Citizen Advocate

Safety Enforcement in Express Lanes

Within the I-70 Mountain corridor between Idaho Springs and Empire, C-470 between I-25 and Wadsworth Boulevard, I-25 between US 36 and E-470, I-70 between I-25 and Chambers Road, and I-25 between Monument and Castle Rock Express Lanes, roadside sensors will issue civil penalties starting at $75 to drivers who:

  • Cross the solid white or yellow lines
  • I-70 Mountain Express Lanes only: Driving in the Express Lane in vehicles with more than two axles or extending longer than 25 feet
  • I-70 Mountain Express Lanes only: Use the Express Lanes when they're closed

Violations not paid within 20 days of issuance will increase to a $150 civil penalty.

Enforcement in the I-70 Mountain Corridor, between Idaho Springs and Empire, began on July 21, 2023, and civil penalties are currently in effect. The Mountain Express Lanes are peak period shoulder lanes that relieve congestion during peak periods, such as holidays and weekends. The rest of the time, they operate as typical shoulders to be used only by two-axle vehicles for emergencies and breakdowns.

Enforcement on C-470 between I-25 and Wadsworth Boulevard and I-25 between US36 and E470 began on Sept.1, 2023, and civil penalties are currently in effect.

Enforcement on I-70 between I-25 and Chambers Road and I-25 between Monument and Castle Rock began on Jan. 1, 2024, and civil penalties are currently in effect.

Learn more about this program at codot.gov/programs/expresslanes/enforcementprogram.

Violations Questions?

If you have questions about a violation or fine, payments or to file a dispute, please visit expresslanesafety.com/CO/violations or call 833-816-0316 for assistance. CDOT is not managing these requests, and must go through the Express Lanes Safety Enforcement program.

CDOT's citizen advocate strives to remedy concerns voiced by members of the traveling public by coordinating communication among citizens and state agencies.

Established in 1993 through Executive Order D 0010 93, the Governor’s Advocate Corps —renamed the Citizen Advocate Corp in 2003—assists constituents with resolving state government issues.

CDOT's citizen advocate reviews each concern, and forwards it to the appropriate division within CDOT for follow up and resolution. Contact can be made to the citizen advocate by email, telephone, fax or postal mail.

Before contacting the advocate:
  • You may use CDOT's customer service portal to find answers to your questions or address your concerns.
  • Please determine whether your concern, problem or complaint is within the jurisdiction of CDOT. If your complaint is regarding a local or federal government issue, it cannot be resolved through the CDOT advocate. CDOT does not have jurisdiction over the cities, counties, railroads, or E-470 and Northwest Parkway.