The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol, and several safety partners held an event in Golden to inform the public about updated Traction Law requirements and provide winter driving tips. The gathering comes ahead of the holiday travel season, when more drivers are expected on the I-70 Mountain Corridor.
Colorado’s revised Traction Law now requires all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles to have tires with at least 3/16-inch tread depth. These must be winter tires marked with a mountain-snowflake icon, all-weather rated tires, or mud and snow (M+S) tires. Vehicles that do not meet these standards must use tire chains or an approved alternative traction device on at least two drive tires.
“It’s important for drivers to ensure that their tires are Traction Law compliant before heading up to the mountains this winter,” said CDOT Public Information Officer Andy Hogle. “Being prepared and following the law keeps everyone safe and helps prevent crashes and delays on Colorado’s roadways.”
The Traction Law is enforced annually from September 1 through May 31 along the I-70 Mountain Corridor between Dotsero and Morrison. It can also be activated on other state highways as needed due to weather or road conditions. Drivers who fail to comply face a $50 fine plus a $17 surcharge.
Safety partners demonstrated how to check tire tread depth, maintain tires, and select appropriate replacements for winter conditions. Alternative traction devices such as AutoSock were shown in use during demonstrations. Attendees received defensive driving advice and Winter Wise “Check Your Tread” cards.
“Do yourself a favor and check the condition of your tires before a snowstorm hits — you don’t want to get stuck with bald tires on a slick road,” said Gills Point S Tire & Auto District Manager Joshua Scharfenberg. “Look for the ‘all weather’ or ‘mud and snow’ rating and ensure your tires have at least 3/16-inch tread depth.”
Motorists are encouraged to prepare for winter travel by keeping vehicles in good condition, carrying emergency supplies like first aid kits and water, clearing snow from their cars before driving, staying alert, and avoiding distractions.
“I-70 is one of the most unique roads in the country and can be a challenging drive,” said Trooper Sherri Mendez of the Colorado State Patrol. “With its high-traffic volumes, unpredictable winter driving conditions, low visibility and steep grades, it’s important for drivers to avoid tailgating and speeding on I-70. In fact, Patrol crash data shows that speeding on I-70 from November to March increases your chances of getting in a crash by 2.5%. Change your driving habits to match the road and weather conditions, or you could ruin your trip before it starts.”
Passing snowplows operating in tandem formation is prohibited under Colorado’s Tandem Snowplow Law because it poses significant risks such as whiteout conditions or encountering ridges of snow between lanes.
During severe storms when safety is threatened but before highway closure becomes necessary, CDOT may implement the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requiring every vehicle—regardless of type—to use chains or approved alternative traction devices.
