Colorado B.S. Thread

I've never heard of these "levels" before. What constitutes a level 15 or level 16? Does it have something to do with how many inches of snow there is or what?

 

That reminds me. I need to start looking at the junk yards for new product... Haha

 

I've been thinking about chains, but the owners manual says no chains on the front tires due to not enough space. Only supposed to put them on the back tires.

 

Not sure that's right. Scroll down on this link to CO, it only lists level 1 and 2, and those are just for commercial vehicles.
http://www.ooida.com/EducationTools/Info/chain-laws.asp

Though I do remember hearing that passenger vehicles need all-weather tires. Can't find a reference though.

 

https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/TractionLaw

 

It's a bit of a confusing issue, and some of the terminology is mixed up here, specifically levels and codes. 42-4-106 is the statute that basically says CDOT can close or restrict traction at their discretion. Somewhere in there it talks about the entire roadway being covered in snowpack. Then there's two separate types of chain/traction law. One is for commercial vehicles only, which is Level 1/Code 17 and Level 2/Code 18. Then there's passenger/non-commercial traction (Code 15) and chain (Code 16). They call them laws, but as far as I can find they're not actually defined in statute as such anywhere and they aren't in effect at all times, just when declared. They use a term 'adequate tires' meaning at least 1/8" tread. At Code 15, you need 4WD, snow tires, or chains. At Code 16 you need chains, period.

More links: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/0708TransAttachA.pdf
https://www.codot.gov/library/Brochures/chain-up-tips-for-passenger-vehicles
https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/assets/FactSheetTractionandPassengerVehicleChainLaw.pdf

And here is apparently the official document where they define Code 15/16 and such. It's a regulation rather than a statute. http://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=4616

There was a bill to apply the same commercial chain law to passenger vehicles (I-70 Morrison to Dotsero, November 1 to May 15), but it apparently failed.

 

My dad used to chain up all four on his 96 Tacoma stock suspension and wheels and 265's never had a problem!

 

It's a second gen (and presumably 3rd) problem.

 

I guess I meant Code 15 and 16 not level. And to your question about the 5125's. They have a bunch of different options that will make them for any truck. I got a set that have the 11" travel. But I made my own mounts and and mounted them inboard....

 

Oh...sucks to suck hahahahhaha!!!!

 

So... anyone try those autosocks? I'm never going to clear chains on 75/R16 meats. That's a bullshit law. I'd put my Taco with the rear diff locked, unchained TA/KO2's in 4Lo and Atrac up against any AWD with chains. Any day.

 

Interesting... what part of Littleton are you in? I want to see what you did cause I am running the 5125 tundra bullies as well but in the stock shock locations.

 

I don't think we'll ever see these codes enforced. Needs to snow first.

 

Northside problems...

 

You're right, they'll never enforce them except to fine the shit out of people who block the road while not following the rules. I think I saw fines started at $650 for that.

 

If you come over tomorrow morning, Groove Toyota

 

Subaru drivers can afford it..

I saw that too, had the same thought.
However, it's almost always too late to make a call like that, to forewarn drivers that chains are required. And to expect some chick (or dude these days for that matter) with painted nails and high heels to put a set of chains on in a blizzard...

It's the same scenario every time..
Snow starts to stick,
Roads turn to shit,
the noobs get schooled.

 

The simplest answer is to just not take I-70 where the law is in place, or don't be a dumbass.

 

The only time I have used chains on a paved road was after they were already closed. I used that vehicle to recover 3 officers vehicles and 1 tow truck. I also ferried some healthcare professionals between hospitals/home.

 

Orchard and Broadway. And let me know when your free I would love to look around on yours too.

.... Yah yah yah. Shush.