diff --git a/syntax/python/todo.py b/syntax/python/todo.py
index e928026..122ad22 100644
--- a/syntax/python/todo.py
+++ b/syntax/python/todo.py
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ def add_due_date_syntax_highlight():
     regex = regex_date_before(date.today())
     regex = r'(^|<)due:%s(>|$)' % regex
 
-    vim.command("syntax match OverDueDate '\\v%s'" % regex)
+    vim.command("syntax match OverDueDate '\\v\\c%s'" % regex)
     vim.command("highlight  default  link  OverDueDate       Error")
 
 add_due_date_syntax_highlight()
diff --git a/syntax/todo.vim b/syntax/todo.vim
index 006cd8d..84db56b 100644
--- a/syntax/todo.vim
+++ b/syntax/todo.vim
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@ if has('python3')
 elseif has('python')
     execute "pyfile " . s:script_dir. "todo.py"
 else
-    execute 'syntax match TodoOverDueDate /\v<due:' . todo#GetDateRegexForPastDates() . '>/'
+    execute 'syntax match TodoOverDueDate /\v\c<due:' . todo#GetDateRegexForPastDates() . '>/'
     highlight default link TodoOverDueDate Error
 endif