Understanding Traction Laws: How They Improve Road Safety During Winter Storms
A video shared from Summit County in Colorado showed how treacherous the driving conditions were as snow fell across the region on Tuesday. A powerful coast-to-coast storm is dumping snow in the West and is expected to lead to travel troubles across the eastern U.S. on Thanksgiving.
Traction laws are implemented in several states to enhance road safety during severe weather conditions, including heavy snow, torrential rain, ice, and strong winds. These laws require vehicles to use specific traction devices, such as chains or snow tires, to maintain stability and control on the road. The primary goal of traction laws is to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
According to experts, traction laws are essential in states like Colorado, Utah, and California, where winter storms are common. The laws are usually in effect during winter or in severe snow and ice conditions, and the requirements vary by state and location. For instance, Colorado’s Traction Law is in effect from September 1 through May 31 on the I-70 Mountain Corridor between Dotsero and Morrison, but can be activated on other state highways when dangerous conditions require it.
Colorado’s Traction Law
The Colorado General Assembly passed a bill called the “Tire Chain Traction Control Device Permit” in 2025, which requires a permit program for installing and removing tire chains or alternate traction devices. The law helps keep drivers safe on the road without having to fully shut down a highway. A one-hour highway closure can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Not abiding by these requirements will result in a $50 fine, along with a $17 surcharge. However, fines could be higher depending on the circumstances, according to Bowman Law Injury Attorneys. For example, if a vehicle blocks the road due to improper equipment, the attorney’s office said the fine could be higher.
UDOT sign indicating the traction law in effect for Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons on Jan. 5.
(Utah Department of Transportation Cottonwood Canyons / FOX Weather)
Utah’s Traction Law
Utah is another state that enforces traction laws. Under Administration Rule R920-6, the law goes into effect whenever road conditions warrant, as determined by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and law enforcement. The transportation department said traction devices must be used during severe weather conditions on roads throughout Utah, including Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.
Updated legislation, House Bill 196, allows UDOT to enforce traction requirements up to 24 hours before a big storm begins. The legislation also adds a new Class Three designation, which allows for stricter enforcement during major storms, and requires vehicles in the Cottonwood Canyons to have at least 5/32-inch tire tread. Anyone who fails to comply can be cited by law enforcement.
California’s Traction Law
When weather conditions warrant it, California also enforces traction laws, primarily in the mountainous and higher elevation regions. According to Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, “You must stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate chains are required. You will usually have about a mile between ‘Chains Required’ signs and the checkpoint to install your chains.”
The rules vary by road signs for chain requirement levels. You can also be cited and fined by California highway patrol if you don’t abide by the law. Fines start at $25, but after mandatory court fees and assessments, the total can be significantly higher depending on the violation and local enforcement.
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