Speed cameras have become a familiar tool for law enforcement in towns across Colorado, and Eaton has just become one of them. The Eaton Police Department recently installed an Automated Vehicle Identification System (AVIS) along roads, which took effect Dec. 1, 2025. 

The AVIS system has become a common way to use speed detection cameras to capture vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit. The system is designed to improve safety by encouraging drivers to reduce speed on roadways. The town of Eaton has begun this process with a manual deployment phase. During this stage, police officers will be physically present at the site, observing and operating the camera equipment. This approach will assist the community and law enforcement in adjusting to the new tool. 

According to the Eaton Police Department, cameras will be placed in the locations listed below, though not all the cameras will be implemented simultaneously.  

• The northbound and southbound lanes of Oak Avenue (Highway 85) from 10th Street to Colorado Parkway.
• The eastbound and westbound lanes of Collins Street (WCR 74) from Fall Line Road (WCR35) to Christensen Avenue (WCR 39).
• The northbound and southbound lanes of Fall Line Road (WCR 35) from 3rd Street to Benjamin Drive. 
• The northbound and southbound lanes of Christensen Avenue (WCR 39) from Hawkstone Drive to WCR 72.
• The eastbound and westbound lanes of East 10th Street from Oak Avenue (Highway 85) to WCR 39.

To help ensure transparency and give drivers notice, signage will be installed throughout each enforcement corridor. Warning signs will be placed at least 300 feet before the beginning of an AVIS enforcement area, with additional signs posted between 200 and 500 feet ahead of each camera location. The signage is intended to alert individuals well in advance and encourage compliance with the posted speed limits.

Citations will be issued to drivers traveling ten miles per hour or more over the speed limit. The standard fine for an AVIS citation is $40. However, under Colorado state law, fines are doubled to $80 in construction zones and school zones. Of the $40 fine, the Town of Eaton receives $26. All funds generated through the system are dedicated specifically to traffic safety initiatives, ongoing equipment maintenance, and community outreach. 

Some individuals believe that the new speed cameras could improve safety, while others have mixed opinions about them. The Eaton Police Department received considerable criticism on its Facebook page regarding the speed cameras. Douglas Preston, a social studies teacher at Eaton High School, said, “I think they did a good job responding to everybody’s concerns. In terms of the speed cameras themselves, anytime we implement a policy, we’re trying to affect behavior, so if this is going to get people to go the speed limit, I think that in itself is going to help the community.” The speed cameras improve safety by making motorists more aware of their surroundings. Tegan Derderian (26) said, “I know where they are in certain areas, so I know where I need to watch my speed.” 

While opinions on the AVIS cameras are divided between support and criticism, they are intended for drivers to carry out safer driving habits and ultimately protect the community. By knowing where the cameras are, drivers are encouraged to follow the speed limit, which lowers the risk of accidents and creates safer conditions.