Colorado Passes Wildlife Collision Prevention Bill

A new law establishes an optional registration fee to fund safety projects aimed at reducing wildlife-vehicle accidents.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Wildlife

Colorado Passes Wildlife Collision Prevention Bill

Live Poll

Would you pay an optional fee during vehicle registration to support wildlife safety projects?

Colorado lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 141, introducing an optional $5 fee for vehicle owners to support wildlife crossing infrastructure. The program aims to mitigate the risk of collisions between motorists and local wildlife.

Why it matters

The measure provides a dedicated funding stream for construction projects like wildlife overpasses, underpasses, and fencing. These safety measures are designed to curb the high rate of animal-related vehicle accidents across the state.

The Colorado State Patrol reported 3,811 wildlife-related crashes in the state last year. The program introduces an optional $5 fee for passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles during registration.

The players

Colorado State Patrol

This agency serves as the primary law enforcement body responsible for patrolling state highways and responding to traffic accidents involving wildlife.

The details

Drivers can choose to pay the $5 fee when registering their vehicles, though opting out does not impact the registration process. Funds will be directed toward wildlife guards, escape ramps, and exclusionary fencing in areas prone to seasonal collision spikes.

Daylight saving time ends on November 1, 2026.
The wildlife safety fee collection program begins on January 1, 2027.

Culture Shift

Senate Bill 141 reflects a broader move toward integrating ecological safety into public transportation infrastructure. This approach marks a departure from purely reactive safety measures by investing in preventative structural barriers.

Drivers may choose to contribute $5 during their annual vehicle registration process to assist in financing state safety infrastructure. Choosing not to pay the fee will not result in any changes to your vehicle registration status.

The takeaway

Wildlife-vehicle collisions frequently spike during the late-year months of October, November, and December. Drivers should remain vigilant during these periods, especially as the end of daylight saving time alters traffic patterns and visibility.