Trucking Regulations in Colorado
Complete guide to weight limits, speed limits, permits, chain laws, and special rules for commercial truck drivers operating in Colorado.
Max Gross Weight
80,000 lbs (85,000 lbs with state permit on designated routes)
Truck Speed Limit
65 mph on mountain interstates (I-70 west of Denver)
Diesel Tax
$0.205 per gallon diesel + federal
Weight & Size Limits in Colorado
| Measurement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Gross Vehicle Weight | 80,000 lbs (85,000 lbs with state permit on designated routes) |
| Max Axle Weight | 20,000 lbs single axle, 36,000 lbs tandem |
| Max Trailer Length | 57 ft trailer on designated network |
| Max Width | 102 inches |
| Max Height | 14'6" (lower on some mountain passes) |
Speed Limits for Trucks in Colorado
Rural Interstate
75 mph
Urban Interstate
55-65 mph
Truck-Specific
65 mph on mountain interstates (I-70 west of Denver)
Fuel Tax & Tolls in Colorado
Diesel Fuel Tax
$0.205 per gallon diesel + federal
Toll Roads & Bridges
E-470 (Denver beltway), Northwest Parkway, I-25 Express Lanes (Denver metro). ExpressToll transponder or license plate tolling.
Chain Laws & Weather Requirements
Traction Law (Code 15) requires adequate tread depth or chains September 1 to May 31 on I-70 mountain corridor. Chain Law (Code 16) mandates chains on all commercial vehicles during severe conditions.
Oversize & Overweight Permits
CDOT Permits Unit. Colorado mountain passes require careful route planning. Eisenhower Tunnel has strict height restrictions (13'11"). Permits available online.
Port of Entry & Weigh Stations
Ports of entry on I-25 (north and south), I-70 (east and west), I-76. All commercial vehicles must stop unless bypassed via PrePass. CDOT also has mobile enforcement.
Special Rules for Colorado
Hazmat Route Restrictions
Hazmat prohibited through Eisenhower Tunnel. All hazmat loads must use Loveland Pass (US-6) as alternate. Hazmat restricted on I-70 through Glenwood Canyon during certain hours. Designated routes through Denver metro.
Rest Area & Parking Rules
Rest areas allow 18-hour parking maximum. Colorado has decent truck parking availability outside Denver metro. No state anti-idling law.
DOT Inspection Frequency
High on mountain corridors. CDOT and Colorado State Patrol focus enforcement on I-70 mountain grades, I-25 corridor, and during chain law enforcement periods.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Trucking Regulations
What is the chain law in Colorado?
Colorado's Traction Law (Code 15) requires commercial vehicles to have adequate tread or chains from September 1 to May 31 on I-70 from Morrison to Dotsero. Code 16 (Chain Law) requires chains on all commercial vehicles during severe conditions. Fines for non-compliance start at $500, and blocking the highway due to inadequate traction can result in fines over $1,000.
Can trucks use the Eisenhower Tunnel?
Trucks can use the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel on I-70 if they are under 13'11" in height. No overheight permits are issued for this tunnel. Overheight loads must use Loveland Pass (US-6) as an alternate route. Hazmat loads are also prohibited in the tunnel.
What are the truck speed limits on Colorado mountain roads?
Trucks are limited to 65 mph on I-70 through the mountain corridor west of Denver, with lower posted limits on steep grades. Some mountain passes have 35-45 mph advisory speeds for trucks. Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially on steep downhill grades.
How does Colorado handle oversize loads through the mountains?
CDOT issues oversize permits with specific mountain route restrictions. The Eisenhower Tunnel cannot accommodate overheight loads. Many mountain passes have limited shoulder width. Night-only movement may be required, and pilot vehicles are needed for wide loads on two-lane mountain highways.
What are the port of entry requirements in Colorado?
All commercial vehicles must stop at Colorado ports of entry on I-25, I-70, and I-76 unless they have a valid PrePass bypass. Ports check weight, credentials, and safety compliance. CDOT also conducts mobile enforcement on mountain corridors and at chain-up stations.