Making Sense of Colorado’s UPDATED Winter Traction Laws in 2025
Before the leaves have even started to fall or temperatures drop, Colorado’s Chain Law went into effect September 1st. Before we know it, the high country will be blanketed with a layer of white and the lifts at the resorts will start turning again.
For many places, winter storms grind communities to a halt until public works crews can clear the roads of snow. In Colorado, we live for big storms in the mountains to fuel some of our favorite activities. When the snow comes, it encourages us to hop in our cars and head towards I-70 so that we can enjoy a powder day on our favorite mountain or enjoy the fresh snow in the backcountry. However, icy surfaces, low visibility and freezing temperatures make travel during winter storms treacherous and dangerous.
2025 Update Effects Passenger Vehicles
In 2024, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a new bill into law updating the Colorado traction law. The traction law was put into place to help mitigate the dangers of driving on I-70 during winter storms and help keep travelers safe.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is the authority around whether the law is in effect or not. CDOT will enact the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law when during mild to moderate snowstorms. During severe winter storms, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law right before they close the highway.
Titus Adventure Company loves winter sports and wants to help you get outside safely during the winter. We’ve broken down the two main winter traction laws below to help you better understand what each law means for you in plain English.
Westbound traffic on I-70. Photo credit: Colorado Public Radio
Who?
All commercial AND passenger vehicles traveling on Colorado highways.
What?
Electric information sign on I-70. Photo Credit: KOAA News South Colorado
When in effect, all vehicles traveling on the highway must have a tire tread depth of at least 3/16” AND at least one of the following;
Four-wheel drive (4WD)
All wheel drive (AWD)
Tires with a mud and snow designation (M+S icon)
Winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon)
Tires with all-weather rating by the manufacturer
Chains
AutoSock
When?
From September 1st to May 31st, the Chain Law is always active.
Where?
I-70 is the main road of concern but they do apply to all other Colorado state managed highways.
Why?
In 2018, there were 6,978 accidents caused by winter weather conditions accounting for 59% of all accidents recorded that year. Both the traction and chain laws are meant to alleviate delays and accidents along the I-70 corridor during peak winter driving season. If you are cause an accident and found to not be in compliance you could be fined.
During a particularly harsh winter storm on Dec. 30, 2024 more than a dozen semitrailers jackknifed across Vail Pass in a single day. All of them were without chains or proper traction equipment. Vail Pass is a key thoroughfare across the I-70 corridor, with closures commonly lasting for many hours. Local mayor calls for massively increasing the fines as many commercial vehicles simply ignore Colorado’s Chain Laws. The law was updated in 2025 with steeper fines, but still nothing close to the Vail mayor’s $20,000 proposed fines.
Whether you’re traveling to your favorite resort for some powder turns or headed into the backcountry to go snowshoeing, the traction and chain laws are put in place to make the roadways safer during winter storms and alleviate the heavy traffic that we see during peak winter driving season. If you don’t have a vehicle that complies with the winter driving laws or aren’t sure if your vehicle meets the criteria, Titus Adventure Company can help.
You Have Options
If you plan to drive to the mountains you must consider the traction, tires, and capacity of your vehicle. If your personal vehicle is not built for safely travelling in extreme winter conditions, consider renting a fully equipped SUV or campervan from Titus Adventures. Our entire fleet is outfitted with all=weather, heavy duty tires that are in compliance with the new passenger chain laws.
Based out of Denver, every one of our rental vehicles has 4WD and we put top of the line snow tires on each of our vehicles for the winter. We guarantee that every winter car rental from us complies with these winter driving laws to help you get to your winter adventures with confidence. Check out our full fleet of Denver 4x4 rentals here!
