As winter-like conditions settle into Colorado’s high country, state transportation officials are issuing a timely reminder to commercial drivers: chain season is now in effect across Colorado’s mountain highways.
Under Colorado’s “Must Carry Law,” all commercial motor vehicle drivers are required to carry tire chains from September 1 through May 31. Those caught without chains can face a $500 fine, and penalties can climb to $1,000 if a driver without proper equipment ends up blocking the roadway.
Colorado has also updated its Traction Law for personal vehicles. Drivers must now ensure their winter, all-weather, or mud-and-snow tires have at least 3/16 of an inch of tread depth, a requirement that applies to all 4WD and AWD vehicles traveling in designated traction-control areas.
With early-season snow already impacting travel, officials urge all motorists to check their equipment and prepare for rapidly changing mountain weather.
