Boulder, Colorado — On September 18, 2026, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced a new public‑education campaign aimed at sharpening motorists’ awareness of several traffic laws that frequently slip past truckers’ attention, including distracted‑driving restrictions, winter traction mandates, lane‑keeping rules, and sharing the road with other users.

Trucking crews rely on consistent adherence to state regulations to keep long‑haul routes clear and safe. Recent data shows that misunderstandings about hands‑free rules and winter chain requirements contribute to a notable portion of accidents on Colorado’s mountain corridors. By re‑emphasizing these provisions, CDOT hopes to curb incidents that could disrupt freight schedules and increase insurance costs for fleets.

The campaign spotlights the 2024 hands‑free mandate, which bars drivers from holding any electronic device while operating a vehicle. Hands‑free accessories and dashboard‑mounted units remain permissible, allowing drivers to take calls or navigate without physically touching the phone. CDOT also underscores the expressed‑consent law: suspected DUI drivers must submit to a breath or blood test, and refusal can lead to immediate loss of driving privileges. Commercial operators are reminded that traction and chain rules activate during winter weather for all vehicles traversing designated mountain corridors. In addition, the move‑over law requires motorists to keep right unless overtaking, and if a lane change proves unsafe, drivers must reduce speed by at least 20 miles per hour below the posted limit.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators, the hands‑free rule translates into a clear operational protocol: no handheld devices during any segment of a trip. This restriction eliminates a common distraction that can trigger rear‑end collisions, especially on steep grades. The winter traction mandate demands that trucks traveling through the 12‑mile stretch of I‑70 above Leadville equip chains during low‑visibility conditions, a requirement that can extend stop times by 5 to 10 minutes per day during storms. Failure to comply risks fines and potential tow from the roadway, which can delay delivery windows and inflate fuel costs.

The move‑over law’s 20‑mph speed reduction clause forces drivers to plan for slower segments when emergency vehicles or stalled trucks appear. Fleet managers should incorporate buffer time into schedules when operating near intersections or on mountain passes where lane changes are limited. Roundabout compliance demands extra space for trucks; drivers should avoid tailgating or attempting to cut in front of a commercial vehicle navigating a roundabout, as this can create hazardous weaving situations.

Industry Reaction

Trucking associations across Colorado have welcomed the initiative, noting that clearer messaging can reduce costly accidents. The Colorado Trucking Association (CTA) spokesperson, Maria Lopez, emphasized that “educational outreach is the first line of defense against the high‑speed, high‑risk environment we operate in.” While the campaign focuses on state laws, many carriers also monitor FMCSA regulations that intersect with local statutes, such as electronic logging device requirements and hours‑of‑service compliance. By aligning state and federal guidance, the industry can streamline training for drivers and reduce regulatory gaps.

Key Points

• Hands‑free law prohibits handheld electronic devices; dashboard mounts remain legal.
• Expressed‑consent law mandates breath or blood tests for suspected DUI; refusal results in license suspension.
• Traction and chain rules activate for commercial vehicles on mountain corridors during winter weather.
• Move‑over law requires slowing 20 mph below the posted limit if lane change unsafe.

Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job‑matching service connects CDL‑A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner‑operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.

Photo by Alfo Medeiros on Pexels