Colorado Considers Snow-Tire Law for I-70

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SAM Magazine—Denver, Feb. 26, 2015—A Democratic state representative from Steamboat Springs has proposed a bill that would require noncommercial vehicles on a 130-mile stretch of I-70 through the mountains to have snow tires or chains from Nov. 1 to May 15, as the law now requires of commercial vehicles. This section of I-70 experiences chronic closures due to snow-related accidents, and has seen several such closures this winter. The goal is to reduce the incidence of accidents and smooth the flow of traffic during the snowiest months.

The bill passed an initial test by voice vote without objection and, if passed in a second roll-call vote, could go to the state Senate in the next few days.

Diane Mitsch Bush, the bill's sponsor, said road delays and closures cost millions in lost business activity. That's without calculating the medical costs due to frustration and road rage incurred by motorists stalled on the highway due to mishaps involving ill-equipped fellow travelers.

Currently, vehicles are required to have snow tires or chains only when conditions are slippery. Since road conditions can change quickly and chain/snow tire rules can be invoked in an instant, drivers aren't always aware of when snow tires or chains will be required.

If the bill becomes law, Colorado would be following the lead of West Coast states that already mandate snow tires on certain stretches of interstate. At present, California requires snow tires or chains for noncommercial vehicles on Interstate 80 on Donner Pass. Washington and Oregon do the same on Snoqualmie Pass, according to Bush.