With the summer season coming to an end and winter weather right around the corner, the state of Colorado is starting to require commercial vehicles to carry chains when traveling through the passes on I-70.
Photo credits to: https://www.internationalusedtrucks.com/semi-truck-tire-chains-guide/
Sufficient chains will be required in all CMVs between the Dotsero exit (mile point (MP) 133) and the Morrison exit (MP 259) from September 1st, 2022 through May 31st, 2023 to maintain compliance with the Colorado chain law.
Colorado places chain laws in place during the winter months because without chains vehicles have a tendency to lose traction on icy roads. For your own safety and the safety of those around you, it is imperative that drivers operating the vehicles outlined in the chain law are utilizing chains when traveling in the distinct area.
The specifics of the Colorado chain law, as per #CDOT, are as follows:
Commercial Vehicle Chain Law: Commercial vehicles and trucks must have chains.
Passenger Vehicle Chain Law: All passenger vehicles weighing less than 16,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) must have tire chains or alternate traction devices (ATD) installed on two or more drive tires.
Apart from commercial vehicles, there are also traction requirements for non commercial passenger vehicles.
Passenger Vehicle Traction Law: All motorists are required to either have an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle, or (for two-wheel drive vehicles) snow tires or all-weather tires with a mud/snow designation. Tread depth on all tires must be at least 3/16" regardless of vehicle type. Vehicles that do not meet these criteria must carry chain devices or alternative traction devices.
Violators of the chain or traction law, regardless of the vehicle, will be given a citation. The fine for this citation will start at $100, with $32 surcharge, but can go as high as $500, with a $156 surcharge if the violation in question results in the closure of one or more traffic lanes.
Good news, is if you have any questions regarding the Colorado chain laws, or the chain laws in other states, Front Range Compliance Services is here to help you. Please email us at info@frontrangecompliance.com or give us a call at (720) 951-5808.
All information gathered from Colorado Department of Transportation website. For more information please visit, https://www.codot.gov/.
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