Making Sense of Colorado Winter Traction Laws
As the leaves start to fall and temperatures drop, winter in Colorado starts to knock on our doors. Before we know it, the high country is blanketed with a layer of white and the lifts at the resorts start turning again. For many places, winter storms grind communities to a halt until public works crews can clear the roads of snow. In Colorado, we live for big storms in the mountains to fuel some of our favorite activities. When the snow comes, it encourages us to hop in our cars and head towards I-70 so that we can enjoy a powder day on our favorite mountain or enjoy the fresh snow in the backcountry. However, icy surfaces, low visibility and freezing temperatures make travel during winter storms treacherous and dangerous.
In 2019, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a bill into law updating the Colorado traction law. The traction law was put into place to help mitigate the dangers of driving on I-70 during winter storms and help keep travelers safe. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is the authority around whether the law is in effect or not. CDOT will enact the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law when during mild to moderate snowstorms. During severe winter storms, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law right before they close the highway.
Titus Adventure Company loves winter sports and wants to help you get outside safely during the winter. We’ve broken down the two main winter traction laws below to help you better understand what each law means for you in plain English.
Westbound traffic on I-70. Photo credit: Colorado Public Radio
Who do these laws effect?
All vehicles traveling on Colorado highways
Where?
I-70 is the main road of concern but they do apply to all other Colorado state managed highways
What does the TRACTION LAW mean for me?
When in effect, all vehicles traveling on the highway must have a tire tread depth of at least 3/16” and at least one of the following;
Four-wheel drive (4WD)
All wheel drive (AWD)
Tires with a mud and snow designation (M+S icon)
Winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon)
Tires with all-weather rating by the manufacturer
Chains
What does the PASSENGER VEHICLE CHAIN LAW mean for me?
All vehicles traveling on the given roadway MUST have chains or AutoSocks even if they have 4WD/AWD and snow tires. This does not happen very often and when it does it usually means the highway is about the close entirely.
Electric information sign on I-70. Photo Credit: KOAA News South Colorado
When is the traction or chain law in effect?
From September 1st to May 31st, the Traction Law is always active on I-70 from Dotsero to Morrison.
How do I know the laws are in effect?
The electronic signs above and on the sides of roadways (pictured left) will notify the public when these laws are in effect. However, we suggest checking COtrip.org before leaving your house for the most up-to-date road conditions, restrictions and closures. You can also sign up for alerts on your phone.
Why do these laws go into effect?
In 2018, there were 6,978 accidents caused by winter weather conditions accounting for 59% of all accidents recorded that year. Both the traction and chain laws are meant to alleviate delays and accidents along the I-70 corridor during peak winter driving season. If you are cause an accident and found to not be in compliance you could be fined more than $650.
Still confused about whether or not you can travel? Check out the CDOT decision tree below!
CDOT Traction Law Decision Tree
Whether you’re traveling to your favorite resort for some powder turns or headed into the backcountry to go snowshoeing, the traction and chain laws are put in place to make the roadways safer during winter storms and alleviate the heavy traffic that we see during peak winter driving season. If you don’t have a vehicle that complies with the winter driving laws or aren’t sure if your vehicle meets the criteria, Titus Adventure Company can help. Based out of Denver, every one of our rental vehicles has 4WD and we put top of the line snow tires on each of our vehicles for the winter. We guarantee that every winter car rental from us complies with these winter driving laws to help you get to your winter adventures with confidence. Check out our full fleet of Denver 4x4 rentals here!