As Colorado prepares for a major winter storm on Wednesday, the State Patrol is reminding motorists of the essential traction and chain laws for driving in the high country.
“We want people to get to the places they need to be in the mountains without a road closure because someone didn’t have good enough tires or chains,” said Sgt. Ivan Alvarado of the Colorado State Patrol.
The Colorado Department of Transportation enforces two levels of requirements for passenger vehicles during winter weather. The first, the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law, is typically enacted during moderate snowfall. It requires all two-wheel drive vehicles to be equipped with chains or an alternative traction device.
During more severe conditions, the state implements the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law. This stricter rule mandates that all vehicles, including those with all-wheel or four-wheel drive, must use chains or a similar device. According to CDOT, this is “the final safety measure before the highway is closed.”
Drivers who fail to comply with either law face a $50 fine plus a $17 surcharge.
To avoid delays and ensure safety, officials recommend that drivers practice installing their equipment before encountering a storm. “The dry run is important,” Alvarado advised. “That way in the garage it’s safe and warm you know where to click and how to put on the chains and socks.”
Proper installation is critical. Mike Gillotte, a head mechanic at Big O Tires in Englewood, stressed that chains must be tight. Loose devices can fall off or cause significant damage to a vehicle.
Sgt. Alvarado also emphasized that drivers should only pull over in designated chain-up areas or exit the highway completely to find a safe parking lot. “If you do it on the side of the road on a narrow shoulder, you are risking your life,” he said.
Source link
