Colorado § 42-4-617 - Steep downhill grade zones - increase in penalties and surcharges for speeding violations - definitions.

§ 42-4-617. Steep downhill grade zones - increase in penalties and surcharges for speeding violations - definitions.

(1) The department may designate a steep downhill grade zone in any area of any state highway where the downhill grade is five percent or greater and where the department determines there are safety concerns related to commercial motor vehicles exceeding the posted speed limits.

(2) The department shall erect, where applicable, signs consistent with subsection (3) of this section notifying drivers of each area of the state highways that the department has designated as a steep downhill grade zone.

(3) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "steep downhill grade zone" means an area of a state highway that:

(a) Begins at a sign that:

(I) Conforms to the state traffic control manual;

(II) Was erected by the department pursuant to subsection (2) of this section;

(III) Indicates that a driver is about to enter a steep downhill grade zone; and

(IV) Notifies commercial motor vehicle drivers that increased penalties and surcharges are in effect and assessed for speeding in the zone; and

(b) Extends to:

(I) A sign that:

(A) Conforms to the state traffic control manual;

(B) Was erected by the department pursuant to subsection (2) of this section; and

(C) Indicates that a driver is at the end of the steep downhill grade zone; or

(II) If no sign exists that complies with subsection (3)(b)(I) of this section, a distance:

(A) As indicated on the sign described in subsection (3)(a) of this section; or

(B) Of one-half of a mile beyond the sign described in subsection (3)(a) of this section; and

(c) Is designated as a steep downhill grade zone by the department of transportation pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.

(4) A driver of a commercial motor vehicle who commits a speeding violation in a steep downhill grade zone is subject to the increased penalties and surcharges imposed under section 42-4-1701 (4)(d.7).

(5) As used in this section:

(a) "Commercial motor vehicle" has the same meaning as set forth in section 42-2-402 (4).

(b) "Department" means the department of transportation created in section 43-1-103.

Source: L. 2023: Entire section added, (HB23-1267), ch. 382, p. 2294, § 2, effective January 1, 2024.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 23-1267, see section 1 of chapter 382, Session Laws of Colorado 2023.