The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) says commercial vehicle drivers should be aware that Ports of Entry are going cashless next year.
According to CSP, all Colorado Ports of Entry will no longer accept cash, effective on January 1, 2025. Professional drivers will be required to use either credit cards or checks as a form of payment instead.
A CSP spokesperson shared a statement with CDLLife on the reasoning behind the decision to go cashless next year:
“The decision to go cashless is a security decision for the Port of Entry. We do not foresee any issues with this change, as the majority of transactions are currently done with credit cards. We are also in the process of developing online purchasing options so permits can be obtained before entering Colorado.“
In June 2022, Colorado passed a law to “require retail establishments to accept United States currency, including federal reserve notes, at no fewer than one point of sale at each address,” but this would not apply to Ports of Entry.
Many social media users questioned the CSP for not accepting cash next year, pointing out that it is “legal tender for all debts public and private.” Others expressed concerns about fees on credit cards.
A trucker’s wife noted, “The hubby (an OTR driver) said that most of these stations frequently get robbed so that’s probably why they’re going cashless, and the company he drives for will cover it so he’s not paying out of pocket for it.”
“Why not? Ain’t it kinda awkward that the government won’t take its own currency that it made?” asked one commenter.
“Is the CSP covering the 2-4% credit card fee? Or will there not be a change?” asked a Facebook user.
“So when the government won’t even take its own currency as payment, something is very very wrong. It’s printed on the money “this note is legal tender for all debts public and private.” They have to accept cash,” another person said.
“Agreed about the legal currency, and what about the additional 3+% fee for cc’s? Does the driver have to pay for that too?” one person pointed out.
“Can’t wait to see how this holds up in court,” wrote one Facebook user.