Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Express Lanes are new lanes built in addition to any existing general-purpose lanes to provide drivers the choice of a more reliable trip by paying a toll. Toll prices are set to manage traffic and have just the right number of vehicles in the lane to provide reliable, shorter travel time.

On some Express Lanes, tolls can change in price depending on the level of congestion. As traffic increases, the toll price goes up to make sure the lane always remains a free-flowing alternative for travelers. Conversely, the toll price will decrease when there is less traffic in the lane. Drivers will always be charged the amount on the overhead signage when they enter the Express Lanes.

Express Lanes increase roadway capacity and help manage congestion on Colorado's highways. They offer choice by allowing drivers to ride the bus, carpool, or pay a toll and use as a solo driver as an alternative to the free general-purpose lanes.

Express Lanes work to move more people rather than move more cars. By presenting choices, Express Lanes reduce delays, help manage congestion and keep travel times reliable for motorists in all the lanes.

The Express Lanes Safety and Toll Enforcement Program (STEP) is managed by the Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO), the government-owned business within CDOT that oversees Colorado’s Express Lanes. The program encourages safe driving on CTIO’s network of Express Lanes by using sophisticated roadside technology to enforce Express Lane rules. Violators identified by this technology will be issued a civil penalty via mail based on the registered address of the vehicle’s license plate. Violations not paid within 20 days of issuance will increase to a $150 civil penalty.

STEP is meant to encourage drivers to use the Express Lanes safely and correctly and prevent dangerous behaviors such as weaving in and out of the Express Lanes. Safety for all motorists along these corridors is the top priority of this enforcement.

For more information about the program, please visit the Express Lanes STEP webpage. 

• Express Lanes use tolls to manage congestion and keep travel times reliable for all motorists.
• Express Lanes use a time-of-day pricing system in which tolls change in price depending on historic levels of congestion—say, during peak morning or evening traffic. During time frames with typically high traffic volumes, the toll price goes up, helping to keep you moving in the Express Lanes.
• Other Express Lanes use Dynamic tolling — adjusting tolls continuously according to real-time traffic conditions instead of simply by time of day. Dynamic tolling helps to better manage demand during peak hours to maintain free-flow traffic in the Express Lanes.
• Toll prices will vary based on each corridor. Visit the toll rates page to see if dynamic tolling is in effect and to view the latest toll prices for your corridor.
• Overhead signs will tell you exactly how much your trip will cost if you choose to use the lanes and pay a toll. The price displayed when vehicles enter the Express Lanes is the price drivers will pay if they have an ExpressToll pass, even if the toll changes while the driver is traveling in the Express Lanes.
• 4+ axle vehicles can use all Colorado Express Lanes except on I-70 from Idaho Springs to Empire. All 4+ axle vehicles are charged a $25.00 surcharge to use the Express Lanes.