Colorado Sets Optional Wildlife Fee for Registration

Vehicle owners can pay an optional $5 fee starting in 2027 to fund new highway wildlife safety projects.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Wildlife

Screen-print poster illustration of a grass-covered wildlife overpass bridge spanning a forest highway, evoking Colorado environmental infrastructure initiatives. — Colorado motorists can opt to pay a $5 fee during vehicle registration starting in 2027 to fund new wildlife-vehicle collision prevention infrastructure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

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

Colorado drivers can contribute to highway safety through a new optional $5 vehicle registration fee beginning in 2027. This program aims to fund infrastructure projects specifically designed to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions across the state.

Why it matters

Wildlife-vehicle crashes are a significant safety concern in Colorado, with state troopers responding to 3,811 such incidents last year. Funding these projects helps mitigate risks for drivers during the peak collision months of October, November, and December.

The optional $5 fee applies to passenger vehicles, light trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. Last year, troopers responded to 3,811 wildlife-related crashes, a volume that underscores the state's focus on these safety improvements.

The players

Colorado Legislature

The state governing body responsible for passing legislation like Senate Bill 141 to address public safety and infrastructure.

Colorado State Patrol

The statewide law enforcement agency tasked with traffic safety and emergency response on Colorado highways.

The details

Drivers can choose to pay the optional $5 fee during their standard motor vehicle registration process, though nonpayment will not affect vehicle registration. Collected funds will be directed toward the Wildlife Collision Prevention Program to support infrastructure like underpasses, overpasses, exclusionary fencing, and wildlife escape ramps. These physical interventions are designed to keep animals off roadways and provide safer migration paths.

November 1, 2026: Daylight saving time ends.
January 1, 2027: Optional vehicle registration fee program begins.

The Home Front

This program reflects a growing trend in state-level infrastructure funding that relies on voluntary contributions to improve roadway safety. It follows legislative precedent set by Senate Bill 141, which identifies wildlife-vehicle collisions as a primary target for public works.

When renewing your vehicle registration starting in 2027, look for the option to contribute the $5 fee toward these safety projects. Keep in mind that seasonal collision risk remains high during the final three months of the year, so practice extra caution while driving during fall and early winter.

The takeaway

Supporting wildlife infrastructure projects through this voluntary fee can help reduce road hazards and keep wildlife off high-traffic routes. If you live in an area prone to animal crossings, keep a close watch on the road during the high-risk months of October, November, and December.