Truckers must carry chains or face fines on multiple Colorado roadways starting in September

Truck drivers who travel in Colorado should be aware of commercial vehicle chain carry requirements going into effect in early September.

Each year from September 1 to May 31, commercial vehicle drivers are required to carry chains or approved alternate traction devices (ATDs) when traveling on the following roadways:

• I-70 west of mile marker 259 (Morrison) to the Utah border
• Colorado Highway 9 mile marker 63 to mile marker 97 (Frisco to Fairplay)
• Route 40 mile marker 256 (Empire) to the Utah border
• U.S. Route 50 mile marker 225 (Salida) to the Utah border
• U.S. Route 160 mile marker 304 (Walsenburg) to the New Mexico border
• U.S. Route 285 mile marker 250 (Morrison) to the New Mexico border
• All of U.S Route 550

Colorado’s commercial vehicle chain requirements apply to vehicles with a combined weight of more than 16,000 pounds used in commerce or as transport for at least 16 passengers (including the driver) on public highways.

See fines for Colorado chain law violations below:

• $50+ for not carrying
• $500+ for not chaining up
• $1000+ for blocking as a result of not chaining up

Chains are required starting in September because winter weather conditions can begin early in the state’s mountain regions.

The Colorado State Patrol often conducts checkpoints throughout the fall and winter months to ensure drivers are carrying required chains.

The Colorado Department of Transportation utilizes electronic signage, radio channels, the official CDOT travel website (cotrip.org), phone message system, email, text and other automated personal notification systems to warn drivers when chain law restrictions are in place.

See below for details on how many tires must be chained for specific vehicle types.

Those required to chain 4 drive tires:

• Straight Trucks: 4 tire chains, 4 AutoSocks, a combination of 2 tire chains and 2 tire cables 0.415 inches in diameter or greater, auto chains, or sanders.
• Single Drive Axle Combinations: 4 tire chains, 4 AutoSocks, auto chains, or sanders. No cables are allowed.
• Tandem Drive Axle Combinations: 4 tire chains, 4 AutoSocks, tire cables 0.415 inches in diameter or greater, auto chains, or sanders. Tire cables are permitted only if the outer tires on both ends of one drive axle are equipped with tire chains, and at least four traction devices are used in total.
• Auto Transporters: 4 tire chains, 4 AutoSocks, 4 tire cables 0.415 or greater, auto chains, or sanders. Do not use chains if use places hydraulic lines at risk of damage (alternative traction devices (ATDs) may be used to mitigate the risk). Travel will be restricted if the vehicle is unable to chain.

Those required to chain 2 drive tires: 

Hot shot trucking: Traditional motor vehicles (such as pickup trucks) that are pulling trailers and meet the above-listed weight criteria must also carry chains. 2 tire chains for singles (to affix to rear tires). Exception: Duallies need 4 tire chains.

Buses: 2 tire chains, 2 tire cables 0.415 diameters or greater, 2 AutoSocks, auto chains, or sanders.