ASPEN —Truckers who illegally cross Independence Pass next summer might be paying a minimum fine of $2,000 for the convenience.
House Bill D was written to address the problem of large trucks illegally crossing the pass. The bill includes wording that specifically states someone operating a commercial vehicle “on state Highway 82 between US Route 24 and the city of Aspen is subject to an enhanced penalty as set forth in this section.”
Independence Pass, which typically is open from Memorial Day through mid-November, is the popular stretch of Highway 82 that connects Twin Lakes to Aspen. Oversized and overweight vehicles are prohibited from using the pass, as are all vehicles or vehicle combinations longer than 35 feet, regardless of weight or size.
Signs have warned drivers of large trucks that are probihited from using the pass, but that hasn’t stopped some of those truckers who prefer the pass shortcut to Aspen versus using Highway 82 via Glenwood Springs.
Meanwhile, the bill includes wording that raises the current $500 fine for an operator of a commercial vehicle who violates a road closure or restriction on Independence Pass to $2,000.
State Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, met with the Pitkin Board of County Commissioners in September and heard their concern about the safety issues concerning commercial vehicles illegally crossing Independence Pass.
Read more about the rogue truckers at:
