In an effort to encourage motorists to check their tires during the winter driving season, in 2021 the Colorado Department of Transportation is recruiting tire retailers to join its database — a resource consumers can use to find a nearby tire store.
The state says providing the list of tire stores is one way to help motorists be prepared for snowy and icy conditions.
So far, there are 150 retailers on the state’s list. There are independent tire dealers and franchise locations already on the list, as well as some car dealerships. It’s open to any tire shop. Here’s how a tire dealership in Colorado can add its information to the database and statewide map.
“When it comes to winter driving, tires are one of the primary factors in how well you’re able to navigate Colorado’s often treacherous road conditions,” said Andrew Hogle, the public information officer for the department of transportation. “By creating this simple tool, we hope to help Coloradans access the resources they need to stay safe on the roads this winter.”
Winter driving rules
Colorado did update its “Traction Law” in 2019, and it requires tires on all vehicles to have a minimum tread depth of 3/16 of an inch (that’s 6/32 of an inch) anytime CDOT implements the Traction Law during the winter. The 3/16 of an inch rule is automatically in place from Sept. 1 to May 31 along Interstate 70 through the Rocky Mountains, from Dotsero to Morrison.
The minimum tread wear applies to tires no matter whether they’re all-season tires with or without the mud and snow designation (M+S), winter tires with the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake icon, or an all-weather tire.
The Traction Law also requires vehicles to have chains or an alternative traction device.
The state’s previous minimum tread depth was 4/32 of an inch.
The law, which is focused on passenger vehicles, had been the subject of plenty of debate before it was updated in 2019. In 2015 its promoters said the primary goal was to improve traffic flow and safety along I-70 through the snowy season from Denver to the state’s popular mountain and ski communities.
