Passenger Vehicle Traction & Chain Laws

Overview

When weather conditions warrant, CDOT implements Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws. Motorists will be alerted to an active Traction Law or Chain Law by highway signage, COtrip.org and traffic/roadway condition alerts. For more information, download the Traction Law Fact Sheet. 

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Traction Law

During winter storms, or when conditions require, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law. CDOT can implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws on any state highway. During a Traction Law, all motorists are required to have EITHER:

1. 4WD or AWD vehicle and 3/16” tread depth
2. Tires with a mud and snow designation (M+S icon) and 3/16” tread depth 
3. Winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon) and 3/16” tread depth 
4. Tires with an all-weather rating by the manufacturer and 3/16” tread depth
5. Chains or an approved alternative traction device

Traction Law Updates
In 2019, Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 19-1207 into law, updating the Traction Law.

What’s Changed?

• From Sept. 1 to May 31, the Traction Law is always active on I-70 from Dotsero to Morrison.
• The minimum tread depth for tires on all vehicles increased to 3/16”.

These updates are meant to alleviate delays and crashes along this corridor during the peak winter driving season. Electronic signs will notify the public when there are additional closures or restrictions along I-70 in addition to the Traction Law.

Interactive Traction Law Tree Quiz

Click to View the Interactive Traction Law Tree (PDF)

Passenger Vehicle Chain Law 

During severe winter storms, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law. This is the 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.

Fines

• Motorists driving with inadequate equipment when a Traction Law or Chain Law is in effect could be fined more than $130.
• If a motorist blocks the roadway because they have inadequate equipment when a Traction Law or Chain Law is in effect, he/she could be fined more than $650.