Colorado’s commercial vehicle chain law expanded to roads beyond I-70, starting September 1

Truckers should be prepared for new chain law requirements in Colorado this year.

On May 20, 2024, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed the Commercial Vehicle Highway Safety Measures bill into law (formerly SB24-100).

One of the most prominent features of the new law is that it will expand the number of roadways where truckers are required to carry chains during the fall, winter, and early spring.

Previously, the law required that commercial vehicles driving on I-70 between mileposts 133 (Dotsero) and 259 (C-470) from September 1 — May 31 must carry sufficient chains at all times.

Under the new law, the commercial vehicles with a declared gross vehicle weight rating of 16,001 pounds are required to carry sufficient chains from September 1 — May 31 in the following areas:

• I-70 west of mile marker 259 (Morrison)
• State Highway 9 from mile marker 63 to 97 (Frisco to Fairplay)
• U.S. Route 40 west of mile marker 256 (Empire)
• U.S. Route 50 west of mile marker 225 (Salida)
• U.S. Route 160 west of mile marker 304 (Walsenburg)
• U.S. Route 285 west of mile marker 250 (Morrison)
• U.S. Route 550 — Entire route

A Colorado chain law violation carries a penalty of $50 plus a $17 surcharge.

Also under the new Commercial Vehicle Highway Safety Measures law, effective August 7, 2024, commercial vehicles are prohibited from traveling in the far left lane of I-70 in the following areas “unless specifically required or authorized to pass by law”:

• Between mile markers 115.5 and 131.0 (Glenwood Canyon)
• Between mile markers 169.5 and 173.0 (Dowd Junction)
• Between mile markers 180 and 190.5 (Vail Pass)
• Between mile markers 205.5 and 221.0 (Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel)
• Between mile markers 224.0 and 228.5 (Georgetown Hill)
• Between mile markers 243.0 and 247.0 (Floyd Hill)

Learn more about the Commercial Vehicle Highway Safety Measures law here.