The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and law enforcement officials are planning to enforce Code 15 along the Interstate 70 mountain corridor this winter. Code 15 is a law that requires vehicles to have snow tires or four-wheel drive and eight inch tire treads. Snow tires can help vehicles handle muddy, wet and snowy road conditions, reducing the chances of being involved in auto accidents. Code 15 is appropriately named “the traction law”.

There are good reasons other than personal safety to listen to CDOT this winter. Motorists in violation of Code 15 can face fines of $130 to $650 if cited by law enforcement. Colorado transportation officials are pushing for stricter enforcement because the Interstate 70 mountain corridor has dozens of auto accidents every year. Snowy conditions can spin vehicles out of control if they are not equipped to handle the harsh weather.

Bald Tires a Major Cause of Weather-Related Accidents on Interstate 70

Even minor accidents can cause significant traffic delays and put other motorists in danger. Colorado State Patrol has already reported an increase in minor fender benders involving vehicles that needed to be towed. Last year, the infamous stretch of Interstate 70 was the site of 22 accidents during a single snowstorm. According to law enforcement, 19 of the 22 vehicles had bald tires.

To help ensure Code 15 is successful, CDOT is collaborating with local auto shops to offer discounts on snow tires. As more information becomes available, our blog will offer updates for Colorado residents affected by Code 15.