Cross The Line, Pay The Fine: ...

Skiers and riders are always looking for ways to get to the slopes quickly and effectively, especially on peak travel days when the corridor can feel like a slow-motion mogul run. Colorado's Express Lanes can be a great tool for keeping plans on track-but they only work (and stay safe) when everyone follows the rules of the road.

The widely known Express Lane rule: 'don't cross the solid lines' is not in place to slow you down, it is in place to keep you safe. The speed differences between the general-purpose lanes and the Express Lanes are often drastic and crossing over a solid line, when other drivers are not expecting it, leads to slamming on brakes and crashes. To increase safety and reduce these crashes caused by motorists violating the Express Lane rules, Colorado is cracking down on Express Lane rule-breakers with smart roadside cameras and sensors that automatically issue $75 fines to violators. If you cross a solid line, expect a fine in the mail.

A few quick, general safety reminders for winter driving: give yourself extra following distance (especially when conditions change fast), keep speeds reasonable for the road surface (not just the posted limit), and make smooth, predictable lane changes. In the mountains, "predictable" is a safety feature.

This system has been gradually rolled out over the last two years and is now active on all of Colorado's tolled Express Lanes - which includes the I-70 mountain corridor (Idaho Springs to Empire), C-470 (Wadsworth to I-25), north I-25 (downtown Denver to E-470), Central 70 (I-25 to Chambers), I-25 South Gap (Castle Rock to Monument), and US 36 (Federal to Table Mesa). This system is expected to launch on I-25 from Berthoud to Fort Collins later this spring.

What are the Express Lanes rules?

This enforcement focuses on a critical safety rule in the Express Lanes: entering and exiting the lanes outside designated areas, a.k.a., weaving over solid lines. That solid line isn't just a suggestion - it's there for a reason. Traffic in the Express Lane often flows freely past stalled traffic in the general-purpose lanes, so when a driver suddenly cuts across the solid line and into the Express Lane, it catches other drivers off guard and forces them to slam on their brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Drivers should only enter or exit the Express Lane in designated areas where there's a dashed line. This rule is in place to keep all motorists and emergency responders safe and keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible.

Another helpful safety habit: plan your entry and exit a little earlier than you think you need to. Last-second moves are where problems start-especially when visibility is low, pavement is slick, or traffic speeds differ lane to lane.

Rules specific to the I-70 mountain Express Lanes (Idaho Springs to Empire)

There are two other rules that apply only to the I-70 mountain Express Lanes:
● Drivers cannot use the I-70 mountain Express Lanes when they are closed - the lanes operate as an emergency shoulder for disabled vehicles or first responders when they are not operating.
● No oversized vehicles that have more than two axles or are longer than 25 feet are allowed in the I-70 mountain Express Lanes - these lanes are narrower than typical highway lanes and are therefore unsafe for oversized vehicles.

The I-70 mountain Express Lanes are technically "peak period shoulder lanes," meaning they are narrower than typical highway lanes and cannot accommodate oversized vehicles such as semitrucks, RVs and vehicles pulling trailers. Due to federal regulations, they can only be open for a certain number of days per year and operate as emergency shoulders when they are closed. Driving in the lanes when they're closed is extremely dangerous as violators could crash into a disabled vehicle, an emergency responder or a maintenance vehicle using the lane as a shoulder during this time.

One more winter-specific note: if you see emergency lights, slowed traffic, or a vehicle stopped on the shoulder, give responders space and stay alert for sudden merges or speed changes-conditions can shift quickly in the corridor.

To stay in the know about unexpected Mountain Express Lane closures, delays or flex day openings, sign up for the Mountain Express Lane text alert system by texting "xpresslanes" to 21000.

What does it mean when there's a dashed line on one side and a solid line on the other?

If you've ever driven next to an Express Lane, you might have noticed that sometimes the lane markings are dashed on one side and solid on the other. So, what does that mean?
A dashed line on the side closest to you means you can cross. A solid line on the side closest to you means you can't cross.
Cross where it's allowed, and everyone gets where they're going smoothly and safely.

What's the penalty?

Drivers who violate any of these rules will receive a $75 mailed to the vehicle's registered owner. If it's not paid within 20 days, the fine goes up to $150. Fines can be paid online at ExpressLaneSafety.com or by calling (800) 450-5167 with your license plate or notice number.
Visit ColoradoExpressLanes.com to learn more.