Colorado State Patrol Issues 2,540 Citations for Left Lane Camping in 2025

Key Details The Colorado State Patrol conducted a significant enforcement push in 2025, issuing 2,540 traffic citations to drivers who failed to vacate the left lane while traveling slower than surrounding traffic. CSP announced the crackdown statistics on March 17, 2026, highlighting a persistent problem on Colorado highways. Why It Matters Left lane camping creates dangerous conditions for all motorists. When slower drivers occupy passing lanes, they force faster vehicles to make unsafe maneuvers including tailgating, improper passing, and aggressive light flashing. These behaviors significantly increase accident risk and traffic congestion. What Drivers Need to Know On multi-lane roads with 65 mph or higher speed limits, Colorado law designates the leftmost lane exclusively for passing. Drivers must move right after completing a pass or allowing another vehicle to merge. Even if you're driving at the legal speed limit, occupying the left lane as a travel lane violates state law. Officer Statement Colorado State Patrol Chief Matthew C. Packard emphasized that left lane obstruction is illegal regardless of your speed. "The left lane is not intended to be a permanent travel lane," he stated, noting that interfering with traffic flow creates unsafe conditions for everyone on the road.