a basis for law enforcement to issue citations to drivers who may be putting others at risk of a crash.
CDOT shares the following tips to stay safe from speeding drivers:

• Maintain space: Give other drivers, speeding or not, plenty of space. Drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicles when speeding.
• Do not engage: Speeding is often linked to aggressive driving. If a speeding driver is tailgating you or trying to engage in risky behavior, use your judgment to safely steer your vehicle out of the way.
• Report dangerous behavior: If you believe a driver is following or harassing you, or engaging in other risky behavior, dial *CSP (*277) or your local law enforcement to report.

Drive to the beat of a different tune and take it easy on the roads! CDOT has created a custom “No Need for Speed” Spotify playlist featuring mellow, slow-paced songs to encourage drivers to slow down. Listen to CDOT’s calm driving playlist here or search for the "No Need for Speed” playlist in the Spotify app.