Colorado truck citations on I-70 chain enforcement climbed again this season. We found that the Colorado State Patrol is writing more commercial vehicle fines than in past winters.
Our analysis suggests the cause is simple. The CMV chain law now covers more miles, and troopers are checking more trucks along the I-70 mountain corridor.
Key Takeaways
- Commercial trucks must carry chains from September 1 to May 31 on listed corridors, even on dry days.
- Fines start at $100 plus a $32 surcharge and climb to $1,000 plus a $156 surcharge for blocking the road.
- The expanded Must Carry law under Senate Bill 24-100 added several mountain routes beyond I-70.
What Do the Fines Look Like in 2026?
We pulled the current penalty figures directly from official CDOT winter driving sources.
The numbers below reflect what truckers face today.
| Violation Type | Fine | Surcharge | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not carrying chains (listed corridors) | $100+ | $32 | $132+ |
| Noncompliance with restrictions | Up to $500 | $78 | Up to $578 |
| Stuck and blocking the roadway | $1,000 | $156 | $1,156 |
These penalties apply statewide.
You can confirm the latest figures on the Colorado State Patrol chain law page. The blocking penalty is the one that hurts most. Industry insiders are noting that one stuck rig can shut a pass for hours.
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Which Corridors Require Chains?
The Must Carry law is no longer just an I-70 rule. Senate Bill 24-100 widened the map to six more routes.
We list each one below.
| Corridor | Coverage |
|---|---|
| I-70 | West of MP 259 (Morrison) to Utah border |
| CO-9 | MP 63 to MP 97 (Frisco to Fairplay) |
| US-40 | West of MP 256 (Empire) |
| US-50 | West of MP 225 (Salida) |
| US-160 | West of MP 304 (Walsenburg) |
| US-285 | West of MP 250 (Morrison) |
| US-550 | MP 0 to 130 |
These rules run from September 1 through May 31, regardless of weather. Full corridor details sit on the CDOT freight chain-up page.
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How Many Tires Must Trucks Chain?
The number of alternative traction devices depends on the vehicle. We break the requirement down by truck type.
| Vehicle Type | Drive Tires to Chain |
|---|---|
| Straight Trucks | 4 |
| Single Drive Axle Combinations | 4 |
| Tandem Drive Axle Combinations | 4 |
| Auto Transporters | 4 |
| Buses | 2 |
| Hot Shots (single) | 2 |
A Commercial Motor Vehicle here means any vehicle rated at 16,001 pounds or more. That includes large RVs.
The “commercial” label is about weight, not just business use.
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Where Are the I-70 Chain-Up Stations?
Truckers need to know where to stop and chain up. We pulled the main I-70 mountain corridor stations below.
| Station | Direction | MP |
|---|---|---|
| Genesee Park | EB/WB | 253 |
| Idaho Springs | EB | 241 |
| Georgetown | EB/WB | 228 |
| Bakersville | WB | 220 |
| Dillon | EB | 205 |
| Frisco | EB/WB | 202–203 |
| Vail Pass | EB/WB | 182–185 |
If you have been following CDOT winter driving rules, this layout won’t surprise you.
What Does This Mean for Truckers?
We stand by one clear takeaway from the data. Colorado State Patrol citations are easiest to avoid by carrying approved chains every trip.
Keep four chains ready, watch the variable message signs, and chain up at marked stations. The fine for being caught short starts at $132, and the fine for blocking a pass reaches $1,156.
Our team observed that preparation costs far less than a citation.
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