# Colorado Reminds Truckers of the “Must Carry Law” — Chains, Fines & Mountain Miles

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

## Introduction

If you’re hauling across Colorado in the months between September and May, here’s a friendly—but serious—heads‑up: you must have traction devices onboard. The “Must Carry Law” is real, it’s in effect, and it’s hit more truckers than you’d think.
For those behind the wheel, staying ahead isn’t just about hours‑of‑service or freight rates—it’s about being prepared for the mountains. Let’s dig in.

## Key Points

What is the “Must Carry Law”?

The law, signed in 2024, requires that all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with a gross combined weight rating over 16,000 lbs (or used in commerce for transport of at least 16 passengers including the driver) carry approved traction devices (chains or approved alternate traction devices (ATDs)) from Sept 1 through May 31.
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Colorado Department of Transportation
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Land Line Media
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It applies especially on specified mountain highways including:

Interstate 70 west of milepost 259 (Morrison)
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CDLLife
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Colorado Highway 9 from MP 63 to MP 97 (Frisco to Fairplay)
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US Route 40 west of MP 256 (Empire)
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US Route 50 west of MP 225 (Salida)
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US Route 160 west of MP 304 (Walsenburg)
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US Route 285 west of MP 250 (Morrison)
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US Route 550 from MP 0 to MP 130
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Fines? If you don’t carry the devices: up to $500. If your vehicle blocks the roadway because you weren’t chained properly: up to $1,000 plus surcharges.
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Why it matters for truckers

Colorado mountain terrain isn’t forgiving: high altitudes, sharp grades, weather that flips from rain to snow in minutes. The law is aimed at preventing blockages and major delays caused by heavy trucks losing traction.
Colorado Department of Transportation
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For OTR drivers and carriers: A citation means downtime or downtime risk. Even worse: if you’re immobilized, you become the reason for freight delays, drivers waiting, stacks of dominoes falling.

For those with hot loads, tight windows, or cross‑country runs: this law isn’t “just for the mountain guys” — if your route touches any of the listed corridors, you’re in it.

Multiple Perspectives

Driver view: “Yeah we know it gets icy—but sometimes the scheduler just pushes us through anyway.” The law puts responsibility on you to be prepared, not just hope conditions hold.

Carriers/fleet view: Compliance means vehicles must be equipped (chains, ATDs, proper training). Each truck stopping or causing a delay in those zones bites into costs and reputation.

Regulator view (Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol): The mountain highways are chokepoints for commerce. They say enforcing means fewer closures, safer travel, less freight disruption.
Colorado Department of Transportation
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Critics or practical hurdle view: Some truckers may say, “But my route doesn’t go deep in the mountains,” or “Chains are a pain and add time.” The law acknowledges that: you can remove chains when clear road/visibility conditions are met and signage indicates the requirement is lifted.
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Industry Response & What You Need to Do

Pre‑trip prep is non‑negotiable. If your route hits any of the “Must Carry” corridors and you’re driving a big rig, make sure you have the right traction devices onboard.

Know the device specs. For commercial vehicles:

Straight trucks: 4 tire chains or approved ATDs.

Single drive axle combos: 4 chains or approved ATDs (no cables allowed in that case).

Tandem drive axle combos: 4 chains or approved ATDs; if chains on 2 outside tires of one drive axle, cables may be used on the other as allowed.
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Plan for checking & chaining‑up. There are designated chain‑up stations — in fact, Colorado lists 130 chain stations along the routes impacted.
Colorado Department of Transportation

Monitor signage. The law goes into effect annually from September through May — but enforcement may kick in as soon as winter‑like conditions hit. Variable message signs, overhead boards, CDOT alerts will tell you when the chain or traction device requirement is in effect.
csp.colorado.gov

Ignore at your own cost. If you don’t carry chains and you’re pulled over, your fine begins at $500 — if you block the roadway, up to $1,000 plus surcharge. That’s downtime, added stress, and one more thing you didn’t need.
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Bottom Line

If your trucking route even touches Colorado’s corridor zones—from the I‑70 mountain stretch to US 50 or US 160—you’re under the “Must Carry Law” umbrella for that Sept 1–May 31 window.
It’s not optional. It’s not just a “nice‑to‑have”. You must carry approved traction devices (chains or approved ATDs).
Stay safe. Stay compliant. Don’t let a fine or delay clip your freight game.

Call to Action:
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to learn how to build revenue outside the cab. Safety upfront, side‑hustle smart on the side.