The Colorado State Patrol is holding a commercial vehicle chain check on Thursday, October 23rd along I-70 near Dotsero.
What’s happening: Troopers will be making sure all trucks and buses over 16,000 pounds are carrying tire chains, as required by state law between September 1 and May 31.
- The chain check is not in response to bad weather, but is a routine operation to keep drivers prepared for sudden changes in Colorado’s mountain weather.
- Last year, more than 1,300 citations were issued during chain law season.
- About 10% of vehicles on I-70 are commercial trucks, but their impact is big when weather hits and roads get slick.
Why it matters: CDOT says vehicles without proper chains can cause road closures and delays, which can slow down the delivery of goods to mountain communities.
The state updated its chain law in 2024, and there are now 22 chain stations along the I-70 corridor so drivers can stop and chain up when needed.
- Chaining up is just one part of the routine for truckers running Colorado in the winter months, on top of long hours and mandated rest breaks.
The main focus Thursday is checking that drivers are carrying their chains, reported KKTV.