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Colorado Traction Law Tread Depth

Posted 9. Oktober 2022 by Logistik-Express in Allgemein

For those who have been paying attention to previous iterations of the law, the Fall 2019 update changed the required tread depth from 2/16″ to 3/16″ for all tires. If you do not drive with the right combination of vehicle type, tire type, tread depth and/or traction device, fines can range from $130 to $650 (the highest fines being imposed on vehicles that leak and block the road due to a lack of suitable tires). And yes, it is possible to get a ticket for non-compliance on sunny September afternoons! With weather forecasts still warm on the Front Range, it`s hard to imagine a possible snowfall in the Colorado highlands, although snowfall in September at higher altitudes isn`t all that unlikely! “Whether it`s a tractor-trailer or a four-door sedan, snow and ice conditions affect your driving,” said Matthew C. Packard, Colorado State Patrol Chief. “If wearing chains or checking your tire`s tread seems tedious, imagine the inconvenience of not being able to climb into a pass or stop on the other side, resulting in an accident.” Like other I-70 cyclists, skiers, and Colorado residents, it`s important that we adhere to these new traction laws to avoid unnecessary collisions and additional traffic delays. Do you have free quarters lying around? Check your tread and make sure you`re ready for the season. Spread the word and make sure your friends and family are also aware of these regulations! Use a quarter with the eagle at the front and insert the quarter into the tread, with the eagle`s head pointing to the center of the tire. If the eagle`s head is fully visible above the tread, the depth is less than 3/16.” If part of the eagle`s head is covered by the tread, the depth is greater than 3/16.” The best way to measure tire tread depth is to use a tread depth gauge. These cost between $3 and $8. The most significant changes to Colorado`s traction law are that when the traction law is in effect, the amount of profile required to be appropriate will increase from 4/32 “(1/8″) to 6/32” (3/16).

The current requirements for winter traffic when the Traction Act is in force are as follows: 1) All-wheel drive with an all-season or winter tire profile, sufficient car chains or socks 2) Two-wheel drive with sufficient tread throughout the season or winter tires, treads, chains or car socks. Fines for driving with improper tires when traction law is in effect start at $130. If a motorist blocks the roadway while driving on inadequate tires, fines start at $650. When the Passenger Car Chain Act is in force, each vehicle must be equipped with chains or an approved alternative traction device. In Colorado, the minimum profile requirement for dry roads remains 4/32″ (1/8″). Interestingly, 1/8″ doesn`t even meet the classic “penny test” (which detects when your tread is less than 2/32). Colorado`s traction law is now in effect! Every year from September 1st to May 31st, the law on traction is active AT ANY TIME (sun or snow). To agree, all I-70 drivers have to comply with one of three things: It`s October and you`re probably thinking, “Here`s Jim talking to me again about tires and Colorado`s traction law.” Well, you`re largely right, but as of August 2, 2019, the law was amended by the Colorado Legislature as a result of HB1207. Transportation affects our lives every day – from the bridges you cross to the signs you read, to the construction reports you follow.

A good transportation system allows us to get to work, enjoy leisure activities and have access to health care. It allows companies to offer products and services to consumers. Enjoy the season and stay safe! Plan your next service visit and we can help you prepare for the winter hike. Given that 58% of our budget is dedicated to maintaining our current system, it is important that we use our funds efficiently and effectively. CDOT does this in a number of ways: Our Aeronautics Division supports aviation interests nationally. Our Department of Public Transportation and Railroads supports many transit systems in the state. CDOT also protects the environment, researches low-cost asphalt applications, develops more effective and efficient defrosting processes, designs and builds multimodal plants and much more. Traction Act UpdatesIn 2019, Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 19-1207 and updated the Traction Act. Since we do a lot of climbs to Grand County in the winter, I`ve always used winter tires; Last year, however, I didn`t remove them once the season was over, and as a result I wore them out in one season. Because winter tires are made of a soft compound, they wear out faster on dry roads and in hot weather.

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