If you live in Colorado, you need to know about snow chains. The weather can turn snowy for most of the year, especially in the mountains. When the snow falls in the mountains, the steep grades can become dangerous, and snow chains are a way to reduce the danger of getting in a car accident. In addition, the law often requires that you carry chains and/or use them when conditions demand it.
At Accurate Auto Body, we hope that you can avoid getting in an accident, not to mention getting what can be a very expensive ticket – and tow charge – if your lack of chains ends up leading to an accident. That’s why we want to let you know the vehicle chain laws in Colorado. Note that this is distinct from the Colorado traction law.
Commercial Vehicle Chain Law
In Colorado, all commercial vehicles traveling on I-70 between the Dotsero exit (133) and the Morrison exit (259) must carry chains to be in compliance. This restriction is in place to ensure commercial vehicles don’t get stuck on the roads or get into accidents, causing blocked lanes that can shut down the highways. Accidents and being stranded can be dangerous, even deadly, for motorists.
The chain law can also be enacted for commercial vehicles at any time on other roads.
Colorado defines commercial vehicles as meeting one or more of the following criteria:
- Having a gross vehicle weight of 16,001 pounds or more.
- Having a gross combination weight of 16,001 pounds or more, including a towed unit, which has a gross vehicle weight-ration of more than 10,000 pounds.
- Designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
These characteristics apply even if the vehicle is not being used for commercial purposes.
Passenger Vehicle Chain Law
For passenger vehicles, which are all vehicles weighing less than 16,001 pounds, a chain law is much less common. It is enacted when conditions on the road are slippery because of snow. Chain laws are enacted for passenger vehicles only under the worst conditions. When a chain law is in effect for passenger vehicles, the vehicle must have tire chains or alternate traction devices installed on two or more drive tires.
How to Know When a Chain Law Is in Effect
If You Do Get in an Accident, Choose Accurate Auto Body
We hope you can avoid an accident this winter, in part by following chain and traction laws. However, if you do get into an accident that damages your car, choose Accurate Auto Body for your repairs.
We use our exclusive Focus On You Service System™ to ensure you get the best service and the best results from your auto body repair. We treat you with respect. Our friendly staff and welcomes you to our comfortable environment. We want you to feel at home and feel free to ask a question or speak up to get what you want from your repairs.
We’ll educate you on all your repairs so you know exactly what to expect when repairs are complete, and so you can choose the repair options that really matter to you. we can tell you about your repairs in the way you want, using either plain or technical language.
We provide you with guaranteed pricing and a guaranteed completion date. You have a budget, and you depend on your car. We make sure you don’t break your budget and get your car back with minimum disruption to your busy schedule. We also work around your schedule, allowing drop off and pickup times that fit your life.
When we fix your car, we do it right the first time. Our mechanics are factory certified by Honda and Toyota. Plus, our shop has achieved the coveted I-CAR Gold Class recognition. We have an A+ rating with the BBB, evidence that we satisfy our customers with our high-quality repairs.
We can even help coordinate your insurance claims, saving you time and hassle.
Want to receive an estimate on getting quality repairs on your vehicle? Please call 303-344-2212 or contact us online for a free estimate on your repairs.
