Colorado reference
Colorado Code 15 and Code 16 explained
Colorado passenger-vehicle traction law and commercial-vehicle chain law use different requirements. Confirm the active code on COtrip.
What to know
- Passenger Vehicle Traction Law requirements can be met by qualifying tires, four-wheel/all-wheel drive, or approved traction devices.
- Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requires every passenger vehicle to use chains or an approved alternative traction device.
- Commercial Code 15 requires chains on specified drive wheels; Code 16 is the stricter all-commercial-vehicles chain condition.
- Roadside signs, CDOT notices and law-enforcement instructions control.
Primary references
CRS §42-4-106 contains Colorado's passenger traction and chain-law requirements.
Law or official guidance Current DOT conditions
Fitment safety
Follow the vehicle manual and the traction-device maker's exact fitment table. Install only on the axle positions they permit, stop if anything rubs, and respect the device's maximum speed.
Laws, agency guidance and device approvals can change. Verify before each trip. Roadside signs and law-enforcement direction control.