Frequently Asked Questions
Colorado Speed Enforcement Program Information
No. CDOT only operates the Colorado Speed Enforcement Program on state highways.
However, all automated speed enforcement programs in Colorado are made possible by the same legislation: C.R.S. 42-4-110.5.
In order for local agencies to implement AVIS on state-owned roads, they must coordinate with CDOT and the Colorado State Patrol. This review ensures the program is used for public safety, not revenue generation. For more information, visit our Local Agency Implementation page.
The Colorado Speed Enforcement Program is a new camera-based speed enforcement program that utilizes Automated Vehicle Identification Systems (AVIS). The program aims to improve safety for all roadway users, including drivers, road workers and law enforcement by managing speeds and reducing speed-related crashes on state highways. AVIS is deployed in designated corridors, school zones and work zones along high-risk corridors where speeding is a concern, encouraging safer driving and aiming to protect everyone on the road. AVIS stands for Automated Vehicle Identification System, which means any system that uses machines (including camera technology) to automatically detect and capture traffic violations, including speeding
The program aims to improve driver behavior and enforce adherence to posted speed limits to reduce crashes and fatalities in work zones, school zones and other high-risk corridors. Preliminary data shows that there were nine work zone fatalities in 2025, marking a 70% decrease since 2024 (30). Additionally, work zone crashes in Colorado caused 554 injuries in 2025, a nearly 8% decrease from 2024 (602). Nationally, work zones saw 96,000 crashes and 891 fatalities in 2022. By enforcing consistent and neutral enforcement, the goal is to encourage safer driving in high-risk areas and protect more people from serious crashes, injuries and death.
In 2023, the Colorado General Assembly passed Senate Bill 24-195, codified in Section 42-4-110.5, C.R.S., which expanded roadway enforcement to include AVIS. This statute allows state and local agencies to use camera technology to enforce speed compliance on designated highway corridors.
Information specific to state program implementation can be found in subsection 2.5 of C.R.S. 42-4-110.5. CDOT’s Speed Enforcement Program will issue a $75 fine to drivers exceeding the speed limit by 10+ mph in an active AVIS corridor.
Colorado law requires public notification at least 30 days before a speed safety camera becomes active. Following public notice, drivers will receive warnings, not civil penalties, for at least another 30 days. Information about corridors where the Colorado Speed Enforcement program is active will be available on this website.
In every corridor where the program is active, there will be a warning period before civil penalties begin. This period gives motorists time to adjust to work zone speeds without penalty and has been shown to reduce excessive speeds in active AVIS corridors before fines take effect.
Civil Penalty/Fine/Late Payment Information
Notices of Violation are sent out within 30 days of the violation occurring where the vehicle involved is registered in the state of Colorado, or 60 days for vehicles registered outside of Colorado. The civil penalty for speeding in a work or school zone is $75. The civil penalty for speeding in designated AVIS Corridors is $40.
If a fine is not paid or the violation is not disputed within 45 days of the original notice of violation, the registered owner is given a civil penalty assessment:
- The civil penalty assessment must be paid within 30 days
- If this is not paid, a final order of liability will be issued
Under Colorado statute 42-4-110.5, the registered owner of the vehicle is responsible for speed enforcement violations. However, your rental agreement may include provisions that allow the rental agency to charge renters for such violations and associated fees.
If your rental agency has charged your credit card, please review your rental agreement and contact the rental agency directly with any questions or disputes regarding the charge. CDOT is unable to assist with or respond to inquiries related to rental agency billing practices.
Speed Safety Camera Technology
Yes, cameras can remain in a designated AVIS corridor even after construction is complete. CDOT continues to evaluate corridor speeds and may deem areas vulnerable at any time.
Speed safety cameras are placed at least a quarter to a half-mile apart in the work zone. When a vehicle passes each camera, an image and a timestamp (including the vehicle’s license plate number) are captured. The system then calculates the average rate of speed between each camera by dividing the distance by the travel time. Drivers exceeding the speed limit by 10+ MPH will be issued a $75 fine.
It is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to make sure their speedometer is working properly. A speedometer may be malfunctioning if:
- The needle doesn’t move above zero when the vehicle is moving or is stuck on one reading.
- The needle jumps between speeds inconsistently.
- The check engine light is on or flashing.
- You have difficulty shifting your transmission or using cruise control.
Keep in mind: Tires smaller or larger than those originally installed on the vehicle by the manufacturer may affect the vehicle’s speedometer accuracy.
No. While both systems use cameras, they serve different purposes. Flock cameras are used to help law enforcement and other associations locate stolen vehicles, respond to AMBER Alerts, find missing persons or assist with criminal investigations. CDOT does not operate Flock cameras.
CDOT’s Colorado Speed Enforcement program is focused specifically on roadway safety. The cameras used in this program are placed in targeted areas such as work zones, school zones and corridors with a history of serious speed-related crashes. They are used only to detect vehicles traveling above the posted speed limit in accordance with Colorado law.
Data collected through CDOT’s Colorado Speed Enforcement program is used only for limited purposes allowed under Colorado law. Cameras in active work zones are programmed to capture and retain images only when a speeding violation is detected.
The photos and video associated with a violation are confidential and protected by law, meaning they are not public records. This information is used only for necessary program operations, such as reviewing and processing violations or other law enforcement purposes permitted by law.
All collected footage is retained only as long as needed and is destroyed within three years after a violation has been resolved. CDOT is committed to protecting driver privacy and maintaining transparency in how the program operates.
