Senate Bill 25-069, introduced in the Colorado General Assembly, proposes the establishment of a permit system managed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). This system would authorize permit holders to install or remove tire chains or alternate traction devices at designated locations for a fee.
Key provisions of the bill include:
Permit Conditions: CDOT may impose conditions on permits to ensure the safe and orderly movement of traffic and is instructed to prevent monopolistic practices at specific locations.
Fee Structure: The department is authorized to charge a fee for issuing permits, set at a level to offset the direct and indirect costs associated with the permitting process.
Regulatory Requirements: CDOT is tasked with adopting rules to implement the bill, including procedures for issuing permits, qualifications for applicants, and safety measures such as requiring individuals installing traction devices to wear reflective clothing and use appropriate signs and traffic control devices.
Rental Car Company Obligations: The bill mandates that rental car companies inform renters about the requirements and penalties associated with Colorado's chain law.
This legislative initiative aims to enhance compliance with Colorado's Traction Law, particularly along the Interstate 70 mountain corridor, thereby reducing weather-related accidents and improving road safety during winter months.
Summary
The bill creates a permit that is issued by the department of
transportation (department). The permit authorizes the holder to, for a fee, install or remove tire chains or alternate traction devices at a location designated in the permit.
The department may place conditions on the permit concerning the
safe and orderly movement of traffic. The department is instructed to avoid monopoly-type situations at specific locations.
The department may charge a fee to issue a permit to an applicant.
The fee must be set in an amount to offset the direct and indirect costs of issuing these permits.
The department will adopt rules to implement the bill. The rules
must include:
•
The procedures for issuing a permit and the qualifications to be issued a permit; and
•
A requirement that the individuals installing tire chains or alternate traction devices wear reflective clothing and use appropriate signs and traffic control devices.
A rental car company is required to notify its car renters of the
requirements of and penalties for violating the chain law.
