Traction Law Used 65+ Times On I-70 So Far This Season
DENVER (CBS4)- The Colorado Department of Transportation has used the traction law 66 times since mid-October along Interstate 70.
According to CDOT, when the traction law or Code 15 is in effect, all passenger vehicles need to have either snow or mud (M+S) tires, or a four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicle or use chains or an alternative traction device. All tires, regardless of the vehicle must have a minimum one-eighth inch tread.
"Weather along the I-70 Mountain Corridor can change from smooth sailing to slick and scary in a matter of minutes, and stay that way for a long period of time," said CDOT Director of Communications Amy Ford in a statement. "We're constantly monitoring current and forecasted weather, and assessing road conditions, to determine when all motorists need safe equipment to let everyone travel safely on the roadway."
CDOT has not had to implement the passenger vehicle chain law or Code 16, which is the final safety measure before a highway is closed during a severe winter storm. Under the passenger vehicle chain law every vehicle on the road is required to have chains or an alternative traction device.
When either of those are in effect a motorist can be fined $130 for not having proper equipment or more than $650 for blocking the roadway. Ford did not elaborate on how many drivers had been fined, if any.