Colorado agencies must give notice before using new traffic cameras

Agencies must announce new traffic camera systems, post location signs, and issue written warnings before issuing fines. This applies when a state or local agency starts a system that is not replacing an existing traffic camera system. The requirements do not apply when a mobile system moves within the same established camera corridor. Agencies may extend the public information or warning period or post additional signs. Online notice and location signs are required at least 30 days before use. The written warning period lasts the first 30 days after installation or deployment.

Agencies must post corridor signs, use recent traffic data to support most camera corridors, and publish yearly citation and revenue reports. These requirements apply to state and local agencies operating automated traffic cameras in a designated corridor. The traffic data requirement does not apply when cameras are used only to detect unauthorized use of a transit-only lane. Community complaints may support the need if collected with quantitative data. The signs and supporting data are required before corridor operation begins. Agencies must publish the citation and revenue report annually.

The law makes the registered vehicle owner responsible for a camera ticket unless an exception is proven, and bars vendor compensation tied to ticket counts or revenue. These rules concern civil traffic notices from automated vehicle identification systems and payments to their vendors. The act distinguishes these systems from automated license plate readers. Exceptions include proof that the vehicle was sold, leased, or stolen before the violation, that law enforcement issued a separate citation, or that the owner died before the violation. The owner or eligible representative generally must provide an affidavit within 30 days; a false affidavit is a misdemeanor traffic offense. Vendor compensation must be based on equipment or services and cannot include incentives or other terms directly tied to ticket counts or revenue. An owner or eligible representative generally has 30 days after the notice is issued to submit an affidavit. The act applies to conduct and contracts entered into or renewed on or after its effective date.

Agencies must give a warning instead of a fine for an owner's first camera-detected speeding violation of at least 6 and less than 10 miles per hour over the reasonable and prudent speed. This applies to camera-detected speeding under state or local traffic law, when the owner is at least 6 and less than 10 miles per hour over the reasonable and prudent speed. This first-violation rule applies to the registered owner as detected by the agency's camera system. For a first violation in a school zone or designated roadwork zone, a penalty may be imposed, capped at $40 before January 1, 2035, and $50 beginning that date. The school and roadwork zone fine cap is $40 before January 1, 2035, and $50 beginning January 1, 2035.