Colorado Attorney Beats $75 Toll Lane Ticket, Eyes Class Action Over State Enforcement
A Greenwood Village attorney is challenging Colorado’s toll lane enforcement system after successfully beating a $75 civil penalty in court. John Bowlin received the ticket for allegedly “weaving” across solid lines into the express lane on C-470, despite paying the toll through his vehicle’s transponder. Bowlin, a trial lawyer, contested the penalty, arguing that the Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO) was enforcing rules based on toll evasion statutes, which didn’t apply since he paid the toll in full.
After losing a first appeal and a $30 administrative hearing, Bowlin took the case to court, where he argued the tolling agency lacked authority to issue such citations. A Douglas County judge agreed, ruling that while crossing the solid line might be a traffic infraction, it’s not something the tolling agency can fine drivers for via mail. The judge’s decision doesn’t establish precedent, but Bowlin believes it could influence future rulings and is now considering launching a class action lawsuit, claiming thousands may have paid similar unjustified tickets.
The CTIO, a division of CDOT, declined to comment on the ongoing legal matter but stated that courts in other counties have previously ruled in their favor. As the legal challenge unfolds, Bowlin is encouraging other drivers who received similar tickets—despite paying tolls—to contact his firm and potentially join the class action effort.
