Colorado State Patrol Targets 'Left Lane Camping' With Over 2,500 Traffic Stops

Colorado State Patrol reports nearly 1,000 stops on I-70 as part of an enforcement push to uphold state laws regarding passing lane usage.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 9:46 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from vaildaily.com

Significant Increase in Lane Camping Enforcement

Colorado law enforcement is cracking down on a common source of highway frustration: slower drivers occupying the far-left lane. According to a recent news release from the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), troopers pulled over 2,540 motorists last year for traveling slower than the flow of traffic in the passing lane. This behavior, often referred to as "lane camping," has become a primary focus for highway safety as officials look to reduce congestion-related accidents and road rage.

Interstate 70 Identified as Enforcement Hotspot

Interstate 70 continues to be the most frequent site for lane camping violations. Data from the CSP indicates that approximately 960 of the total stops—roughly 38%—took place on the I-70 corridor. The mountainous terrain and high volume of tourist traffic often exacerbate the issues caused by slower drivers staying in the left lane, which can lead to a domino effect of traffic delays throughout the Eagle Valley and surrounding areas.

Legal Requirements for Colorado Motorists

Under current state law, the furthest left lane on multilane roads with a posted speed limit of 65 mph or higher is designated strictly as the "passing lane." Drivers are required by law to move into the right lane immediately after completing a pass or once they have allowed another vehicle to enter the roadway. Colorado State Patrol Chief Col. Matthew Packard emphasized that interfering with the flow of traffic is considered unsafe driving behavior, regardless of the speed of other vehicles.