The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), along with the Colorado State Patrol and safety partners, held an event in Golden to inform drivers about updates to the state’s Traction Law and provide winter driving preparedness tips. The gathering comes as holiday travel is expected to increase, especially along the I-70 Mountain Corridor.
Under the revised Traction Law, all vehicles must have tires with a tread depth of at least 3/16-inch that are either winter tires (marked with a mountain-snowflake icon), all-weather rated tires, or mud and snow (M+S) tires. This applies to both four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles. Vehicles not meeting these standards are required to use tire chains or an approved alternative traction device on two or more 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 automatically in effect each year from September 1 through May 31 on the I-70 Mountain Corridor between Dotsero and Morrison, but can also be activated on other highways if conditions require it. Violating this law can result in a $50 fine plus a $17 surcharge.
At the event, safety organizations demonstrated how to check tire tread depth, offered advice for maintaining tires during winter, and showed how alternative traction devices like AutoSock work. Defensive driving tips were also shared, emphasizing that safe winter driving is an ongoing skill.
“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.”
Drivers were reminded to prepare for winter travel by keeping their vehicles in good condition, carrying emergency supplies such as water and a first aid kit, clearing snow from their cars before driving, staying alert behind the wheel, and minimizing 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.”
Officials also highlighted the Tandem Snowplow Law. Passing snowplows operating in tandem formation—when trucks are arranged diagonally with lights flashing—is prohibited because it can create dangerous whiteout conditions.
In cases of severe storms when safety is at risk, CDOT may implement the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law as a last measure before closing highways. Under this law, every vehicle must have chains or an approved alternative traction device installed.
