The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP), AutoSock, DriveSafe Colorado, and Gills Point S Tire & Auto convened in Golden to discuss updates to the state’s Traction Law and provide winter driving safety guidance. The event took place at Gills Point S Tire & Auto and featured a “Traction Law Tree” constructed from tires to illustrate the recent legal changes.
Colorado’s revised Traction Law now requires all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles to have tires with a tread depth of at least 3/16-inch. These must be winter tires marked with the mountain-snowflake icon, all-weather rated tires, or mud and snow (M+S) tires. Vehicles that do not meet these requirements must 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.”
CDOT can activate the Traction Law, Passenger Vehicle Chain Law, or Commercial Vehicle Chain Law on any state highway during winter storms or when conditions require it. The Traction Law is automatically in effect each year from September 1 through May 31 along the I-70 Mountain Corridor between Dotsero and Morrison but may also be implemented elsewhere as needed. This law applies to all non-commercial motorists. Failing to comply results in a $50 fine plus a $17 surcharge.
Safety partners provided additional advice such as how to check tire tread depth, maintain tires properly, and select suitable replacements for winter conditions. Demonstrations included installing alternative traction devices like AutoSock on vehicle tires. Defensive driving tips were shared, emphasizing that winter driving skills need continual practice. Attendees received Winter Wise “Check Your Tread” cards as part of the outreach effort.
“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.”
Officials urged motorists to prepare for winter travel by keeping vehicles in good working order, carrying emergency supplies such as first aid kits and water, clearing snow and ice from cars before departure, 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 CSP. “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 was also highlighted; passing snowplows operating in tandem formation while their lights are flashing is considered a Class A offense due to risks like whiteout conditions or hitting ridges of snow between lanes.
In cases of severe storms where safety becomes critical just prior to highway closures, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requiring every vehicle—regardless of type—to use chains or an approved alternative traction device.
AWD/4WD vehicles must either have qualifying tires with sufficient tread depth or install chains/approved devices on two or more drive wheels during enforcement periods.
