Colorado drivers will face stricter winter travel rules this season as a new law mandates snow chains for two-wheel drive vehicles on key mountain corridors. The change, effective September 1st through May 31st, brings passenger cars under the same regulations previously applied primarily to commercial trucks.
Why This Matters: Safety and Enforcement
The law targets Interstate 70 between Dotsero and Morrison, a stretch notorious for sudden blizzards, steep grades, and heavy traffic. The goal is simple: reduce accidents and keep the roads moving when conditions worsen. Previously, drivers could rely on simply avoiding travel during storms. Now, preparedness is legally required. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) can also extend the chain requirement to other highways during severe weather.
The New Rules Explained
Here’s what you need to know:
- Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles: Must carry snow chains for at least two tires when traveling on I-70 during the winter months.
- All-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive: Are not exempt, but must instead be equipped with winter or all-weather tires having at least 3/16-inch tread depth.
- Enforcement: While no dedicated chain checkpoints are planned, CSP troopers will inquire about chain possession during traffic stops.
- Penalties: Drivers caught without the required equipment face a minimum $50 fine (plus surcharge). Blocking traffic due to unpreparedness can result in penalties up to $500.
What’s Changing, and Why Now?
This law is a direct response to increasingly unpredictable mountain weather. Colorado’s climate is known for rapid shifts, sometimes within hours. The state wants to ensure that all vehicles, not just commercial traffic, are ready for sudden snowstorms. CDOT offers online guides to help drivers learn how to install chains and prepare for winter travel.
Staying Compliant
The traction law is in effect all winter, but the chain-on requirement only applies when CDOT and CSP declare conditions severe enough. This means drivers don’t need chains at all times, but they must be prepared to use them when ordered.
Bottom line: Colorado’s new law raises the stakes for winter driving. Staying compliant not only avoids fines but also increases safety for everyone on the road.
