Colorado’s Traction Law Now In Effect
For the next nine months, drivers on I-70 in Colorado will have to have snow tires or chains as the state's new traction law takes effect.
The bill was signed by Governor Polis in May 2019 and made that requirement for all non-4-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles.
From September 1 through May 31, the rule will be applied between Dotsero and Morrison, meaning whether there is snow on the ground or not, the law applies. The law also changed the minimum requirement for tire tread to three-sixteenths of an inch of tread on all tires.
What that means for drivers is if you are traveling and the weather becomes severe, you may not be able to drive your vehicle on the highway. Making sure you're prepared for winter driving means you will have to start packing extra clothing to be safe. It is suggested you have a full tank of gas, warm clothes, safety equipment and a lot of water if you are forced to wait out a storm.
Taking the proper precautions, and making sure your vehicle meets the state's standards will make winter driving that much safer.