Colorado Proposes Stricter Speeding Tickets: 6 MPH Over Limit Could Cost You

Colorado Lawmakers Target Speeding with Stricter Ticket Threshold

Colorado is considering a significant change to its speeding enforcement policies. Under Senate Bill 26-152, drivers could receive a ticket for going just 6 mph over the speed limit, down from the current threshold of 10 mph. The bill also introduces stricter rules for speed cameras and eliminates incentives tied to ticket revenue.

The proposed legislation reflects Colorado’s growing reliance on automated traffic enforcement. Over the past few years, the state has expanded the use of speed cameras, license plate readers, and even "average speed" cameras that monitor drivers over long distances. These technologies make it harder for drivers to evade detection by slowing down just before reaching a camera.

How the Bill Changes Speed Camera Enforcement

The bill aims to bring more structure to Colorado’s expanding automated enforcement systems. According to Westword, speed cameras on a single highway corridor issued nearly 10,000 tickets in just three months, generating over $700,000 in revenue. This has raised concerns about whether these systems prioritize revenue over safety.

Eliminating Ticket-Based Revenue Incentives

To address these concerns, the bill includes provisions to remove financial incentives for issuing tickets. Governments would pay camera vendors a flat monthly fee instead of compensating them based on the number of tickets issued. This change aims to reduce the temptation to issue excessive citations.

The bill also mandates greater transparency. Agencies must:

• Publicly announce new camera installations in advance;
• Post clear signage about camera locations;
• Publish annual reports detailing the number of tickets issued and revenue generated.

Criticism: Does It Actually Improve Safety?

Despite these reforms, critics argue that the bill fails to address a critical issue: whether speed cameras actually improve road safety. The legislation does not require governments to prove that these cameras reduce accidents or enhance safety outcomes. Some studies suggest that speed cameras may not have the expected impact on driver behavior.

In other words, while Colorado is tightening regulations around speed cameras and reducing revenue incentives, it is not required to demonstrate that these measures make roads safer. Instead, the focus remains on ticketing drivers and generating revenue.

Jenoptik Cameras: The Technology Behind Enforcement

The speed cameras used in Colorado are provided by Jenoptik, a global leader in automated traffic enforcement technology. These systems are designed to capture speeding violations and license plate data, enabling authorities to issue tickets and track vehicles across the state.

"The bill tries to balance enforcement with fairness, but it doesn’t address whether these cameras are actually making our roads safer."

What’s Next for the Bill?

Senate Bill 26-152 is currently under consideration in the Colorado legislature. If passed, it would take effect in the coming months, reshaping how speeding violations are enforced across the state. Drivers are advised to stay informed about the changes and adjust their behavior to avoid costly tickets.