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- calendar_today November 14, 2026
UDOT Reintroduces Cottonwood Canyon Traction Stickers
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has once again launched its Cottonwood Canyon traction sticker program, coinciding with a significant snow forecast for the state’s mountain regions. The annual initiative helps drivers meet snow traction requirements when traveling through Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons—gateways to major ski destinations in Utah.
Snow Forecast Prompts Early Preparations
Weather experts predict up to 60 inches of snowfall at Utah’s highest elevations in the coming week. This substantial snowfall is expected to trigger both the opening of several ski and snowboard areas and the season’s first traction checks by law enforcement, as preparations ramp up for winter driving safety in these high-traffic corridors.
The Purpose and Use of Traction Stickers
The Cottonwood Canyon traction stickers, now in their sixth winter season, serve as a signal to law enforcement that a vehicle's tires meet the necessary traction requirements for travel in snow-prone canyons. Four of Utah’s largest ski areas and numerous avalanche paths are accessed via these routes, and the stickers help streamline traffic checks during inclement weather.
While these stickers are not mandatory for canyon travel—even when traction devices are legally required—they help skiers and snowboarders demonstrate compliance quickly. This can help maintain consistent traffic flow to and from the slopes, especially during heavy snowfall.
Where and How to Obtain Traction Stickers
UDOT offers the stickers free of charge at nearly 160 locations throughout the state. Drivers can find more information and a list of participating outlets on the program's official website. Motorists are encouraged to secure the sticker before significant storms make travel conditions more challenging.
Introducing UDOT’s Tire Traction Quiz
To assist drivers uncertain about their vehicles' compliance, UDOT has introduced an updated online quiz. This tool allows users to input their vehicle’s drive train type, check for tire symbols such as the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) or Mud and Snow (M+S), and measure tire tread depth.
Based on responses, the quiz advises drivers whether they meet current traction device compliance rules or what steps are necessary. "One of the most common questions we get [is], 'So, what does this actually mean? I have this type of vehicle,'" explained Brianna Binnebose, spokesperson for UDOT’s Cottonwoods transit program. She added that the tool is mobile-friendly, allowing on-the-go access for drivers preparing for winter road conditions.
Understanding Traction Requirements in the Cottonwood Canyons
As of last year, traction requirements can be enforced up to 24 hours before a predicted storm. Law enforcement performs traction checks on vehicles to ensure all motorists can navigate safely through conditions typical of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. The renewed sticker program and new quiz aim to reduce confusion and keep travel as efficient as possible during the snowy months.
Source: sltrib.com.
