CDOT launches inaugural Colorado Tire Check Week

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STATEWIDE — Calling all bald tires: it’s time for a check-up! The Colorado Department of Transportation is partnering with tire partners across the state for the inaugural Colorado Tire Check Week, March 12-19, to provide courtesy tire checks. The free tire checks aim to help motorists ensure their vehicles meet the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law standards during what is historically Colorado’s snowiest month. The State of Colorado and Governor Jared Polis have officially proclaimed the week of March 12-19 Colorado Tire Check Week to support the effort.

CDOT will host a tire check on Sunday, March 13, at the Wooly Mammoth Lot in Golden to support the weeklong effort. View the participating tire shops and tire check times at codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tires.

“Driving with adequate tires and tread depth is crucial to navigating Colorado winter roads safely,” said Andrew Hogle, CDOT Public Information Officer. “Coloradans know that snow typically falls throughout spring. Drivers must be aware of the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law and what it takes to ensure their tires and tread depth are safe. We are grateful to have tire partners across the state join us for this important effort.”

During Colorado Tire Check Week, drivers can take their cars to any of the participating tire shops, where they will receive a free tire check to ensure their vehicles are compliant with Colorado’s Passenger Vehicle Traction Law.

In a recent survey, only 64% of Coloradans were aware of the state’s Passenger Vehicle Traction Law, with 83% of in-state residents compliant. Compared to 2020 survey results, Traction Law non-compliance grew by 10%, with roughly 75% of non-compliant vehicles driven by Colorado residents. Data shows that on average, more than 10,000 crashes occur every year during snowy and icy road conditions in Colorado.

Colorado’s Passenger Vehicle Traction Law requires that all motorists have 3/16 of an inch tire tread depth and one of the following:

• Winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon)
• Tires with an all-weather rating by the manufacturer
• Tires with a mud and snow designation (M+S icon)
• 4WD or AWD vehicle
• Chains or an approved alternative traction device

Having properly inflated tires is another important way to stay safe and save money. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, keeping tires inflated to the recommended pressure (about 35 psi) can improve motorists’ gas mileage by up to 3%. This is equivalent to saving up to $0.10 per gallon of gasoline. Appropriately inflated tires improve safety, ensure optimal vehicle performance, wear evenly, and prolong tire tread life.

For more information about the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw.

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 and Passenger Vehicle Safety Laws, snowplow laws, safety stats and frequently asked questions, visit winter.codot.gov.

Traction and Chain Laws

When weather conditions warrant, CDOT will activate the Traction Law. If weather conditions deteriorate, CDOT will activate Chain Laws for passenger and commercial vehicles. Motorists will be alerted to an active Traction or Chain Law by highway signage, COtrip.org and traffic/roadway condition alerts. For more information on the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw. For more information on the Commercial Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov.