Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021:
If you're planning to drive through Colorado over the next nine months, you are required by state law to have chains starting Wednesday, Sept. 1.
The law passed in 2019 requires that from Sept. 1 through May 31, all commercial vehicles traveling on state highways must carry sufficient chains to be in compliance with the Colorado chain law. The law specifically mentions I-70 between the Dotsero exit (mile marker 133) and the Morrison exit (mile marker 259), but the Colorado DOT says the law applies to all state highways.
“The legislation speaks to the I-70 corridor because it is a critical highway to keep open, and because the high number of spinouts and crashes that occur along this road between September and May,” CDOT says.
The state's Commercial Motor Vehicle Chain Law requires all large vehicles to affix chains or alternate traction devices (ATDs) to all drive tires (up to four) in inclement weather. Even though it has “commercial” in the name, the requirement is based on the gross vehicle weight rating or gross combined weight rating for the vehicle, regardless of its use. Chains are not required on trailers.
The penalty for non-compliance with winter driving restrictions is up to $500 fine plus a $79 surcharge. If you are stuck and blocking any traveled portion of the roadway, the fine is $1,000 plus a $157 surcharge.
At a minimum, the CDOT will notify the public of the travel restriction with static and electronic variable message roadway signs. Additionally, CDOT may announce chain requirements on radio channels, the official CDOT travel website, a phone message system, email, text and other automated personal notification systems.
