If you drive this type of car in Colorado, you now need snow chains – Jalopnik

The state of Colorado has long required commercial trucks to line up during storms on highways, especially on the I-70 Mountain Corridor, a stretch of road that is particularly dangerous in the winter. Just a few days ago, there were two separate pile-ups of 20 and 30 cars on the highway just 15 minutes apart. Under a new set of updates to the Traction Act, everyday vehicles are now also expected to follow the example of truck drivers.

Any two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicle – front or rear wheel drive – traveling on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison from September 1 through May 31 must carry a set of snow chains or an approved traction device. The requirement does not mean that drivers have to drive with chains for the entire period. Instead, they must be ready to use them when the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) or the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) activates the Passenger Vehicle Traction or Chain Laws during inclement weather.

Much of the winter closures and backups result from unprepared passenger cars losing traction on slopes or getting stuck in sudden snow showers. When the weather deteriorates, truck drivers are used to stopping and chaining up. 2WD vehicles are now expected to follow a similar protocol.

The updated law clearly distinguishes between powertrain types, but no one is exempt from preparation. The requirements for 2WD vehicles are strict. When traveling through the corridor in winter, they must carry chains (or an approved alternative traction device) for at least two tires. Anyone who doesn’t follow the rules will face a $50 fine plus a surcharge. And if you impede traffic due to a lack of traction, you could be fined up to $500.

All-wheel drive (AWD) and all-wheel drive (yes, there’s a difference between the two) vehicles are also under scrutiny. Although they are not required to wear chains under normal traction law, they must use tires that meet state standards, which means they must be winter, all-weather or M+S tires with a minimum tread depth of 3/16 inch. A vehicle that does not meet this requirement will be treated as non-compliant, even if it is AWD. During the most severe conditions, when the Passenger Vehicle Chain Act comes into effect, every vehicle on the road, regardless of powertrain, must be chained.

Officials also recommend practicing installation at home, in dry conditions, and not on a shoulder during a storm. Agencies recommend reducing speed, increasing following distance, removing snow from the entire vehicle and giving snow plows plenty of room. Passing a tandem team formation is now a Class A violation due to the whiteout conditions it creates.