New Utah Traction Law tightens winter driving requirements in Cottonwood Canyons

The traffic snake at Little Cottonwood Canyon on a pow day. Photo: TownLift // Kevin Cody

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Changes to Utah’s Traction Law will allow the Department of Transportation to put traction requirements in place 24 hours before a storm begins. The updated rule also created a new “Class 3” designation with stricter requirements for winter travelers in the Cottonwood Canyons.

When the lights outside the canyons are flashing, vehicles visiting Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon must have at least 5/32 inch tread depth on their tires, according to UDOT. Tires must be M+S or snow tires, depending on the type of vehicle.

Traction Requirements:

• AWD/4WD: M + S or M/S tires on all wheels is the minimum requirement. Traction devices such as chains, snow socks, etc. or 3 peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) tires on all wheels are also acceptable and provide the most reliable traction in severe winter conditions.
• 2WD: 3 peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) tires on all wheels is the minimum requirement. Traction devices such as chains, snow socks, etc. on at least two drive wheels are also acceptable.

Traction enforcement officers will be deployed when the traction lights are activated during the winter season while resorts are open, according to UDOT. The duration of enforcement will vary based on storm severity, holidays, and when high traffic volumes are expected. When lights are on, enforcement will focus on the morning uphill commute and the evening downhill commute as needed.

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Cottonwood Canyons sticker program

The Cottonwood Canyons sticker program will once again offer free winter tire inspections from Nov. 13, 2025 through Feb. 28, 2026. Participation in the program is free and voluntary, and those whose vehicles meet the requirements of Utah’s Traction Law will receive a sticker for their vehicle. Getting a winter tire inspection before heading up the canyon will allow officers to verify compliance without needing to inspect your tires.

While receiving a sticker does not guarantee access to the canyons, it verifies the vehicle’s tires meet the required equipment standards when the Traction Law is in effect. Participating in the sticker program also helps UDOT better assess the number of properly equipped vehicles that are traveling in the canyons throughout the winter.

Regardless of participation in the sticker program, UDOT is encouraging all drivers to have their tires inspected this winter to ensure they are in good condition before they get to the canyons or do any driving in winter conditions.

Get a free tire inspection in Park City at 30 Minute Tire 4554 North Forestdale Dr., Ste. 42 Park City, UT 84060. See other participating locations in Salt Lake County and Utah County at the UDOT