Are Your Tires Safe? Colorado Cracks Down on Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law

January 04, 2018

Winter driving conditions in Colorado are a serious force to be reckoned with. Semi-trucks aren’t the only vehicles accountable for the use of chains and proper tires on Colorado highways, anymore, and with good reason. As Mayor Michael Hancock wrote in regards to The Denver Vision Zero Action Plan,

“Traffic deaths and severe injuries are unacceptable and preventable, and safety must be the most important consideration for every Denver street.”

Passenger vehicle drivers like yourself are now responsible for knowing and complying with the Traction and Passenger Vehicle Chain Laws. Don’t worry though, we’re here to make sure you’re compliant, safe, and secure! Cars that are unable to properly grip the roads slow down traffic and slip easily on snow and ice. Did you know that you can be fined more than $130 if you don’t have the proper equipment on your vehicle and the Colorado Department of Transportation, or CDOT, issues an active Traction Law, also known as Code 15? That fine increases to $650 if you’re blocking the roadway because you’re lacking traction on your tires. Ouch.

If CDOT issues an active Traction Law, or Code 15, they will post signs to notify drivers. You can also click here to sign up for text or email alerts and customize them to your neighborhood and preferences. Under Traction Law, “motorists must have either snow tires, tires with the mud/snow (M+S) designation, or a four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicle. All tires must have a minimum one-eighth inch tread.” (CDOT) Alternatively, you can install chains or other traction devices (like AutoSock) on your vehicle so that you are in compliance with the law if your tires don’t have adequate tread.

To reiterate, if you're not driving a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle, all-weather tires do not meet the tire requirement under the Traction Law. They must have a mud and snow rating, which is normally designated on the sidewall of the tire with "M+S" or "M&S." If you are driving a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle, all-weather/all-season tires meet the requirement if all four tires have a minimum one-eighth inch tread. View CDOT’s Passenger Vehicle Traction & Chain Laws frequently asked questions here.

The Quarter Test

You may have heard of this trick before: The Quarter Test. This will let you measure your tire tread with ease. You’ll want to see that the quarter fits nicely between the treads.

Insert a quarter into the tire tread upside down, Washington’s head first.
If the top of George’s head is covered by the tread, your tires are OK
If the top of his head is visible at any point around the tire, your tires won’t meet the Traction Law minimum, and you should consider new tires.
Remember to do this test at multiple points around each tire.

CDOT has broadcasted their efforts to crack down on motorists who don’t have the proper tires or chains when traveling during winter driving conditions. During severe storms in Colorado, you will now be ticketed if your vehicle does not have chains or an alternative traction device (like AutoSock).

If winter weather conditions weren’t already deterring you from taking a drive without the proper equipment, these fines will! Remember, it’s $130 for not having the proper equipment or more than $650 for blocking the roadway.

Stevinson Automotive has been helping customers accommodate their vehicles for winter driving conditions in Colorado since 1962. That’s over 55 winters, so we know how to help. Our Service and Parts Department employees are well-educated on the best tires, tools, and resources for your vehicle, and always look forward to getting you geared up for winter driving because then we’re all safer on the roads.

Feel free to call or stop by with questions about your vehicle’s safety, or about getting new tires, chains, or advice on traction devices.

Stevinson Toyota West -

Find alternative traction devices like AutoSock here!

780 Indiana Street, Lakewood, CO 80401

(303) 277-0550