Colorado's Tire Law Just Got Stricter | Schomp BMW Service

Colorado's tire law just got stricter.

The state raised the minimum tread depth and tightened enforcement on the I-70 mountain corridor. BMW xDrive gets you up the pass with confidence — worn tires don't.

SEPT 1 – MAY 31

I-70 Traction Law is now in effect

6/32" min

Tread depth required for AWD/4WD — up from 4/32" under the old rule.

Sep – May

Active every winter on I-70, Dotsero to Morrison — statewide anywhere storms hit.

$67 fine

Per violation — more if a crash or corridor closure follows.

Your BMW is built for this. Are your tires?

BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive shifts power between axles in milliseconds — but AWD only qualifies under the Traction Law when it's paired with winter, all-weather, or mud-and-snow rated tires that meet the new 6/32" tread minimum. Tires below that depth don't count, no matter how many wheels are driven.

Driving a rear-wheel-drive sDrive model or running summer performance tires? Those won't meet the requirement on their own — talk to us about a winter tire and wheel package before your next trip into the mountains.

Quick check

Place a quarter upside down in the tread. If the top of Washington's head is covered, you're above the legal minimum. If you can see his full head, it's time for new tires.

Free tread-depth check

Ask your service advisor today — we'll check all four tires against the state minimum and get you a straightforward quote if you need them, no appointment required.

Schedule Service

Requirements summarized from Colorado's Passenger Vehicle Traction Law (CDOT / C.R.S. 42-4-106) as of Sept 2026. Enforcement details for two-wheel-drive vehicles are pending further legislative clarification — confirm current rules at codot.gov or COtrip.org before mountain travel.