As the cold edges into Colorado, bringing winter-like conditions to mountain highways, commercial motor vehicle drivers are under a watchful reminder from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) that the chain season is in effect, a mandate bolstering road safety amid the freeze. The "Must Carry Law," signed by Gov. Jared Polis last year, stands as a bulwark for winter travel, requiring CMV drivers to carry chains from September through May's end, a move poised to reduce delays and closures on critical roadways.
This legislation hits heavy, as commercial vehicles constitute about 10% of the traffic on I-70, where Colorado’s mountain roads present a treacherous blend of steep grades and unpredictable, often severe weather conditions, and the law aims to keep these crucial veins flowing smoothly, per CDOT. With more than 1,300 citations issued in the 2024-2025 chain season for non-compliance, and the potential financial sting of fines hitting up to $1,500, it's clear that this law is more than just a gentle suggestion for CMV drivers who navigate the 1,400 miles of highway across Colorado that fall under the "Must Carry" jurisdiction.
For commercial drivers, the grind doesn't stop at merely carrying chains; it involves persistent vigilance, checking forecasts, adjusting schedules around looming storm systems, and ensuring that their chains are not only aboard, but ready for deployment when the unpredictable Colorado winter bares its teeth. The law, comprehensive in scope, covers vehicles over 16,000 pounds used in commerce or as transport for a crew of at least 16, including the bus driver, driving the point home that preparations are not just optional but legally required for the welfare of all using the public highways.
A peek into the life of a CMV driver in Colorado, especially during winter, reveals a tapestry of adherence and adaptation, enduring biting cold and often after dark for chain-ups, the demands of their job magnified by reduced speeds over steep grades, these hurdles compounded further with the strictures of mandated rest, yet they persevere, "For commercial drivers, winter in Colorado requires extra preparation and resilience," uttered CDOT's Freight Mobility and Safety Branch Manager, Craig Hurst, as shared by CDOT, stressing the essence of the "Must Carry Law" in ensuring driver preparedness not only for their own sake, but with the broader goal of protecting all who journey those same paths.
