Nearly 90% compliance rate on first day of I-70 chain law inspections, says CSP

The Colorado State Patrol saw nearly an almost 90% compliance rate on the first day of chain law inspections on Interstate 70 earlier this month. 

The October 1st inspections occurred along I-70 near Dotsero, Colorado at the eastern end of Glenwood Canyon. 

According to the Denver Gazette, inspectors made 468 total contacts and issued a total of 102 citations. Only 50 of those were chain violations. 70 commercial vehicles failed to stop for an inspection, and one truck driver was found without a CDL. Overall chain law compliance was at 89.5% of those inspected – almost 90% compliance.

Colorado law states that all CMVs must carry chains from September 1st through May 31st. Glenwood Canyon is an area known for severe semi truck crashes in the winter, as well as Vail Pass. Colorado state officials say these crashes are typically caused by CMVs traveling too fast for winter conditions.

Late last year, the Colorado Department of Transportation claimed that every hour that Interstate 70 is closed costs the state $1.6 million dollars in potential economic impact.