To usher in the start of December and the colder weather, CDOT issued a reminder about Colorado’s winter driving laws to help keep drivers safe during cold and snowy weather.
The first law mentioned was the Colorado Traction Law, which focuses on passenger vehicles. The information provided by CDOT explained that commercial vehicles have different restrictions.
According to the Colorado Traction Law, motorists are required to have either a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a 3/16 inch tread depth, mud and snow designated tires with a 3/16 inch tread depth, winter tires with a mountain-snowflake icon and a 3/16 inch tread depth, tires with an all-weather manufacturer rating and 3/16 inch tread depth, chains or an approved alternative traction device.
Additionally, it is illegal to drive on a closed state highway or roadway that has a restriction in effect while lacking the required traction mechanisms.
This traction law comes into effect primarily on Interstate 70 between Dotsero and Morrison from Sept. 1 to May 31. Violators will be given a citation with a $100 fine and $32 surcharge. If the violation causes the closure of one or more lanes of traffic, the fine jumps to $500 with a $156 surcharge.
Snowplows also have the right of way according to the Tandem Snowplow Law, and it is illegal to pass a snowplow when they are driving in tandem with one or more plows.
Doing so is a Class A traffic offense that includes fines up to $100 plus a surcharge. The offender may also get points added to their driver’s license by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles.
When snowplows are driving in tandem, cars should stay back three to four car lengths.
“In tandem formation, snowplows are arranged diagonally and stagger multiple plows to cover all lanes and clear the entire roadway in one sweep,” CDOT said. “This is the safest and most efficient snow removal method. It's extremely dangerous for motorists to pass plows in this formation because you could encounter whiteout conditions and ridges of snow between lanes.”
