Colorado has implemented a new speed enforcement system that renders traditional speed camera alerts on apps like Waze ineffective. The system uses automated vehicle identification systems (AVIS) to measure average speed between multiple points, issuing tickets to vehicle owners exceeding the limit by 10 mph or more. This means drivers can no longer evade detection by slowing down briefly for single-point cameras.
How It Works
In 2023, Colorado legislators authorized law enforcement to use AVIS for speeding enforcement. These systems calculate average speeds across stretches of road using multiple cameras; if a driver exceeds the speed limit by over 10 mph, a $75 ticket is automatically issued to the vehicle’s registered owner, regardless of who was driving.
The first warnings went out late last year, and real tickets began being sent in April 2024, with the most recent rollout on a section of I-25 north of Denver. Notably, these cameras are deployed within construction zones, where the fines are $75, but no points are added to driving records.
Why This Matters
This change in enforcement strategy is significant because it bypasses the traditional method of speed camera detection. Waze and other navigation apps rely on crowdsourced data to warn drivers about fixed-location speed traps; this system eliminates that advantage.
The broader implications are clear: this is an escalation in automated surveillance. As technology evolves, law enforcement agencies will likely adopt more advanced methods to enforce traffic laws, potentially including AI-powered systems that can identify various violations beyond speeding. This system is a direct response to drivers who previously avoided tickets by gaming the system.
The Bigger Picture
The rise of AVIS reflects a growing trend toward automated law enforcement. While advocates argue this improves road safety, critics raise privacy concerns and question the fairness of assigning tickets to vehicle owners without proof of who was driving. This shift also highlights how easily technology can outpace countermeasures used to evade enforcement.
The state’s growing panopticon should be a reminder that driving is a privilege and not a right, and that the growing surveillance state will make it easier for governments to enforce the law.
Colorado’s new system demonstrates that traditional workarounds for speed enforcement are becoming obsolete. Drivers who rely on apps like Waze will now need to adhere to posted limits or risk automatic fines.
