“Bow To The Plow” is now state law

Drivers in Colorado can now be ticketed for passing snow plows operating in certain configurations.

According to CDOT spokesperson Michelle Peulen, for many years CDOT has encouraged drivers to “Bow To The Plow” through safety and awareness campaigns, but HB19-1265 makes it illegal for the first time.

Governor Jared Polis signed the bill into law on Friday outside the Eisenhower Tunnel along I-70, ironically as light snowflakes fell onto the pavement surrounding him.

Specifically, drivers are no longer allowed to pass plows when they are plowing in “echelon” formation with safety lights flashing.

That formation is when at least two plows are staggered in a diagonal line that allows them to clear several lanes of a multilane road at a time.

The law applies to plows operated by any level of government.

The exact penalties for drivers are still being finalized, according to Peulen.

She added that it is technically still legal to pass a single plow not operating in an echelon formation, but it is highly discouraged.

CDOT’s message to drivers is always that the safest place to be at any time is behind a plow during winter driving conditions.