COLORADO CHAIN INFO FAQ

1Q:  WHAT KINDS OF VEHICLES ARE REQUIRED TO USE CHAINS?

A:  All commercial vehicles are required to use chains.  Commercial vehicles are defined as "being used in commerce to transport passengers or property" and fitting into one of the following categories:

Trailers are not required to use chains, however, chain law restrictions for vehicles weighing less than 26,001 lbs. (passenger vehicles, crossovers, SUVs and small trucks) can be put into effect at any time when weather conditions are severe per Code 15.


2Q: WHAT IS CODE 15?

A:  Code 15 is the chain law for all vehicles.  Vehicles weighing less than 26,001 lbs will need to have one of the following to proceed:

To determine if your tread is sufficient insert a quarter upside down into your tire tread (with George Washington's head first).  If the head is covered by the tread, you're good to go.  If the top of his head is visible at any point around the tire (test multiple points), you can't drive when Code 15 of the chain law is in effect and you likely need new tires.


3Q:  MUST HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TANKERS AND TRANSPORTERS USE CHAINS?

A:  Yes.  Vehicles placarded for hazardous loads must comply with the chain law.  They may pass the chain-up signs and install their chains where the pavement is covered in snow or ice provided it is at a safe location outside the traveled portion of the highway.


4Q:  WHAT TIMES OF YEAR AND IN WHAT PARTS OF COLORADO ARE CHAINS REQUIRED FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES TRAVELING ON I-70?

A:  Commercial vehicles operating on I-70 in either direction between mile marker 133 (Dotsero) and mile marker 259 (Morrison) must carry chains from Sept. 1 to May 31.  This is the only area in Colorado in which chains must be carried during the specified season.


5Q:  WHERE ARE THE CHAIN UP (OR DOWN) STATIONS LOCATED?

A:  Map of Chain Stations

Vehicles weighing less than 26,001 may not use Chain Up Stations.


6Q:  HOW WILL DRIVERS BE NOTIFICED WHEN CHAINS LAWS ARE IN EFFECT?

A:  When the chain law is in effect, drivers will be notified which vehicles must chain up and where by the following means:


7Q:  WHEN CAN CHAINS BE REMOVED?

A:  Chain law usage requirements will cease when and where bare descending pavement is encountered.  Electronic Message signs will no longer display "chain law in effect" and you can call 511 for current chain law status.


8Q:  WHAT KINDS OF CHAINS MUST BE USED BY COMMERCIAL VEHICLES EXCEEDING 26,001 LBS?

A:  Metal chains must consist of two circular metal loops, one on each side of the tire, connected by not less than nine evenly-spaced chain loops across the tread.  Commercial vehicles that have four or more drive wheels must chain four wheels. Dual tire chains are acceptable.


9Q:  ARE THERE ANY TYPES OF CHAINS THAT ARE PROHIBITED IN COLORADO?

A:  Colorado chain law rules do not permit tire cables with two exceptions.  They are:


10Q:  CAN "ALTERNATIVE TRACTION DEVICES OR ATDS" BE USED INSTEAD OF CHAINS BY COMMERCIAL VEHICLES EXCEEDING 26,001 LBS?

A:  Approved ATDs in Colorado include:


11Q:  WHAT ARE THE CHAIN LAWS REGARDING SPECIFIC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TYPES?

A:  Chain Law Level 1/Code 17 states that all single drive axle combination commercial vehicles must chain all four drive wheels; cables are not permitted as ATDs.  All other commercial vehicles must have snow tires or chains.  Level 1/Code 17 may be implemented any time there is snow covering any part of the traveled portion of pavement on an ascending grade.

Chain Law Level 2/Code 18 states that all commercial vehicles must chain up.  Single drive axle and tandem drive axle combination commercial vehicles must chain four drive wheels.

Autotransports must comply to the extent possible without causing damage to hydraulic lines.  Buses must chain two drive wheels to comply.  Level 2/Code 18 may be implemented any time there is snow covering the entire traveled portion of pavement on an ascending grade, or when driving conditions dictate that this level is necessary to protect safety and to minimize road closures.


12Q:  WHAT ARE THE FINES FOR CHAIN LAW VIOLATIONS?

A:  The fines for commercial vehicles are as follows:


13Q:  IS CHAIN ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES?

A:  Yes.  Chain assistance may be available along the I-70 Corridor when the Chain Law is in effect and may include the sale of chains/chain sets and/or installation or removal of chains for a fee.

Chain Vendors providing these services are private entities.  They function as independent contractors and are not associated with, nor employed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and are therefore neither contracted nor required by CDOT to perform these services.

Preferred Chain Vendors may be contacted by calling:


14Q:  WHAT ARE THE LOCATIONS WHERE CHAIN ASSISTANCE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES EXCEEDING 26,001 LBS?

A:  Services may be available at any one of the 21 chain stations along the I-70 corridor between Dotsero (exit 133) and Denver West Boulevard (exit 263) when the Chain Law is in effect.


15Q:  DOES CDOT SUPERVISE CHAIN ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY PREFERRED CHAIN VENDORS?

A:  A representative from CDOT will frequently be on-site when chain assistance is taking place, inspecting and assuring quality service is being provided and chain program criteria is followed.


16Q:  WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM CRITERIA FOR PREFERRED CHAIN VENDORS?

A:  Preferred chain vendor (PCV) criteria require that all PCVs must:


This information is published by CDOT Office of Communications
(303) 757-9228
www.coloradodot.info