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ColoradoSB26-0352026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Increase of Traffic Violation Penalties

Sponsored By: Chad Clifford (Democratic), Dylan Roberts (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Crimes, Corrections, & EnforcementTransportation & Motor Vehicles

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.

Drivers face tougher passing rules

Beginning August 12, 2026, Colorado bans driving on the left within no-passing zones or alongside their striping for its full length. This rule applies when signs or pavement markings are clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person. An improper-passing conviction brings 8 license points, up from 4. Courts cannot suspend any part of the specified penalty for violating the covered passing rules. These provisions do not state that penalty's dollar amount.

Higher fines for hazardous-material route violations

Beginning August 12, 2026, each hazardous-material route violation carries a $500 penalty, up from $250. This applies to people transporting hazardous materials by motor vehicle outside the authorized route. A second or later violation within 12 months brings a summons and complaint. Upon conviction, the fine is $500–$1,000, up from $250–$500.

More points for repeat speeding

Beginning August 12, 2026, Colorado adds license points for repeat driving above a reasonable, safe speed or the 75-mph maximum. A second violation within 12 months adds 2 points; a third or later violation within 24 months adds 4. A fifth or later violation within 5 years adds 8 points. Driving at least 100 mph adds 4 points; all these points are added to those otherwise assigned. Repeat-speeding cases meeting those count-and-time thresholds no longer use specified fine and surcharge schedules or penalty notices; no replacement fine amount is stated.

Road signs prioritized where passing crashes rise

Beginning August 12, 2026, Colorado's transportation department must prioritize signs where crashes from illegal left-side passing in no-passing zones increased. The department compares crashes with the previous year using its statewide crash data. It must use existing resources; this requirement provides no new funding.

State funds traffic penalty system updates

For state fiscal year 2026–27, Colorado provides $30,943 to the Department of Revenue to carry out the law. The money comes from the Colorado DRIVES vehicle services account in the highway users tax fund. It includes $22,880 for DRIVES maintenance and support and $2,009 for motor vehicle driver-services staff. It also provides $2,706 for executive-director-office administrative staff and $3,348 in payments to the Office of Information Technology. This is state spending, not a direct household payment.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Chad Clifford

    Democratic • House

  • Dylan Roberts

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Julie McCluskie

    Democratic • House

  • Monica Duran

    Democratic • House

  • Cathy Kipp

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jeff Bridges

    Democratic • Senate

  • John Carson

    Republican • Senate

  • James Coleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Larry Liston

    Republican • Senate

  • Marc Snyder

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nick Hinrichsen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rod Pelton

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 199 • No: 88

Senate vote • 5/13/2026

House amendments: Repass

Yes: 32 • No: 3

Senate vote • 5/13/2026

House amendments: Concur

Yes: 35 • No: 0

House vote • 5/12/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 35 • No: 30

House vote • 5/8/2026

Committee of the whole: Amd (h.001)

Yes: 28 • No: 35

House vote • 5/1/2026

Refer Senate Bill 26-035, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 8 • No: 3

House vote • 3/31/2026

Refer Senate Bill 26-035, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 9 • No: 4

Senate vote • 3/18/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 31 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

Refer Senate Bill 26-035, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole and with a recommendation that it be placed on the consent calendar.

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

Adopt amendment J.001

Yes: 4 • No: 3

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

Refer Senate Bill 26-035, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 7 • No: 1

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

Adopt amendment L.004

Yes: 3 • No: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    5/27/2026House

  2. Signed by the President of the Senate

    5/22/2026Senate

  3. Signed by the Speaker of the House

    5/22/2026House

  4. Sent to the Governor

    5/22/2026House

  5. Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass

    5/13/2026Senate

  6. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    5/12/2026House

  7. House Third Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

    5/9/2026House

  8. House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor

    5/8/2026House

  9. House Second Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

    5/5/2026House

  10. House Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole

    5/1/2026House

  11. House Committee on Transportation, Housing & Local Government Refer Amended to Appropriations

    3/31/2026House

  12. Introduced In House - Assigned to Transportation, Housing & Local Government

    3/19/2026House

  13. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    3/18/2026Senate

  14. Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee

    3/17/2026Senate

  15. Senate Second Reading Passed - No Amendments

    3/17/2026Senate

  16. Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole

    3/13/2026Senate

  17. Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole

    3/13/2026Senate

  18. Senate Committee on Transportation & Energy Refer Amended to Appropriations

    2/25/2026Senate

  19. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Transportation & Energy

    1/26/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

    PDF

  • Final Act

    PDF

  • House Appropriations Preamend

    PDF

  • House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Preamend

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

  • Reengrossed

    PDF

  • Rerevised

    PDF

  • Revised

    PDF

  • Senate Appropriations Preamend

    PDF

  • Senate Transportation & Energy Preamend

    PDF

  • Signed Act

    PDF

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