Department of Transportation
CDOT
Colorado • United States of America
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) manages over 9,100 centerline miles of state highways through one of the most geographically challenging states for freight movement. Key trucking corridors include I-70 — a critical east-west artery through the Rocky Mountains — as well as I-25, I-76, and US-50. CDOT is known for its mountain corridor closures during severe weather, which directly impact freight schedules. The department provides real-time road conditions through COtrip.org and issues critical commercial vehicle restrictions for mountain passes. CDOT also oversees oversize and overweight vehicle permits essential for Colorado's energy and construction sectors.
| Official Website | https://www.codot.gov/ |
|---|---|
| Data API | https://dtdapps.coloradodot.info/otis |
| Founded | 1910 |
| Headquarters | Denver |
Available Data
Social Media
- @ColoradoDOT — Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)
Colorado Trucking Regulations
Size & weight limits, OS/OW permits, and seasonal restrictions for commercial vehicles
Weight Limits
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Gross Vehicle Weight | 80000 lbs |
| Single Axle | 20000 lbs |
| Tandem Axle | 34000 lbs |
Dimensional Limits
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Height | 14 ft |
| Max Width | 8.5 ft |
| Max Length (Single Unit) | 40 ft |
| Max Length (Combination) | 65 ft |
OS/OW Permits
Seasonal Restrictions Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Colorado enforces chain laws on mountain passes from approximately September through May; commercial vehicles in affected zones must carry and be prepared to install chains. Spring weight restrictions are posted on some state and county highways, typically March through May. The I-70 mountain corridor (Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnel) can close entirely during severe weather — carriers must monitor COTRIP for real-time status.
Weigh Station Bypass
22¢/gal
Member
Special Exemptions
Notable Rules
The I-70 mountain corridor between Denver and Vail is the single most challenging segment in the state for commercial vehicles — subject to chain laws, CDL vehicle bans during closures, and mandatory pullouts. COTRIP (cotrip.org) is the essential real-time resource. Permits are managed by CDOT's Office of Specialized Hauling Permits.