Colorado Bill Increases Traffic Violation Penalties

Detected March 14th, 2026

Summary

Colorado Bill SB26-035 proposes to increase penalties for certain traffic violations, including illegal overtaking and multiple speeding offenses within specified periods. The bill also clarifies no-passing zone indicators and mandates the prioritization of signage for high-incident areas.

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What changed

Colorado Bill SB26-035, currently in its 2026 Regular Session, aims to significantly increase penalties for traffic violations. Specifically, it targets illegal overtaking in no-passing zones (defined by solid yellow lines) and imposes escalating penalties for multiple speeding violations within one, two, or five-year periods. Drivers with repeat speeding offenses will now receive a summons and complaint instead of a less severe penalty assessment notice.

This bill, if enacted, will require employers and other entities operating vehicles within Colorado to update their internal policies and driver training programs to reflect the increased penalties. Compliance officers should monitor the bill's progress through the legislative process and prepare for potential implementation of stricter enforcement and higher fines for traffic infractions. The bill also directs the Colorado Department of Transportation to prioritize signage in areas prone to illegal overtaking, which may impact road safety and traffic management strategies.

What to do next

Monitor the progress of Colorado Bill SB26-035 through the legislative process.
Review and update internal driver policies and training materials to reflect potential increases in traffic violation penalties.
Ensure fleet vehicles and drivers are aware of updated no-passing zone definitions and penalties for repeat speeding offenses.

Penalties

Increased penalties for illegal overtaking and multiple speeding violations within 1, 2, or 5-year periods.

Source document (simplified)

SB26-035

Increase of Traffic Violation Penalties

| Type | Bill |
| --- | --- |
| Session | 2026 Regular Session |
| Subjects | Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement Transportation & Motor Vehicles |
Concerning an increase of traffic violation penalties.

Recent Bill (PDF) Recent Fiscal Note (PDF) Bill Summary:

The bill increases the penalties for illegally overtaking a vehicle on the left in a no-passing zone and clarifies that no-passing zones are indicated by a solid yellow line or line pavement markings. The bill requires the Colorado department of transportation to prioritize installing signage on roadways with increased incidents of illegal overtaking on the left.

The bill increases the penalties for multiple speeding violations within a one-year, 2-year, or 5-year period. The bill 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.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Prime Sponsors

Senator

Dylan Roberts

Committees

Senate

Transportation & Energy Appropriations

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Status

Under Consideration

Introduced

Under Consideration

Upcoming Schedule

1 meeting

Tue

Mar 17

Senate General Orders - Second Reading of Bills - Consent Calendar

9:00 AM Senate Chamber

Related Documents & Information

| Date | Version | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 01/26/2026 | Introduced | PDF |

| Date | Version | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 03/13/2026 | PA2 | PDF |
| 02/26/2026 | PA1 | PDF |

| Date | Version | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 03/09/2026 | First Revised Fiscal Note | PDF |
| 02/17/2026 | Initial Fiscal Note | PDF |

| Date | Version | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 03/10/2026 | SA1 | PDF |

| Activity | Vote | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adopt amendment J.001 | The motion passed on a vote of 4-3. | Vote summary |
| 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. | The motion passed on a vote of 7-0. | Vote summary |
Hearing Summary | Committee Report: PDF
| Activity | Vote | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adopt amendment L.001 | The motion passed without objection. | Vote summary |
| Adopt amendment L.004 | The motion failed on a vote of 3-6. | Vote summary |
| Refer Senate Bill 26-035, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations. | The motion passed on a vote of 7-1. | Vote summary |
Hearing Summary | Committee Report: PDF
| Date | Amendment Number | Committee/ Floor Hearing | Status | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 03/13/2026 | J.001 | SEN Appropriations | Passed [] | PDF |
| 02/25/2026 | L.004 | SEN Transportation & Energy | Lost | PDF |
| 02/25/2026 | L.001 | SEN Transportation & Energy | Passed [] | PDF |
* Amendments passed in committee are not incorporated into the measure unless adopted by the full House or Senate.

** The status of Second Reading amendments may be subsequently affected by the adoption of an amendment to the Committee of the Whole Report. Refer to the House or Senate Journal for additional information.

| Date | Location | Action |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 03/13/2026 | Senate | Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole |
| 03/13/2026 | Senate | Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole |
| 02/25/2026 | Senate | Senate Committee on Transportation & Energy Refer Amended to Appropriations |
| 01/26/2026 | Senate | Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Transportation & Energy |
Prime Sponsor

Sen. D. Roberts

Sponsor

(None) Co-Sponsor

(None)