Three drivers cited for illegal passing on Wolf Creek Pass during safety campaign
Three drivers were cited for illegally passing in a no-passing zone on Wolf Creek Pass in Mineral County, the Colorado State Patrol reported as it concluded its three-month “Stop Speeding” campaign.
On February 6, 2026, at 5:13 p.m., Trooper Vining was traveling eastbound on Highway 160 over Wolf Creek Pass when he observed three westbound vehicles illegally passing in a no-passing zone marked by a solid double yellow line. Vining turned around and caught up to the first vehicle, then directed the other two drivers to pull onto the shoulder.
© Pixabay - Larisa Koshkina
All three drivers were issued citations for passing on the left when prohibited by signs or markings. The violation carries a $111 fine and a four-point penalty on the driver’s license.
“Unsafe passing is one of the most dangerous aggressive driving behaviors we see on Colorado roadways,” said Colonel Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “On mountain passes like Wolf Creek, one poor decision can have deadly consequences. Our message is simple: slow down, be patient, and only pass when it is legal and safe.”
The enforcement action highlights the stakes of aggressive driving. Earlier this year, the Colorado State Patrol investigated seven fatal crashes in a single weekend.
Aggressive driving often involves excessive speed, unsafe passing, following too closely and other risky behaviors that increase the likelihood of serious crashes. Those dangers are heightened on steep, winding mountain highways, where limited sight distance, sharp curves and changing road conditions leave little margin for error.
The Colorado State Patrol urges all drivers to obey lane markings, reduce speed and use extra caution when traveling over Colorado’s mountain passes.
