State Patrol creating I-70 checkpoint to educate CMV drivers ahead of chain law season

GEORGETOWN, Colo. (KRDO) -- As the seasons change from summer to fall, the Colorado high country could begin to see snow any time now. That means Colorado State Patrol (CSP) will begin to look for commercial motor vehicles (CMV) to carry chains when driving on I-70.

Interstate 70 driving requirements begin in September and last each year through the end of May.

This month, and through the month of October, CSP and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will team to set up a checkpoint near Georgetown to educate CMV drivers about the commercial motor vehicle chain law. CSP said September will be focused primarily on education but come October, chain laws will be strictly enforced at the checkpoints.

CSP said all CMVs must obey specific signage directing them into the checkpoint. If a CMV driver fails to stop, there will be Troopers set up specifically to stop those who don't comply.

The penalty for CMV non-compliance with winter driving restrictions is up to a $500 fine plus a $79 surcharge or, if you are stuck and blocking any traveled portion of the roadway, the fine is $1,000 plus a $157 surcharge.

The dates for the checkpoints are:

September 27, 2022 – 8am 4pm

October 4, 2022 - 8am 4pm

October 14, 2022 - 8am 4pm

October 17, 2022 – 10am-6pm

October 26, 2022 - 8am 4pm

You can find more information about Colorado's traction laws at both the Colorado State Patrol and CDOT websites.