JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Bill to Improve Winter Road Safety Signed Into Law
New law will allow vendors to help drivers install traction devices on Colorado roads
GEORGETOWN, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation to improve Coloradans’ access to chains and traction devices while navigating winter road conditions.
SB25-069 is sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, and Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, as well as Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose. It will allow the Colorado Department of Transportation to authorize third-party vendors and companies to set up a roadside station to help install or remove tire chains or other traction devices on commercial and passenger vehicles.
“Preventing avoidable crashes, spinouts, and delays on I-70 and highways across the state is crucial for public safety and saving Coloradans time and money,” said Roberts. “This new bipartisan law will authorize a proven chain-assist program for commercial trucks that is working in other states as well as close a loophole that will ensure passenger vehicles have proper tires. It is another significant step we are taking to prevent crashes and reduce unnecessary delays on our roads during the winter.”
“Communities in my district, like Vail and Avon, are frequented by people who may not have winter driving experience or the knowledge to use life-saving traction devices on their vehicles,” said Lukens. “This poses a serious threat to road safety, which is why we sponsored this law to provide a safe environment for drivers to receive assistance installing or removing tire chains and other traction devices. We’re giving drivers the option to seek these roadside services from experienced professionals to keep themselves and their fellow drivers safe.”
“Glenwood Canyon has the most accidents and road closures along I-70 nationally, which is why we need this law to protect Colorado drivers,” said Velasco. “Keeping Western Slope roads open and safe is a priority in my district to ensure that residents, tourists and long-haul truckers can get where they need to go quickly and safely. I’m proud that this bill is becoming law today to make road travel safer for all drivers.”
The law includes procedures for issuing a permit to vendors, qualifications to be issued a permit, and a requirement that those installing tire chains or traction devices wear reflective clothing and use traffic control devices. The law also requires that, between September 1 and May 31, rental car companies notify their renters of Colorado’s traction laws and the penalties for any violation of the law.