All about snow chains and traction laws in Colorado

If you’re a driver in Colorado, you’ll need to take certain precautions to protect yourself and others before you hit the road in freezing weather. These precautions are detailed in Colorado’s chain law.  

According to the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law (a restriction under the Colorado Chain Law), drivers in Colorado must have all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles, or (if the vehicle is a two-wheel drive), all-weather mud and snow tires, since they are equipped to handle extreme weather conditions. 

Tire tread depth must be 3/16 of an inch at a minimum. Tread depth is defined as the vertical measurement between the top of the tread and the lowest groove. You can even measure this yourself if you’d like with a quarter or a penny.

The term “chain laws” is often used to describe the different types of limitations that fall under Colorado’s chain law; the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law is just one example.

If your car does not meet the above mentioned tire requirements, the law states that you must carry alternative traction devices (ATDs). These would be snow chains, also referred to as tire chains.

There are three types of restrictions that fall under the chain laws, and these can be put into effect on Colorado roadways at any time.

1. Passenger Vehicle Traction Law: Two-wheel drive passenger vehicles must have all-weather mud and snow tires with the proper tread depth (3/16 inch) that can handle extreme weather conditions. Four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles must have the AWD activated at all times and tires with the proper tread depth as well. 

2. Passenger Vehicle Chain Law: This law is placed into effect during especially freezing weather conditions. All passenger vehicles (less than 16,001 lbs) must have snow chains (ATDs) installed on a minimum of two drive tires (Drive tires are designed for the drive axles offering maximized traction on various surfaces). When in effect, the law applies to two, four, and all-wheel drive passenger vehicles, regardless of the tire type. 

3. Commercial Vehicle Chain Law: Commercial vehicles and trucks are required to have snow chains on all drive tires (could be up to four). Due to their large size, it’s especially important that these vehicles don’t lose traction. This could lead to delays in traffic and even highway closures. 

Drivers who fail to comply with the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law or Passenger Vehicle Traction Law will be cited. 

They would then have to pay a $100 fine along with a $32 surcharge. If a violation causes any traffic lanes to be closed as a result, the driver would have to pay a $500 fine along with a $156 surcharge.

Commercial vehicle drivers who fail to comply with the Commercial Vehicle Chain Law will also be cited. 

The fine would be up to $500 with a $79 surcharge. But, if the violation is blocking the road in any way, the fine would jump to $1,000 with a $157 surcharge.

The chain laws can be implemented anywhere in the state of Colorado where driving conditions are becoming dangerous. 

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Commercial vehicle drivers must carry chains from September 1 through May 31 each year while driving on I-70 between mile marker 133 (Dotsero) and mile marker 259 (Morrison), whether the chain law is in effect or not. 

Commercial drivers who fail to comply while driving on I-70 during these months could face fines up to $657.

While driving on all other roads, chains are only needed when the Colorado Department of Transportation puts the law into effect. 

Remember, these laws can take effect at any time (and anywhere) CDOT sees it necessary for the safety of everyone on the road.

There are many helpful resources available for Colorado drivers to receive updates on the status of the chain laws during the brutal winter months. 

When the Colorado Chain Law is in effect, drivers will be notified via electronic road signs, certain media outlets (FOX31, for example), Colorado’s 511 telephone service, and COtrip.

Yes, due to its recklessness and high probability of causing a crash, brake checking is against the law in Colorado. 

If you find yourself in a situation where you were brake checked, and the action caused you to rear-end another vehicle, don’t admit fault or apologize. 

Call 911 and exchange insurance information with the other driver while you wait for the police to arrive. 

Root policyholders can easily access their insurance documents at any time via our convenient mobile-app. 

Need to file a claim? You can do that in the app as well. Good news—it only takes about three minutes of your time. Then we’ll handle the rest. 

Snow chains, also known as alternative traction devices (ATDs), are defined as a set of metal chains that are designed to provide extra traction in snowy conditions.

They are fitted around a vehicle’s tires to prevent sliding which reduces the chances of a collision or major road blockage. 

If you’re a Colorado driver, it’s a good idea to carry snow chains in your car as a precaution. 

Snow chain laws can take effect at any time (and anywhere) CDOT sees it necessary for the safety of everyone on the road. 

So, it’s a good idea to be prepared just in case the law takes effect while you’re out and about.

Passenger vehicles must have tire chains on two drive tires at a minimum.

Drive tires are designed for the drive axles and they offer optimized traction on a variety of driving surfaces.

Commercial vehicles must have tire chains on all drive tires. This could be up to four tires. 

While snow chains are on your tires, you should keep your speed at no more than 20-30 mph – or even slower, depending on the conditions.

If you attempt to drive any faster, you’ll be at risk of spinning out of control and causing a collision. 

It can be very dangerous to drive in the winter, so make sure you’re making safe and smart decisions on the road.

Yes, you do. 

According to the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law, All passenger vehicles (less than 16,001 lbs) must have snow chains (ATD’s) installed on a minimum of two drive tires. 

Drive tires are designed for the drive axles offering maximized traction on various surfaces. 

When this law is in effect, it applies to two, four, and all-wheel drive passenger vehicles, regardless of the tire type.

Chain stations were put into place by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to provide a safe location for commercial vehicle drivers to chain their tires if ever caught off guard by rough weather conditions. 

Here are the chain station locations: 

• There are a total of 21 chain stations along I-70. 

• There are 11 chain stations on I-70 East: mileposts 178, 183, 184 (shoulder), 187 (shoulder), 195, 203 (scenic area), 205, 219, 228, 241 and 251.

• The remaining 10 chain stations are located on I-70 West: mileposts 263, 260, 254 (Buffalo Overlook), 228, 223, 221, 219, 213 (brake check area) and 197 (scenic area) and 179.

• Additional chain stations: I-70 east corridor at mileposts 289, 343 East, milepost 358 West, northbound I-25 at milepost 157 (near Monument), and southbound at milepost 172 (near Larkspur).

Colorado winters can get very rough, so it’s a good idea to carry tire chains with you just in case.

However, unless the Colorado Department of Transportation has put the chain laws into effect, or you’re a commercial driver travelling on I-70 between mile marker 133 (Dotsero) and mile marker 259 (Morrison) during the months of September 1 through May 31, you don’t necessarily need them. 

Vehicles with AWD or all weather mud and snow tires with the proper tread depth (3/16 inch) that can handle extreme weather conditions will do the job just fine (until you’re informed otherwise). 

Remember, Colorado chain laws can take effect at any time (and anywhere) CDOT sees it necessary for the safety of everyone on the road. 

Snow chains wrap around the tire treads and are designed to cling tightly to give the tires a good grip on icy roads and prevent the tires from slipping around. This gives a driver more safety and control.

Snow chains are used in extreme weather conditions to increase tire traction by preventing wheel spin, which makes them very useful for Coloradans.

Due to the often intense winters in the state, Colorado has chain laws, which can be put into effect at any time by the Colorado Department of Transportation to promote on-the-road safety. 

If you’re installing tire chains yourself, you’ll need a set of snow chains that is the proper size for your vehicle, and possibly a chain tensioner (to tighten any slack, depending on the type of chain).

Here are the steps you need to follow to install snow chains: 

1. Find a safe area to park. You’ll want to make sure the snow is cleared, and that the area is flat. 

2. Roll out your chains evenly next to each tire. If your car is rear-wheel drive, the chains need to go on the back two wheels. If your car is front-wheel drive, the chains need to go on the front two wheels. Lastly, if your car is all-wheel drive, you should chain all four wheels. 

3. Drape the snow chains over your tires. Point all sharp pieces away from the tire’s surface. The chains must hang evenly. 

4. Connect your chains. Fasten them together using the connections provided. Here is a helpful reference. 

5. Drive, then tighten. Once you connect your chains, drive your car forward for the length of one car. If they’ve loosened up, tighten them until they’re secure again. 

Yes, you can. 

When the Colorado chain laws are in effect, they apply to major highways as well. But drivers won’t be able to drive at as high of a speed as the average motorist usually does on the interstate.

While snow chains are on your tires, you should keep your speed at no more than 20-30 mph – or even slower, depending on the conditions. Any faster could result in a loss of traction control and cause a collision. 

If you’re interested in travelling to Big Bear, you’ll need to take the proper safety precautions. 

It’s a good idea to keep snow chains in your car at all times during rough winter months, especially when driving in snowy mountain conditions.

This way, if the law is put into effect by the Colorado Department of Transportation, you won’t be caught unprepared. 

Remember, Colorado chain laws can take effect at any time (and anywhere) CDOT sees it necessary for the safety of everyone on the road. 

Since the Colorado chain laws can be implemented at any time by CDOT, you may not need chains at the start of your day, but you might need them later on if conditions worsen. 

Due to the often severe weather conditions in Colorado, you should carry snow chains in your car at all times during the winter months.