Crackdown driving law coming into force with max $150 fines in just days – and it’s not just cops who issue penalties
DRIVERS could face a maximum fine of $150 with the introduction of a new road traffic law.
Due to Colorado’s new traffic law, fines will be issued in 15 days.
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The law prohibits drivers from driving over the solid white road lines and violating other express lane rules on two stretches of highway near Denver.
According to the Colorado Department for Transportation (CDOT), the rule was applied to 12 miles of Colorado State Highway 470 south of Denver and 10 miles of Interstate 25 north of the city.
Other Express Lane rules include obeying the speed limit and only entering or exiting the Express Lanes via dashed road lines.
This rule was introduced on September 1, but drivers who violate the rule will receive a warning letter to the vehicle’s registered address for the first 30 days.
Starting October 1, drivers who violate the new rule on these highways could be subject to a civil fine.
Fines start at $75 but can rise to $150 if not paid within 20 days.
New technologies, including cameras and sensors, are being used to catch violators and impose penalties.
A CDOT spokesman, Tim Hoover, said: “We have groundbreaking technology at work here.”
This technology and rule has been implemented on other portions of the Colorado Express road network.
The Interstate 70 Mountain Express Lane corridor implemented the new technology and regulation on June 21 with a one-month warning period.
According to CDOT, 132 drivers received warning letters during that time.
As of Monday, 6,455 fines have been sent by post since the warning period expired on July 21st.
Hoover said, “It has already helped us identify and penalize drivers who endanger themselves and others on the I-70 Mountain corridor.”
“We firmly believe that expanding enforcement to these two new corridors will make Colorado’s roads safer for everyone.”
CDOT said the technology will eventually spread to all express lanes in Colorado.
Hoover has sent a warning to drivers who may be violating Express Lane rules.
He said: “These breaches threaten the lives of all road users.”
“Drivers who make a habit of breaking these rules will no longer be able to avoid the consequences of their unsafe actions.”
The US Sun has reported on another Colorado road law set to take effect on October 1st.
The new law stipulates that drivers will be fined if they fail to yield to large vehicles on a roundabout.
The fine would start at $70 plus a $10 surcharge.
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