Colorado Traction Law 2026-27: Is Your Chevy Ready for I-70?
Updated November 5, 2026 | Emich Chevrolet Service, 2033 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227 | Service (303) 986-2241
Every winter, Colorado’s traction law turns a ski weekend into a tire inspection. From September 1 through May 31, drivers on I-70 between Morrison and Dotsero need the right tires or traction devices, and a 2026 law made the rules clearer for two-wheel-drive cars. Here is what your Chevy needs, how to check it in a minute, and where Emich can help before your next trip west.
The short answer
When the traction law is active, every passenger vehicle, including AWD and 4WD, needs tires with at least 3/16-inch tread that are marked All season, M+S or M/S, carry the mountain-snowflake symbol, or are rated all-weather. If your tires don’t qualify, you need chains or an approved alternative traction device. When CDOT moves to the chain law, every passenger vehicle needs chains or an approved device.
Traction law vs. chain law
| Traction law | Chain law | |
|---|---|---|
| When it’s used | Snowy or icy conditions; CDOT activates it on signs and COtrip.org | The step before a closure, in the worst conditions |
| Who it applies to | All passenger vehicles: 2WD, AWD and 4WD | All passenger vehicles: 2WD, AWD and 4WD |
| What you need | 3/16-inch tread on All season, M+S/M/S, mountain-snowflake or all-weather tires; otherwise chains or an approved traction device | Chains or an approved alternative traction device |
| Where | Required on I-70 from Dotsero to Morrison Sept. 1-May 31; can be activated on other state highways, including I-25 | Any state highway where CDOT activates it |
What changed for 2026-27
Colorado’s HB26-1237, signed May 5, 2026, spelled out that the passenger vehicle traction law covers two-wheel-drive vehicles as well as AWD and 4WD. The bar is the same for everyone: 3/16-inch tread on tires rated for the conditions. If your tires fall short, you need chains or an approved alternative traction device on at least two tires when the law is activated.
Fines start around $130 with surcharges, and CDOT says they jump past $650 if a poorly equipped vehicle ends up closing a lane. Colorado State Patrol wrote 586 traction-law citations between September 2025 and May 2026, and 522 of them were on the I-70 corridor.
Check your Chevy in two minutes
Which Chevys come with AWD or 4WD
Most of the lineup offers it. Four-wheel drive is available on the Silverado 1500, Silverado HD, Colorado, Tahoe and Suburban, and all-wheel drive on the Equinox, Equinox EV, Blazer, Blazer EV, Traverse and Trailblazer. The Trax and Bolt are front-wheel drive only. Whatever you drive, the law comes down to your tires, and tires are what stop you on an icy grade.
Tire deals at Emich this month
- Buy 3, get 1 for $1 on select tires through November 30, 2026
- Tire rotation and multi-point inspection for $24.99 through January 1, 2027
- Up to a $40 rebate on four tire pressure monitor sensors through November 30, 2026
See every coupon on our service specials page, and read our guide to winter driving your Chevy in Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Colorado’s traction law apply to AWD and 4WD vehicles?
Yes. AWD and 4WD vehicles need the same 3/16-inch tread on qualifying tires as two-wheel-drive vehicles. When CDOT activates the chain law, AWD and 4WD vehicles also need chains or an approved traction device.
Do all-season tires meet the Colorado traction law?
Yes. Under the current law, tires marked All season, M+S or M/S qualify if they have at least 3/16-inch tread.
When is the traction law in effect on I-70?
Drivers on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison must meet the requirements from September 1 through May 31. CDOT can also activate the law on other state highways when conditions require it.
How do I know if the traction law is active?
CDOT posts it on overhead message signs along mountain highways and on COtrip.org. You can also call 511.
Can Emich check my tire tread?
Yes. Ask for a tread check when you book a tire rotation or inspection. Emich Service also sells and installs tires, including this month’s buy 3, get 1 for $1 offer on select tires.
Get I-70 ready before the next storm
Book a tire check, rotation or new set of tires at Emich Chevrolet Service in Lakewood.
Sources: Colorado Department of Transportation traction law fact sheet; Colorado HB26-1237 as reported by the Post Independent; Colorado State Patrol figures as reported by KKCO. Rules and fines can change; check codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law before you travel. Coupon terms and exclusions apply; see the service specials page.
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