Colorado State Patrol: Chain Law Ignored in Spring Storm Causing I-70 + H285 Closures

Description: During the spring storm Colorado just experienced, troopers wrote 12 citations to commercial drivers for noncompliance and responded to 100 motorist assists... Photo Courtesy of Colorado State Patrol.

Colorado Chain Law Ignored in Spring Storm

Resulting in Major Road Closures

(COLORADO) – Despite extensive warnings from the Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Department of Transportation and local emergency service agencies, some professional drivers failed to comply with Colorado chain law. One of the most severely impacted areas was the I-70 corridor from Silverthorne to the Morrison exit, which resulted in an extended closure in both directions on Thursday, trapping motorists until lanes could be cleared and safely reopened late in the afternoon. 

The Colorado State Patrol takes a proactive approach to chain compliance before storms hit. Since the beginning of this chain season in September 2023, over 800 citations have been written for noncompliance. To ensure the safety and expedient removal of hazards, enforcement during a storm is sometimes limited to CMVs that can be issued a citation without further delaying the removal of the vehicle from traffic lanes after a trooper has arrived on the scene. During the spring storm Colorado just experienced, troopers wrote 12 citations to commercial drivers for noncompliance and responded to 100 motorist assists; 32 on I-70 and 28 on US H285. Based on current data, it is not possible to separate commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles in the “motorist assist” category, and more detailed information regarding who required a public tow, who hired a private tow without our assistance, and who was removed prior to our arrival is not available. 

All motor vehicles with a GCWR/GVWR of 16,001 pounds or more are required to carry tire chains from September 1 through May 31 when traveling on any portion of I-70 between mile point 259 (Morrison) and mile point 133 (Dotsero). The vehicle must be equipped with enough chains or alternate traction devices (ATDs) to be able to comply with the Commercial Vehicle Chain Law if it is put into effect.

If it is discovered that a driver is not carrying chains or ATDs with them during a truck inspection at the port of entry or around the state by troopers, they are subject to a $50 fine. If truckers fail to put on chains or ATDs when required, these professional drivers can receive a citation for $100. If they cause lane closures, the fine jumps to $500; if they shut down traffic completely, the fine increases to $1,000. In every instance, they can also receive a negative report on their USDOT number.       

Chain law restrictions are announced through the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). At a minimum, they will notify the public on static and electronic variable message roadway signs. In addition, this information is regularly announced through 511 traveler information, the official CDOT travel website (www.cotrip.org), and media outlets.

When the chain law is implemented, troopers often times begin actively seeking chain violations to avoid road closures, but proactive efforts are often replaced by emergency calls for service.

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