Colorado State Patrol
Temperatures remain high in many areas of the state, but there are locations in Colorado that are seeing things change. Summer snow is not that unusual at higher elevations.
That’s why, from Sept. 1 to May 31, Colorado’s Chain Law and Passenger Vehicle Traction Law take effect for all drivers. The Colorado Traction and Chain Law applies to more than just large commercial vehicles.
“Preventing traffic gridlock is top of mind as we start to think about winter conditions across Colorado,” stated Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Snow and ice can impact a vehicle of any size, so now is the time to check the condition of your tires and check that you have chains. The inconvenience of sitting in traffic due to a crash or being rerouted miles out of your way due to highway closures is something we can all help prevent.”
According to Colorado’s current traction and chain law, all vehicles must be prepared with adequate tires and equipment when traveling in Colorado during the winter.
Following is what you need to know based on your vehicle type.
Larger vehicles,
including recreational and commercial motor vehicles
As of Aug. 7, 2024, all commercial motor vehicle drivers must carry chains from Sept. 1 to May 31.
This applies to vehicles with a combined weight of more than 16,000 pounds used in commerce or as a means of transport for at least 16 passengers (including the driver) on public highways.
Commercial vehicles and buses have a larger footprint on roadways where chains are required. CMVs must carry chains or ATDs on all the following roads regardless of current weather:
• I-70 west of milepost 259 (Morrison) to the Utah border.
• Colorado 9 milepost 63 to milepost 97 (Frisco to Fairplay).
• Route 40 milepost 256 (Empire) to the Utah border.
• U.S. 50 milepost 225 (Salida) to the Utah border.
• U.S. 160 milepost 304 (Walsenburg) to the New Mexico border.
• U.S. 285 milepost 250 (Morrison) to the New Mexico border.
• All of U.S 550.
The penalty for noncompliance with winter driving restrictions: Up to a $500 fine plus a $79 surcharge, or, if you are stuck and blocking any traveled portion of the roadway, the fine is $1,000 plus a $157 surcharge.
Smaller vehicles,
All motor vehicles with a GCWR/GVWR less than 16,001 pounds traveling on any portion of I-70 between mile point 259 (Morrison) and mile point 133 (Dotsero) from Sept. 1 through May 31 must have:
• Tire chains for two or more drive tires; or
• An approved ATD for two or more drive tires; or
• Tires with a tread depth of at least 3/16-inch and which are rated for either “All weather” or “Mud and Snow” (indicated by an “All Season,” M+S, M/S, etc. on the sidewall) by the manufacturer. This is indicated on the side of the tire by “M+S”, “M/S” or an icon of a mountain with a snowflake.
The penalty for non-compliance: $50 fine plus a $17 surcharge.
Chain law restrictions are announced through the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
At a minimum, they will notify the public on static and electronic variable message roadway signs.
Additionally, this information is regularly announced through 511 traveler information, the official CDOT travel website (www.cotrip.org) and various media outlets.
>