Increase of Traffic Violation Penalties

The act increases the penalties for improperly passing a vehicle in a no-passing zone and clarifies that no-passing zones are indicated by a solid yellow line or line pavement markings. The act requires the Colorado department of transportation to prioritize installing signage on roadways with increased incidents of crashes resulting from illegal overtaking on the left. The act increases the points assessed for multiple speeding violations within a one-year, 2-year, or 5-year period for driving 20 miles per hour or more in excess of the reasonable and prudent speed or driving in excess of a 75 miles per hour speed limit and requires drivers driving a vehicle 100 miles per hour or greater be assessed 4 additional points.

The act requires that drivers who have multiple speeding violations within a one-year, 2-year, or 5-year period receive a summons and complaint upon committing their violation instead of a penalty assessment notice. The act increases the fine for violating regulations regarding transporting hazardous materials by motor vehicle to $500 and increases the fine range for a second or subsequent violation to $500 to $1,000. The act appropriates $30,943 to the Colorado department of revenue from the Colorado DRIVES vehicle services account.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)