Colorado lawmakers consider stricter snow-tire requirements

Colorado lawmakers are considering requiring snow tires or chains on noncommercial vehicles at all times during winter and spring months.

The bill goes to the core of what’s a maddening experience for skiers and other travelers to the mountain resorts who get stuck in traffic for hours because of accidents on Interstate 70.

Democratic Rep. Diane Mitsch Bush, the proposal’s sponsor, says road delays and closures are costly to the tourism industry.

The proposal expected to be debated by the full House Thursday means drivers would need to have tires equipped for snow regardless of weather conditions from Nov. 1 to May 15 or face fines if they cause an accident.

The requirement would apply on a nearly 130-mile stretch of Interstate 70 between Morrison and Dotsero to the west.