Colorado Bill Aims to Curb Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Proposed legislation would increase penalties for passing lane violations and repeat speeding offenses.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:31pm

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A new bill introduced in the Colorado state legislature would impose harsher penalties on drivers who violate passing lane rules and have multiple speeding tickets within a given time period. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Dylan Roberts, is aimed at addressing a rise in dangerous driving behaviors like excessive speeding and illegal passing, which have contributed to an increase in fatal and serious injury crashes across the state.

Why it matters

Colorado has seen a troubling uptick in traffic fatalities in recent years, with over 700 people killed on the state's roads in 2025. Officials attribute this trend to factors like speeding, lane violations, and impaired or distracted driving, particularly on rural highways and major corridors like Interstate 70. This bill is an attempt to change driver behavior and improve road safety through tougher penalties.

The details

Senate Bill 35 would increase the points issued against a driver's license from four to eight for passing on a solid yellow or double-yellow line. It would also require drivers with multiple speeding violations within a one-, two-, or five-year period to appear in court to settle their tickets. The bill would also direct the Colorado Department of Transportation to expand signage around designated passing zones to increase driver awareness.

  • In 2025, Colorado saw 701 traffic deaths, up from 689 the previous year.
  • Grand County reported 11 deaths and 24 serious injuries due to car crashes in 2025, the deadliest year in a decade for the county.
  • From 2021-2024, over 400 crashes occurred on Highway 40, a major corridor between Steamboat Springs and Craig.

The players

Sen. Dylan Roberts

A Democratic state senator representing Colorado's High Country district, where he has seen an increase in car crashes in recent years.

Colorado Department of Transportation

The state agency that will be directed to expand signage around designated passing zones as part of the proposed legislation.

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What they’re saying

“Too many Colorado families have experienced completely preventable tragedies on our roads. We're seeing an alarming rise in dangerous passing and excessive speeding, particularly on rural highways throughout my senate district and beyond, where a single reckless decision can have deadly consequences. This bill is about changing behavior, improving awareness, and saving lives.”

— Sen. Dylan Roberts

What’s next

SB 35 has been assigned to the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee and is awaiting a hearing.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation aims to address the alarming rise in dangerous driving behaviors like excessive speeding and illegal passing that have contributed to an increase in fatal and serious injury crashes across Colorado. By imposing harsher penalties, the bill seeks to change driver behavior and improve road safety, especially on rural highways and major transportation corridors.