Why the sudden crackdown on sneaky express lane moves?

Drivers on I-25 between Berthoud and Fort Collins have a new reason to watch the road markings closely. Starting this week, cameras and sensors are scanning for anyone cutting in or out of express lanes where solid lines block the way. The goal is to cut down on sudden lane changes that can cause pile-ups when fast express lanes meet slower general traffic. During a three-week warning period that ended in early April, over 3, 500 drivers got reminders about the rules, but starting Thursday, the fines begin.The rule is simple: dashed lines mean you can cross; solid lines mean stay put. Yet many still try to slip in or out where they shouldn’t, risking both their safety and a $75 ticket mailed to their registered address. Wait too long to pay, and that fine jumps to $150. The state says this tech has already worked elsewhere, cutting violations by over 90 percent and making roads safer. Most people know that weaving between lanes at high speeds is risky, but some still gamble on saving a minute or two. The bigger question is whether this will actually change behavior or just move the problem elsewhere. Other busy highways like I-70 and C-470 have had these rules since last year, so Colorado is testing if this approach can work statewide.