With summer travel increasing traffic volumes statewide, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is reminding drivers to keep their cool in Colorado’s Express Lanes. These managed lanes offer a great alternative for motorists looking to bypass congestion, but drivers are reminded that Express Lanes rules still apply for the safety of all roadway users.
A Year of the Safety Enforcement Program
It’s been a year since CDOT introduced the Safety Enforcement Program on the I-70 Mountain Express Lanes between Idaho Springs and Empire. This program, designed to promote safety by fining motorists who violate Express Lanes rules, has since expanded to C-470 and I-25 between US 36 and E-470.
Key rules enforced as part of the program include:
- Weaving across solid lines: Vehicles can enter and exit the Express Lanes only through the dashed lines.
- Using the I-70 Mountain Express Lanes when closed: These lanes are emergency shoulders for disabled vehicles or first responders when not in operation.
- Driving oversized vehicles: Vehicles with more than two axles or longer than 25 feet are prohibited from using the I-70 Mountain Express Lanes, as these lanes are narrower than typical highway lanes.
Violating these rules where the Safety Enforcement Program is active results in a fine of $150. If this fine is paid within 20 days, it decreases to $75. Sophisticated roadside technology is used to enforce these rules, meaning drivers don’t need to be pulled over by law enforcement to be cited.
Significant Reduction in I-70 Violations
The introduction of the Safety Enforcement Program has had a remarkable impact on the I-70 Mountain Express Lanes. Since the program began, CDOT has observed a significant 75% reduction in violations. This dramatic decrease underscores the program’s effectiveness in promoting adherence to the rules and enhancing road safety.
“Everybody’s excited to get out of the house and enjoy summer, but we want to make sure everyone stays safe and avoids getting a fine,” said Tim Hoover, deputy director of communications for CDOT. “We want to remind motorists these rules are in place for a reason — to keep all travelers safe.”
Looking ahead, Colorado motorists can expect to see the program making its way to more Express Lane corridors this fall.
For more information or to refresh your memory about the Express Lane rules, visit http://expresslanes.codot.gov.