When Heather Elliott exited an express lane on Colorado’s Interstate 25 because a highway sign indicated the lane was closed, she thought she was following the law. But instead of a clear drive to work, she ended up with an unexpected ticket and a fight against government bureaucracy — a fight she ultimately won, not just for herself but for dozens of other drivers.
Elliott was headed to work on April 11 when she saw the closure sign, prompting her to exit the express lane. Despite this, authorities ticketed her for "toll weaving" — a citation typically given for unsafe or improper exits from express lanes. Confused and frustrated, she faced a difficult choice: simply pay the fine or dispute it.
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Believing firmly that she’d done nothing wrong, Elliott decided to challenge the ticket.
“I thought ‘no problem,’ all I would have to do is tell them that there was an accident and I made the right choice to get over.” she told KUSA 9News.
Her initial appeal, however, was swiftly rejected. Refusing to back down, she requested a hearing, determined to prove her case.
Ticketed for doing the ‘safe thing’
Unsure how to handle the dispute process alone, Elliott sought assistance from 9News. Reporter Steve Staeger looked into data from the spot where Elliott was caught exiting the lane and learned that she wasn’t the only driver ticketed.
Staeger discovered that 48 other drivers had been ticketed for toll weaving at the same spot, on the same day. It became clear there was a systemic problem, not individual negligence.
“I’d been warned twice now that the lane was closed, so I chose to get out of the lane because that was the smart and safe thing to do,” Elliott said of her decision to exit the toll lane.
When she crossed the double white line indicating no lane changing allowed, the move triggered the fine.
Just days before a scheduled hearing to review Elliott’s dispute, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) abruptly canceled it without explanation. This, after Staeger had pressed for answers about what happened and learned nearly 50 other drivers were also ticketed — more than four times the daily average for that stretch of highway.
CDOT told 9News that the red “X” signifying the lane closure, and prompting Elliott’s lane exit, had been mistakenly left on after an accident the night before. The “X” was never turned off, which likely explains the dozens of toll-weaving violations the next day. CDOT has since wiped away those violations and has promised refunds to any driver who paid a ticket without disputing it, returning a collective $3,600 to the affected motorists.
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Holding bureaucracy accountable
Elliott’s determination highlights how important it is for drivers to question seemingly unjust citations, especially when road conditions and signs cause confusion. Her willingness to push back not only cleared her name but also benefited many others who may have been unjustly penalized.
What should you do if you receive a questionable ticket?
Document everything. Take clear pictures or videos, if safely possible, of the scene to capture confusing signs or road conditions.
File a formal dispute, promptly. The complaint should include detailed explanations and your evidence. Early documentation can make or break your case.
What if I’m rejected? Don’t stop there. Consider seeking help from local advocacy groups or media outlets known for investigating consumer issues. These groups often have resources and influence you may lack individually.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
