(COLORADO) – September is a transition month for Colorado as we move from the summer heat to autumn colors. For the Colorado State Patrol, it’s also the month when we begin looking for Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) to carry chains when driving on I-70 in the mountains as required by state law. It’s not uncommon for the mountains to see snow this time of year, so the Colorado State Patrol Golden Troop Office has a plan in place to educate those drivers before it’s too late.
This month, the Golden Troop Office has teamed up with the Colorado State Patrol Port of Entry in Dumont and the Colorado Department of Transportation to set up a checkpoint near Georgetown (Interstate 70 Milepost 228 – Georgetown Chain Station) to educate those CMV drivers about the Commercial Motor Vehicle Chain Law. September will be focused on education primarily, but come October, these checkpoints will become strict enforcement. Colorado’s chain law information can be found on the Colorado State Patrol website under the "Community Outreach" section.
All CMVs will be required to obey specific signage directing them to the checkpoint. If a CMV driver fails to stop, Troopers will be set up specifically to stop those failing to comply. Below are the remaining dates for the checkpoints:
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
Penalty for CMV non-compliance with winter driving restrictions: 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.
Members of the Public Affairs Unit will be present on September 27, 2022, from 10 am-12 pm for any media members that would like to get an on-site interview.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.