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Passenger Vehicle Chain Law

During the months when snow is possible, all passenger vehicles weighing 16,001 pounds or less and accommodating up to 15 passengers must be equipped with the following:

  • tire chains or an alternate traction device;
  • four wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicles with tires that have 3/16-inch tread depth and are adequate for the conditions;
  •  manufacturer rated all-weather tires that have 3/16-inch tread depth; or
  • tires that have 3/16-inch tread depth that are imprinted by the manufacturer with a mountain-snowflake (M&S, M+S, or M/S) symbol. 

Between September 1 and May 31 of each year, all commercial vehicles traveling on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison must carry sufficient chains or an alternate traction device.  For further information, about the state’s passenger chain law visit CDOT’s website, https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw, and the Colorado State Patrol.

Colorado legislature email addresses ending in @state.co.us are no longer active. Please replace @state.co.us with @coleg.gov for Colorado legislature email addresses. Details

The effective date for bills enacted without a safety clause is August 7, 2024, if the General Assembly adjourns sine die on May 8, 2024, unless otherwise specified. Details