Costilla County Launches Photo Speed Enforcement to Improve Roadway Safety
Costilla County is introducing photo speed enforcement in select locations as part of an ongoing effort to improve traffic safety and reduce serious crashes on local roadways.
Speeding remains one of the most significant contributors to traffic injuries and fatalities in Colorado, particularly on rural roads where higher speeds, limited shoulders, and long stopping distances increase crash severity. Photo speed enforcement is a proven safety tool used by communities across Colorado to encourage safer driving behavior and reduce dangerous speeding.
How Photo Speed Enforcement Works
Photo speed enforcement uses mobile or fixed cameras to detect vehicles traveling above the posted speed limit. When a vehicle exceeds the enforcement threshold, the system captures images of the vehicle and license plate. Each potential violation is reviewed to ensure accuracy and compliance with Colorado law before a citation is issued.
The program focuses on vehicle speed—not driver identity—and does not use facial recognition technology. The purpose is to encourage compliance with speed limits and improve safety for all road users.
Why Costilla County Is Implementing This Program
The goal of photo speed enforcement is crash prevention, not revenue generation. Communities across Colorado that have implemented similar programs have seen reductions in speeding and speed-related crashes.
Enforcement locations are selected based on documented speeding concerns, crash history or roadway risk factors, and areas where traditional traffic stops are difficult or unsafe. All locations will be clearly marked with advance signage to notify drivers.
Warning Period and Transparency
Consistent with Colorado law, Costilla County will begin the program with a warning period, during which drivers who exceed the speed limit will receive a warning notice instead of a citation. After the warning period, citations may be issued for qualifying violations. Vehicle owners may contest citations if they believe they were issued in error.
Supporting Safer Roads for Everyone
Photo speed enforcement allows law enforcement to address speeding without requiring traffic stops, helping deputies focus on other public safety priorities. Most importantly, it encourages safer speeds that protect residents, visitors, agricultural vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The most effective way to avoid a citation is simple: slow down and follow posted speed limits.