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I-70 Chain Law and Traction Law: Colorado I-70 Chain Controls

Colorado does not use R-0 to R-3 levels. On I-70, CDOT uses three separate steps, and it is important not to mix them up.

Live status

Live status is not shown here yet. Check the official COtrip map for current conditions.

For live viewing now, use the official COtrip map at cotrip.org.

Chain controls by segment

  • Eisenhower Tunnel: Status: pending live data.
  • Vail Pass: Status: pending live data.
  • US-6 Loveland Pass: Status: pending live data.

Passenger Vehicle Traction Law

Traction Law is in effect Sep 1 to May 31 on the I-70 Mountain Corridor between Dotsero and Morrison, per CDOT. To comply, a vehicle must have tires with tread depth of at least 3/16 inch that are winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon), all-weather rated tires, or mud and snow (M+S) tires. If a vehicle does not meet that standard, tire chains or an approved alternative traction device (ATD) on two or more drive tires is required. The penalty stated on the official CDOT page checked in prep is a $50 fine and a $17 surcharge for Traction Law noncompliance.

Passenger Vehicle Chain Law

Passenger Vehicle Chain Law: during severe winter storms, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law as a final safety measure before the highway is closed. When it is in effect, every vehicle must have chains or an approved alternative traction device. Commercial Vehicle Chain Law is separate, for commercial motor vehicles.

Good to know

  • Check COtrip before you leave, and check the Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass separately.
  • Give plows space, and do not pass snowplows in tandem formation. The CDOT page notes that passing a snowplow in tandem formation is a Class A offense, because drivers could encounter whiteout conditions and ridges of snow between lanes.
  • For avalanche conditions, see the Colorado Avalanche Information Center at avalanche.state.co.us.

Colorado I-70 passes on this site

  • Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel: 11,158 feet at the west portal, 11,013 feet at the east portal, pass layer mile points 215.144 to 216.053, max grade 6 percent.
  • Vail Pass: 10,666 feet, pass layer mile points 180.85 to 195.298, max grade 7 percent.
  • Loveland Pass, US-6: 11,992 feet, pass layer mile points 100.406 to 109.34, max grade 6 percent. This is a US-6 alternate, not an I-70 highway.