TIM Education Resources

In June 2017, then Gov. Hickenlooper signed the “Move Over for Cody” legislation meant to increase penalties for not exercising caution towards roadside emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and public utility vehicles. The bill, SB17-229, is named for State Trooper Cody J. Donahue, who was struck and killed in November 2016 while investigating a crash.

Under the law, drivers must exhibit the utmost care and caution by yielding to oncoming emergency vehicles and “moving over” at least one lane. If not possible drivers must drastically reduce their speed and allow as much room as possible to the emergency vehicle.

For more information on the law and it’s penalties visit Colorado.gov State Bills Page

During an incident, first responders aim to quickly clear the scene and improve the safety of everyone involved. In order to do so CDOT and CSP have prepared the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in reference to “Urgent Clearance of Highway Incidents and Safety at Incident Scenes.”

The MOU establishes interagency collaboration to quickly clear incidents, reduce the time responders spend on scene, and manage traffic in a way that is safe for both the first responders and traveling public.

On August 2, 2019, Governor Polis signed legislation that updated requirements for drivers using state highways during winter months.

Specifically, it changed the required minimum tire tread for vehicles on snowy roads to 3/16 of an inch. The statute also says that the minimum tire tread for dry roads remains 2/16 of an inch.

In addition, the law reaffirms CDOT’s ability to close state highways during inclement weather, and requires any motor vehicle to have one or more of the following when Traction Law is implemented:

• tire chains;

• an alternative traction device;

• four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with adequate tire tread at least 3/16″ depth;

• Tires with any form of the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol for mud/snow rating imprinted by the manufacturer or that are all-weather rated by the manufacture.

The traction law requires all motor vehicles to be meet the above in order to be prepared for icy or snow-packed conditions, which typically occur from September through May. CDOT may also restrict travel for any motor vehicle not properly equipped for the conditions.

While the bill specifies the I-70 mountain corridor, the law applies to all state highways. The I-70 mountain corridor is spoken of specifically due to the high number of spinouts and crashes that occur along this stretch during adverse conditions.

For more information on the Traction Law visit the CDOT Traction Law Page

The Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Chain Law is a requirement for all large vehicles with a GCWR/GVWR of 16,001 pounds or more to affix chains or alternate traction devices (ATDs) to all drive tires (up to four). Even though it has “commercial” in the name, the requirement is based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for the vehicle regardless of its use (private or commercial).

From Sept. 1 through May 31, all commercial vehicles (CMVs) traveling on I-70 between the Dotsero exit (mile point (MP) 133) and the Morrison exit (MP 259) must carry sufficient chains to be in compliance with the Colorado chain law.

In addition, the law reaffirms CDOT’s ability to close state highways during inclement weather, and defines CMVs as being used in commerce to transport passengers or property and fitting into one of the following categories:

• gross combination weight rating of 16,001 or more pounds, inclusive of a towed unit, which has a gross vehicle weight-ration of more than 10,000 pounds

• gross vehicle weight rating of 16,001 or more pounds

• designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver

Vehicles subject to the law, except buses, are required to have tire chains or ATDs on at least four drive tires. If the vehicle has less than four drive tires, you are required to have chains or ATDs on all drive tires. Buses are required to have tire chains or ATDs on at least two drive tires.

While the bill specifies the I-70 mountain corridor, the law applies to all state highways.

For more information on the Commercial Vehicle Chain Law visit the CDOT CMV Chain Law Page or click the links below.

Commercial Vehicle Chain Law

Chain Station Flyer