CDOT, CSP and safety partners share new Traction Law requirements, winter driving preparedness tips
News Release
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Statewide - The Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol, AutoSock, DriveSafe Colorado and Gills Point S Tire & Auto gathered today to share Colorado’s updated Traction Law requirements and winter driving safety tips ahead of holiday travel and an anticipated increase of roadway users on the I-70 Mountain Corridor. The event was held at Gills Point S Tire & Auto in Golden, and featured a life-size “Traction Law Tree” made of tires to highlight the law changes.
As of this fall, Colorado’s updated Traction Law requires tires with a tread depth of at least 3/16-inch that are winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon), all-weather rated tires or mud and snow (M+S) tires. The law applies to all 4WD and AWD vehicles. If a vehicle does not meet these standards, then tire chains or an approved alternative traction device (ATD) on two or more drive tires is required.
“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.”
During winter storms or when conditions require, CDOT will implement the Traction Law. CDOT can activate the Traction Law, Passenger Vehicle Chain Law or Commercial Vehicle Chain Law on any state highway. The Traction Law is in effect each year from Sept. 1 through May 31 on the I-70 Mountain Corridor between Dotsero and Morrison, and may also be activated on other state highways when weather or road conditions require. This law applies to all motorists who aren’t operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). The penalty for noncompliance is a $50 fine and a $17 surcharge.
Additional tips from safety partners included how to check tire tread depth, tire maintenance best practices and tips for purchasing or replacing tires for the winter. Alternative traction devices, like an AutoSock, were installed on tires during a demonstration. Defensive driving skills were provided, along with a reminder that winter driving is a lifelong skill. CDOT’s Traction Law Tree helped bring the law changes to life and Winter Wise “Check Your Tread” cards were distributed during the event.
“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 urged to be prepared for driving in winter weather. Guidance includes keeping your vehicle in safe operating condition and packing emergency items like a first aid kit and extra water before heading up to the mountains. Drivers should also take extra time to clear their car of snow and ice before heading out and drive defensively by staying alert and eliminating distractions.
“I-70 is one of the most unique roads in the country and can be a challenging drive,” said Trooper Sherri Mendez, 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.”
The Tandem Snowplow Law makes it a Class A offense to pass a snowplow when the truck is displaying its lights and operating in tandem formation (arranged diagonally). Passing snowplows while they are in tandem formation is dangerous because drivers could encounter whiteout conditions and ridges of snow between lanes.
During severe winter storms, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law as a final safety measure before the highway is closed. When the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law is in effect, every vehicle must have chains or an approved alternative traction device.
2025 Colorado Traction Law Updates
During a Traction Law, all motorists are required to have:
- AWD/4WD vehicles with tires with a tread depth of at least 3/16-inch that are rated as all-weather tires, mud and snow tires (M+S) or winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon), OR
- Chains or an approved alternative traction device (ATD) on two or more drive tires
Winter Travel Tips for Motorists
- Avoid or limit driving during the brunt of the storm
- If you plan to travel, know before you go by checking out the latest weather conditions and visiting COtrip.org for road conditions
- Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with the appropriate weather tires and a snow emergency kit
- Once you are out on the road, take it slow and leave plenty of following distance
- Give plows space! Stay back three to four car lengths behind snowplows
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
- Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
- Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
- Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
- Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
- Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
- Chain and traction law information: www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw
- Check avalanche conditions at CAIC: www.avalanche.state.co.us
About Winter Wise
CDOT’s Winter Wise campaign focuses on education, tools and resources to help keep drivers safe on Colorado’s winter roads. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov. For specific information about I-70 and other highway travel conditions, motorists can call 511 or check COtrip.org. Additionally, drivers can check Twitter for up-to-date travel information via @ColoradoDOT. For more detailed information about the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Safety Law, snowplow laws, safety stats and frequently asked questions, visit winter.codot.gov.
