A 2019 bill, House Bill 19-1265, increased penalties for motorists who pass snowplows working in tandem or “relay” formation — in other words, when two or more snowplows are moved diagonally to plough multiple lanes at once. It is now a Class A traffic offence to pass a snowplow when the truck shows its headlights and works in tandem. Not only can this result in a fine and points on your driver`s license, but it`s also extremely dangerous. You might encounter whiteout conditions and snow ridges on the road when trying to maneuver around the plows while working. Whether in tandem or not, snowplows should always give a wide berth. Make sure you stay at least 3-4 car lengths behind a service plow to avoid defrosting and sand hitting your vehicle. Be prepared for sudden stops. And never pass a plough on the right; They are designed to push all snow, mud, rocks and debris in this direction. Tandem Snowplow ActIn 2019, Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 19-1265, tightening penalties for motorists who pass snowplows. Snowplow TrackerCurious about where CDOT snowplows are near you? Please note that our current fleet of snowplows is being upgraded to tracking software and Plow Tracker is currently not available on COtrip.org. Our maintenance and operations team is working diligently to update our entire fleet with the new software, and Plow Tracker will be available in January/February 2022.
Thank you for your patience. By removing snow and ice from our roads, snowplows make driving safer for all of us. However, driving too close to snowplows can be a winter hazard in itself. Most snowplow or passenger car accidents occur when passenger cars hit snowplows from behind or while trying to overtake. Well, yes, legally, there is no specific law that prohibits you from passing a snowplow. But that`s not necessarily a good idea. According to MnDOT, here are some winter driving tips to keep in mind when encountering a hard-working plow: Snowplows move much slower than the indicated speeds because they are the most effective at clearing roads. The driver`s field of vision behind the truck is severely limited and the driver must rely on mirrors to look at the back and side of the truck. Remember: bow to the plow! In addition to running a snowplow in tandem formation, there are two other dangerous maneuvers that all motorists should avoid for their own safety and the safety of others: Thursday`s winter weather sent snowplows onto the pavement of 10,000 Lake to clear our roads and highways. But can you legally pass a snowplow here in Minnesota? Although data are not yet available, the traction law is expected to help reduce congestion by discouraging people with bare or two-wheel drive tires from driving in conditions for which they are not equipped. During severe storms, CDOT can also require passenger cars to put chains, just like large oil rigs.
The penalty for ignoring traction requirements can be severe, ranging from a basic fine of $130 to a fine of more than $650 if a motorist gets stuck without sufficient traction and blocks the roadway. The Colorado Department of Transportation has long had the authority to require certain vehicles to wear special traction equipment, such as tire tracks, in the event of a weather emergency. The difference with Colorado`s Mountain Traction Act, which went into effect in August 2019, is that it imposes a seasonal requirement on drivers on a 126-mile section of the I-70 mountain corridor from Dotsero to Morrison. From September to May, I-70 drivers must have either winter tires, mud and snow tires (“M+S” tires), or four-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles. In addition, the minimum tread amount for tires on snowy roads across the state is now 3/16 inch, up from a previous requirement of 1/8 inch. It is now a Class A traffic offence to pass a snowplow operated by a national, regional or local authority when the truck is showing its lights and working in tandem with one or more snowplows. Follow these tips to stay safe and give snowplows the space they need for their work. If you encounter a snowplow coming in the opposite direction (for example, on a two-lane road), slow down by taking your foot off the accelerator, turning on your windshield wipers, and increasing your distance from the axis (if it is safe to do so). MnDOT often – and rightly so – tells us how we all need to give snowplows space to do their jobs. But what if you encounter a plow in the right lane of the highway? Can you legally pass it in the left lane? Here are some tips to help you get through the ice and snow while waiting for summer. It is extremely dangerous for motorists to pass plows in this formation, as whiteout conditions and snow ridges can occur between lanes. Whether before, during or after winter conditions, CDOT uses a variety of snow removal equipment, techniques and products to keep roads clear and travellers safe.
Read the following information to learn more about the Tandem Snowplow Act and how CDOT removes snow from winter roads. If you can`t see the snowplow mirrors, the driver won`t be able to see you. If you sit down, you`ll also have better visibility if the plow creates a “snow cloud” and more reaction time to brake when the snowplow stops (which is often the case). Another good reason to hold back: the snowplow can sprinkle salt, sand and/or calcium chloride. A Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) online tool called Mi Drive can show you many Michigan roads that have recently been cleared of snow, in addition to a wealth of other road safety information. Go to the Mi Drive Michigan.gov/Drive. What is “tandem training”? When snowplows work in tandem, several plows are offset diagonally to cover all lanes and clear the entire roadway in a single swing.
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