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Colorado chain law applies to every state highway, federal highway
and interstate throughout the state. When the chain law is in effect,
drivers will see signs along the roadway indicating which vehicles
should chain-up. In some areas of the state, lighted variable message
signs will also alert drivers of the chain-up information.
Metal chains must consist of two circular metal loops, one on each
side of the tire, connected by not less than nine evenly spaced
chains across the tread. Commercial vehicles having four or more
drive wheels must chain four wheels. Dual tire chains are acceptable.
NEW VIOLATION PENALTIES
Drivers of commercial vehicles who ignore the chain law can be fined $500 plus a surcharge for not putting chains on their vehicles when required. A driver can be fined $1,000 plus a surcharge if the vehicle is not chained when the law is in effect and as a result blocks the highway.
Drivers of commercial vehicles must carry chains for their vehicles from September 1 through May 31 on Interstate 70 from MP 163 to MP 259 only. Failure to carry chains on this portion of highway may result in an inspection violation and the driver can be fined $50 plus a surcharge.
WHEN ARE CHAINS REQUIRED FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES?
There are two levels of the chain law that will affect commercial
vehicles. A vehicle is considered to be a commercial vehicle if
it is used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the
motor vehicle:
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Has a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 lbs. or more
inclusive of a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of
more than 10,000 lbs.;
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Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds.
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Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the
driver.
LEVELS OF CHAIN LAW FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
Level 1
This level of chain law implementation requires that all single
axle combination commercial vehicles chain-up. All four wheels
of the power drive axle must be chained. Cables are not allowed
on single drive axle combination commercial vehicles as an alternative
traction device. When level 1 of the chain law is in effect,
all other commercial vehicles must have snow tires or chains.
Level 1 may be implemented at any time there is snow covering
any part off the traveled portion of the pavement on an ascending
grade.
Level 2
When the chain law is in effect at this level, chains are
required for ALL commercial vehicles. This includes trucks
exceeding 26,001 lb. weight, and buses or vehicles that are designed
to carry 16 or more passengers. Autotransports must comply with
the law to the extent possible without causing damage to hydraulic
lines. Buses need to chain only two drive wheel tires. (Cables
are not allowed on single drive axle combination units, they must
use chains!)
Level 2 may be implemented any time there is snow covering the
entire traveled portion of the pavement on an ascending grade
or when in the discretion of the highway maintenance supervisor
(or designee) road, weather or driving conditions make this restriction
necessary to protect the safety of the traveling public or minimize
occurrence of road closures.
Approved Alternative Traction Devices
(ATD's)
Approved ATD's may be used instead of chains. These include wheel
sanders (vehicle must carry enough sand to negotiate the hill),
or pneumatically driven chains which when engaged, spin under the
drive wheels automatically as traction is lost.
The rules and regulations disallow the use of tire cables on commercial
vehicles. The following are the only two approved situations in
which cables can be used:
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Tire cables constructed with high strength steel spring cross
member rollers that are at least 0.415" diameter or greater can
be used instead of chains on commercial vehicles with the exception
of single drive axle combination vehicles.
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On a tandem power drive axle commercial vehicle any type of
cable can be used only if there are chains on the outside tires
of one of the power drive axles and cables on two or more
tires of the other power drive axle.
The Colorado Department of Transportation will be monitoring the
use of cables and their effectiveness this winter. The Department
can at any time rescind the approval of cables as an ATD.
DOES MY TRAILER NEED TO BE CHAINED UP?
Colorado has no rule or statute regarding the requirement for chains
on trailers. Tire cables are acceptable for use on trailer tires.
WHERE CAN I CHAIN-UP?
Trucks placarded for Flammable, Combustible, or Explosives may
pass the chain-up signs and install their chains where the pavement
is covered by snow or ice, at a safe location outside the traveled
portion of the highway.
INTERSTATE 70 CHAIN-UP STATIONS
Eastbound I-70: Milepost 178, 183, 184 (shoulder only),
187 (shoulder), 203 (Frisco scenic overlook), 205, 219, 228, 241, and 251.
Westbound I-70: Milepost 263, 260, 254 (Buffalo Overlook), 229, 223, 221, 213 (brake check area), and 197 (scenic area).
AFTER I PUT MY CHAINS ON, CAN I CONTINUE WITH MY LOAD?
Colorado Department of Transportation personnel or law enforcement
may control the reentry of vehicles from the chain inspection stations
to the state highway to assist and enhance the flow of traffic as
assure the safety of the traveling public.
AT WHAT POINT CAN I TAKE MY CHAINS OFF?
The chain law shall cease to be in effect where designated by a
sign or when bare pavement is encountered on a descending grade.
- Remember!
Colorado's weather can change dramatically and quickly.
Drivers need to be prepared. Call ahead for road conditions and chain-up
information for Colorado's major highways at (303) 639-1111
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- To
view and print a copy of the Chain Up Tips Fact Sheet please click
here.
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