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What You Need To Know About Traction Laws

Don’t Let The Spring Weather Fool You…It’s Still Winter In The Mountains

There’s no doubt that driving West of the Eisenhower Tunnel is like driving into a different world. While the front range may be soaking in the sun and driving on dry roads, I70 and other mountain roads may still be experiencing arctic conditions. Traction Law may be activated or remain in effect long after the typical “winter months” have passed.

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has 3 levels of road safety measures in the mountains and on all interstate and state highways: Traction Law (Code 15), Passenger Vehicle Chain Law (Code 16), and full out road closures.

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Traction vs Passenger Vehicle Chain Laws

Traction Laws

As the lesser of the two levels, Traction Law requires all passenger vehicles to have at least one (1) of the following: snow tires, tires with mud/snow designation, 4WD/AWD, or chains/alternative traction devices. Regardless of which of the above items a vehicle has, tire tread must be at least 1/8 inch.

Passanger Vehicle Chain Laws

Passenger Vehicle Chain Law is rare, and the last-ditch effort before roads are completely shut down. When this law is in effect, every passenger vehicle on the roadway must have chains or alternative traction devices (like AutoSock).

Why Bother?

If found in violation of the laws while in effect, motorists may be fined over $130. If they block the roadway as a result of being in violation of the law, the fine increases to over $650.

For every 10 minutes an accident blocks the road, traffic is delayed at least an hour

Winter tires will take 310ft to stop a vehicle traveling at 60MPH on snowy roads; All-Season tires will take 668ft.

Myths & Rumors

Enacted in 2015, these laws are relatively new, and there is no shortage of myths, rumors, and misunderstandings on what they entail. Below are some key elements and distinctions to know:

  • AWD and 4WD are not the same as good as having winter tires, although both can be helpful. While AWD/4WD will help you accelerate, at the end of the day, your tires.
  • All-season tires take over twice as long to stop in winter conditions. They do not meet tire requirements for Traction Law unless they have designated mud and snow ratings (usually designated on the sidewall as M+S or M&S). The only way regular All-Season tires are permitted under Traction Law is if the vehicle is AWD/4WD, and they have the minimum 1/8” tread.
  • There is no requirement that winter tires be studded in order to be in compliance with Traction Law. Regardless of studding, they must meet the minimum 1/8” tread requirement.
  • 4WD/AWD is not acceptable as an “alternative traction device”. Only chains or devices like the AutoSock are acceptable as alternative traction devices. If you only have 4WD/AWD, you will be in violation of the law and subject to fines.
  • Regardless of where you are, when the law is activated, you must be in compliance. This means if you drive to work and the law is activated, you cannot drive anywhere (even home) unless you are in compliance with the Traction Law Requirements.
  • If Passenger Vehicle Chain Law is activated mid-trip and you meet the requirements for Traction Law but don’t have chains, you can still be ticketed. As above, regardless of where you are, when the law is activated, you must be in compliance. If you don’t have chains and the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law is activated, you will be subject to fines, ticketing, and being restricted from the roadway.

Safety On The Road is Our Top Priority

Safety on the roadway should be everyone’s priority, and here at AAMCO Colorado, we’re here to help. If you’re gearing up for a trip into the mountains and are unsure about your vehicle, call or schedule an appointment online at your local AAMCO Colorado shop for a brake service, and more. Be sure to check out our special offers for free seasonal car checks!

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