Introduction to Colorado Tire Regulations
Colorado’s tire regulations, while less extensive than many other states, cover some notable laws and considerations when it comes to road travel. Like many states, Colorado does require a reasonable minimum tread depth for vehicle tires, and while the goal is safety, there are some circumstances where you can be cited even if you have enough tread on your tire. When it comes to the actual tread depth that the state requires, Colorado is another state that tags on an additional requirement that you have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread on your tires if they are studded. Otherwise, for standard tires, you need to have at least 1/8 of an inch of tread in order to be on the road legally.
More generally, you do not need to have snow tires on the road in Colorado at any point during the year. Tire chains are not required when traveling on Colorado roads , but you do need to have them with you at all times, just in case you need to pull them out and put them on. As long as you have these items within easy access, you can legally drive through the seasons in Colorado without any other special regulations on your tires.
In terms of setting the conditions of your tires for the seasons, Colorado does not have any regulations for the types of tires you may or may not use during certain seasons. In fact, the state has no safety regulations for tire usage other than the fact that you have to have some type of tire on your vehicle at all times. For individuals who use studded tires or winter tires in Colorado, the specific regulations for their use require studded tires to be removed by Memorial Day and put back on no sooner than September 1st, which gives some leeway for making the switch between summer driving and winter driving tires.
When Are Studded Tires Permissible in Colorado?
Given the unique wintry conditions of Colorado’s mountain towns and regions, the State permits the use of studded tires for a limited time each year. Specifically, the Colorado Revised Statutes allows for the permissive use of studded tires between October 1st and May 1st each year. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4- equipment – tires. The statutes specifically provide that "a passenger motor vehicle, truck, or truck tractor equipped with tires having metal spikes shall not be permitted: (A) On any state highway in this state from May 1 to October 1; (B) On any highway that the transportation commission has made a finding is significantly impacted by excessive wear from metal spikes and on which the commission has prohibited use of such tires; or (C) On any highway in an area for which a local government has adopted an ordinance prohibiting use of such tires on local highways." The maximum stud length is prohibited from exceeding 3/8".
Fines for Inappropriate Use of Studded Tires
The penalties for using studded tires outside of the prescribed time period could result in up to a $500 fine and potentially more if coupled with additional civil penalties associated with other reckless or careless driving offenses. Colorado has apportioned the penalties for studded tire violations into points associated with reckless disregard of safety. One of the more well known examples of penalties for improper use of studded tires was a583$ fine assessed against David Gregory by the Colorado Springs Municipal Court in 2008. In that case, Gregory had received a ticket for violating the Colorado Revised Statutes Section 42-4-202(6) on 6 separate occasions for using studded tires after April 30th. The judge ordered Gregory to pay the 583$ fine based on what was believed to be the fine at the time for tickets where there were seven counts of violation of the studded tire statute. In essence, the fine issued was $100 a count for 6 counts of violating the studded tire statute.
Different Options Available Instead of Studded Tires
Beyond traditional studded tires, drivers have other options to battle Colorado’s severe weather conditions. Snow tires, also known as winter tires, have been proven to be safer and just as efficient as studded tires. Tire technologies are also rapidly advancing, with manufacturers continuously working towards better innovation when it comes to snow and ice. But what options are reasonable for those who don’t normally encounter harsh winter conditions? Below are a few alternatives to studded tires:
Pneumatic Tire Chains
Although these tire chains aren’t as popular, they are a great alternative to traditional studded tires and even standard chains. Pneumatic tire chains feature air-filled cartridges that can be added or removed in about 60 seconds.
Cable Chains
Cable chains are easier to put on and save on space because they require far less storage room than traditional tire chains or larger studded tires. It’s important to note, however, that cable chains do not provide as much grip as traditional chains, especially on icy roads.
Tire Socks
Tire socks are manufactured from a special fabric made of textiles that provide optimal grip in poor weather conditions. Better yet, they are quickly removed and stored easily inside a car. Tire socks are still not as common in the U.S., but are popular in Europe.
The following sections and subsections will go into further detail into whether statewide requirements or enforcement requirements exist, and compare/contrast effectiveness of the listed alternatives as compared to studded tires.
Effect of Studded Tires on Road Maintenance
The use of studded tires, while providing the benefit of increased traction and safety on icy roads, presents a double-edged sword for Colorado’s road maintenance systems. On one hand, studded tires can significantly enhance a vehicle’s grip on the road in wintery conditions, reducing the risk of sliding accidents and providing a more stable driving experience. For residents of Colorado, where winter weather can be unpredictable and severe, this added safety benefit is often invaluable.
On the other hand, the same studs that help drivers maintain their grip on the road can cause substantial wear and tear on the roads themselves . Studies show that the use of studded tires increases pavement wear, leading to rougher road surfaces and greater maintenance needs over time. The annual cost of road repair due to studded tires is estimated to be over $40 million in Colorado alone.
In response to the negative impact studded tires have on road infrastructure, some states impose severe restrictions on studded tires in order to reduce their use. In Colorado, these tires are banned from May 1st to December 31st, but with no severe penalties for violations. It is believed that many people may not be aware of these restrictions, resulting in too many of these tires on Colorado roads during peak winter seasons.
Impact on Environment
As a part of the on-going debate on studded tires, one of the most important issues that no one is talking about is the environmental impact of Colorado’s law allowing studs. In 1987 the Colorado Legislature commissioned a study called "The Environmental Impact of Studded Tires in Colorado" Badary & Ferenchak, Charles, PhD and Ernest E. Badary, PhD, Colorado Department of Highways, Colorado State University, 1987. The results of the study are as follows:
What the data shows, is that studded tires are a net benefit to Colorado’s environment. This study was done before the environmental studies were done on the studded tires that were sold at the time of the study. Presumably the study accounted for these facts in its analysis. With the research of today, Colorado should take a second look at these facts and take steps to ensure that roads are kept safe. There have been several lawsuits filed in the last decade against companies making products to continue to make "paved" roads and safe "gravel" roads. These types of claims will be difficult as the studies show that it is not just the "poor" quality of the gravel that causes the problems. It is the tire wear created by studded tires. What is the best response to this problem? A close examination of the science.
Legislative Updates and the Future of Colorado’s Studded Tire Regulations
A notable point of contention on this issue is that, currently, there is no evidence that studded tires are being a significant hazard to other motorists. It’s hard to improve on that.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is concerned, however, that continued studded tire use will result in more road damage and an increase in potholes—the existence of which are already the source of complaints by drivers and are unquestionably a danger to the driving public. The CDOT has publicly stated its intent to seek a ban on studded tire use in Colorado. It has attempted to do so in the past. More recently, state law makers have supported their efforts . The next step was to evaluate the financial impact such a ban would have on the State. Once that study is complete, the CDOT intends to move forward with legislative change.
Possible future trends in tire regulation at both the state and federal level include requirements of low rolling resistance as a means to alleviate the rising cost of gas and demands for improvements in safety design to reduce the number of fatalities associated with tire blowouts. A balancing act to meet these future demands with the current reality that the government is unlikely to pursue legislation that might antagonize voters who rely on studded tires will be required.