The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) released results from recent chain law enforcement operations in Eagle County that resulted in citations for dozens of commercial vehicle drivers.
The proactive chain law enforcement operations took place October 23 and October 28, 2026, on I-70 near Dotsero, Colorado.
Hundreds Of Citations Issued During I-70 Chain Check Details
See below for key results from the two chain enforcement details in Dotsero:
- 703 commercial drivers contacted
- 262 citations issued
- 63 of these citations were for chain violations (not adhering to the must-carry law)
- CSP performed traffic stops on 119 professional drivers for failing to stop at the chain operation, issued citations, and checked for chains
CSP noted that there was a 91% compliance rate with the state’s must-carry chain rules
Another chain enforcement event is planned for Tuesday, November 10, near Dotsero on I-70.
According to CSP, the penalty for noncompliance with winter driving restrictions: up to a $500 fine plus a $79 surcharge, or, if you are stuck and blocking any traveled portion of the roadway, a $1,000 fine plus a $157 surcharge.
“Each year, CSP regularly implements chain checks at the ports of entry, active chain-up stations, and daily roadside contacts. However, the Patrol also conducts proactive enforcement operations during mild weather conditions, including proactive chain-carry checks, to send a clear message to commercial drivers to stay prepared for impending winter weather along the I-70 mountain corridor,” CSP said.
What Are Colorado’s Chain Requirements For Commercial Vehicle Drivers?
Each year from September 1 to May 31, commercial vehicle drivers are required to carry chains or approved alternate traction devices (ATDs) when traveling on the following roadways:
- I-70 west of mile marker 259 (Morrison) to the Utah border
- Colorado Highway 9 mile marker 63 to mile marker 97 (Frisco to Fairplay)
- Route 40 mile marker 256 (Empire) to the Utah border
- U.S. Route 50 mile marker 225 (Salida) to the Utah border
- U.S. Route 160 mile marker 304 (Walsenburg) to the New Mexico border
- U.S. Route 285 mile marker 250 (Morrison) to the New Mexico border
- All of U.S Route 550
Colorado’s commercial vehicle chain requirements apply to vehicles with a combined weight of more than 16,000 pounds used in commerce or as transport for at least 16 passengers (including the driver) on public highways.
