As summer heat lingers with temperatures reaching the high 70s and 80s on the Front Range, a contrasting scene is poised to unfold in the high country of Colorado. According to the Colorado State Patrol, snow in these elevated regions during September isn't a rare sight. Hence, the rationale for the state's Chain Law and Passenger Vehicle Traction Law being active between September 1 and May 31. This requirement isn't limited to commercial vehicles; it's a must for everyone on the road.
Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, stressed the importance of being prepared. "Whether a tractor-trailer or a four-door sedan, snow and ice conditions impact your drive," he told Colorado State Patrol. The message is clear: gear up or risk delays caused by crashes or road closures. For larger vehicles such as commercial and recreational motor vehicles, the law mandates chains on board from September 1 to May 31, spanning across several key routes, including I-70 and U.S Route 550. Failure to comply could result in fines up to $500 plus surcharges, or if you're stuck and blocking the road, even as high as $1,000 plus a $157 surcharge.
Smaller vehicles have their own set of rules to follow. Those less than 16,001 pounds driving on I-70 between Morrison and Dotsero during the prescribed months must have either tire chains, approved alternative traction devices (ATDs), or tires with at least 3/16-inch tread depth designed for all-weather or mud and snow conditions. The penalty for not having this, a $50 fine plus a $17 surcharge.
In efforts to ensure compliance, the Colorado State Patrol has announced a Commercial Motor Vehicle Chain Check operation for September 4, near Dotsero on I-70. This operation is part of enforcing the chain law, targeting commercial and private drivers alike, as relayed by the Colorado State Patrol. Information on chain law restrictions is disseminated through the Colorado Department of Transportation's various channels, from roadside signage to the official travel website.
