CDOT emphasizes the significance of winter-safe tires forward of Presidents Day journey — Colorado Department of Transportation

CDOT enfatiza la importancia de usar neumáticos seguros para invierno en el marco del Día del Presidente en español

Statewide – More than 1 million motorists are anticipated to journey by means of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel this month. While Colorado’s snowpack stays decrease than common, chilly temperatures and winter climate will proceed to impression journey situations statewide. As motorists gear up for Presidents Day weekend journey alongside the I-70 Mountain Corridor and different mountain passes, they need to put together for snowy highway situations by means of Friday night and probably into Saturday morning — significantly in southern Colorado alongside US Highway 50. While a break within the storm is predicted on Saturday and Sunday, a wintery system is forecasted to return late Monday.

To guarantee a protected vacation weekend and remaining winter driving season, the Colorado Department of Transportation is sharing essential winter driving suggestions and reminders relating to Colorado’s up to date Traction Law, as mountain climate can change quickly.

“It may feel like spring, but don’t be fooled — snow can hit unexpectedly, especially in the high country,” stated CDOT Public Information Officer Andrew Hogle. “If you plan to travel this Presidents Day weekend, remember that vehicle preparedness and awareness of Colorado’s winter driving laws and best practices are what will keep you and others safe. A measured and steady pace gives you the best chance of reaching your destinations safely.”

CDOT is devoted to making sure all drivers are ready to face winter driving situations and is sharing these security suggestions:

• Ensure your automobile is winter-ready with the suitable tires and an emergency equipment. Visit CDOT’s Winter Wise webpage to be taught extra about Colorado’s up to date Traction Law
• Avoid or restrict driving throughout the brunt of a storm
• If you intend to journey, keep away from peak journey instances and verify the newest highway situations at COtrip.org or on the COtrip Planner app
• Once you might be out on the highway, take it sluggish and go away loads of following distance
• When touring downhill, swap to a decrease gear and gently faucet your brakes. Maintain momentum when touring uphill to keep away from getting caught
• Give snowplows house! Stay three to 4 automobile lengths again, by no means go them on the correct and by no means go snowplows working in tandem formation

“Being Winter Wise while driving in inclement weather means both you and your car are prepared for snowy and icy road conditions,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Before heading to the mountains, take extra precautions to prepare your vehicle and ensure your tires are Traction Law compliant. Pack an emergency kit with water, snacks, traction devices, jumper cables, blankets and a first-aid kit.”

It’s additionally vital to regulate your pace because the climate or highway situations change, CSP says. Icy and snowy roads can cut back the quantity of friction your tires have, which may trigger challenges with steering and pace management. Keep stopping distance in thoughts, too: When roads are slick, your automobile will want extra time and distance to come back to an entire cease.

As of fall 2025, Colorado’s up to date Traction Law requires a tire tread depth of not less than 3/16-inch, winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon), all-weather rated tires or mud and snow (M+S) tires, and 4WD or AWD. If a automobile doesn’t meet these requirements, then tire chains or an authorised different traction machine on two or extra drive tires is required. The penalty for noncompliance is a $100 tremendous and $33 surcharge. Fines enhance to $500 plus a $157 surcharge if a violation ends in the closure of a number of site visitors lanes. The Traction Law stays lively on the I-70 Mountain Corridor by means of May.