The agency released updated enforcement figures as Colorado’s mandatory chain carry season approaches its May 31 end date.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, port of entry officers conducted weekly proactive chain inspections throughout the season, while troopers assigned to the Interstate 70 corridor also carried out monthly mobile enforcement operations focused on commercial vehicles traveling through mountain areas.

The state patrol said enforcement efforts resulted in 2,218 citations at port of entry locations, 187 citations during mobile checkpoint operations, and 317 “port runner” stops involving commercial drivers who bypassed inspection points before later being stopped by troopers.

Officials also reported that 9.6% of commercial drivers contacted during mobile chain enforcement operations violated Colorado’s “Must Carry” chain law requirements.

Colorado Chain Carry Rules Continue Through the End of May

Colorado’s commercial vehicle chain law applies to commercial vehicles with a GVWR greater than 16,001 pounds that operate along designated mountain routes.

The law requires commercial drivers to carry four tire chains or approved traction devices between Sept. 1 and May 31 on Interstate 70 from Morrison to the Utah state line, along with several state and U.S. highways west of Interstate 25.

Colorado also restricts commercial vehicles from using left lanes in several mountain sections of Interstate 70, including Glenwood Canyon, Vail Pass, Georgetown Hill, Floyd Hill, Dowd Junction, and areas surrounding the Eisenhower–Johnson Tunnel corridor.

“We know that I-70 is also ‘main street’ for many of our mountain communities for commuting and emergency service access. Keeping the interstate open through the Colorado mountains is crucial for the state’s economy,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.

“In addition to keeping our tourism industries thriving, we also need the corridor to transport goods and life-saving services.”

Commercial drivers who fail to carry chains can face $100 fines, while drivers who fail to install chains when required can receive $500 citations. Trucks that block traffic because of inadequate traction can face penalties reaching $1,000.

Colorado’s current mandatory chain carry period remains in effect through May 31.

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Last updated: May 21, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Colorado State Patrol

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