MEAD, CO — If you are driving through the Interstate 25 construction zone between Mead and Berthoud, keep a close eye on your speedometer. Starting Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has officially transitioned from warning letters to $75 civil penalties for drivers caught speeding by automated cameras.
The move marks a significant expansion of the Colorado Speed Enforcement Program, aimed at protecting crews as they finalize the new I-25 North Express Lanes.
The Results are In: A 90% Drop in Speeding
The program isn’t just about revenue; CDOT officials say the technology is already working. During a one-month warning period that began on March 1, the system issued 4,154 warning letters to motorists.
According to CDOT’s Chief Engineer Keith Stefanik, the mere presence of the cameras has already changed driver behavior. “Excessive speeds in the corridor have dropped by 90% since the warnings started,” Stefanik noted. “The goal isn’t to punish drivers; it’s to prevent crashes before they happen.”
What You Need to Know Before You Drive
If you frequent the I-25 corridor in Northern Colorado, here are the essential details of the new enforcement:
- Location: The enforcement zone spans the work area between Mead (Exit 245) and Berthoud (Exit 250).
- The Penalty: Violators will receive a $75 civil penalty in the mail. The ticket is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle captured by the camera.
- Timeline: Once you receive a notice, you have 45 days to either pay the fine or file an appeal.
- Camera Count: Eight high-tech speed cameras were installed in January to cover both northbound and southbound traffic.
Where Does the Money Go?
Unlike standard traffic tickets, which often go into a general fund, the revenue from these $75 penalties is legally earmarked for safety.
- Primary Funding: The money first goes toward the operating costs of the Colorado Speed Enforcement Program.
- Vulnerable Road User Protection Fund: Any excess funds are allocated to infrastructure projects—such as improved bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and better signage—designed to protect Colorado’s most vulnerable road users.
Safety First in Work Zones
CDOT emphasizes that work zones are high-risk environments where sudden lane shifts and narrow shoulders make speeding especially deadly. “Safer speeds save lives — it’s that simple,” Stefanik added…