Cottonwood Canyons traction sticker returns this winter

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Transportation said that its Cottonwood Canyons traction sticker program will return this winter. 

According to a Facebook post, the goal of the program is to increase vehicle safety for the upcoming winter by pre-inspecting vehicle tires and traction devices. 

UDOT’s Cottonwood Canyons traction sticker website shared the criteria: 

• “4WD/AWD Vehicles: 3PMSF or M+S tires with a tread depth of 5/32 minimum”
• “2WD/FWD Vehicles: 3PMSF tires on all wheels with a tread depth of 5/32 minimum or proof of chains (chains must be in vehicle at time of inspection)”

Any vehicle that meets the requirements will receive a Cottonwood Canyons traction sticker for their windshield.  

Participation in the program is free and voluntary. Per UDOT, it will run from Oct. 17, 2024 to Feb. 28, 2025. 

Why should drivers get a Cottonwood Canyons traction sticker?

According to UDOT’s website, unprepared drivers often cause delays and safety hazards in the canyons. 

Drivers in vehicles with the UDOT sticker may be able to bypass inspection at the mouth of a canyon on days when traction laws are in effect. However, UDOT’s website said that law enforcement may still inspect a vehicle.

Drivers are not required to have a sticker on their car to enter the canyons on traction law days. However, increased participation increases safety on the mountain roads, according to UDOT. 

Furthermore, the display of a sticker does not guarantee a vehicle operator’s access to the canyon. It does not grant priority access to the canyons, nor does it allow access when roads are closed. 

Protecting from purchase pressure

UDOT invited tire shops to sign up to participate in the sticker program. UDOT’s Facebook post explained that they must abide by certain rules to participate. 

First, shops cannot charge sticker program participants for tire inspections related to the program. 

Tire shops also cannot use the related inspections to pressure vehicle owners to purchase new tires or other services. 

“It is appropriate to offer upgrades, products, and/or services,” read the post. “It is not appropriate to make a purchase a requirement for receiving a sticker.” 

Participating tire shops have not yet been announced. Businesses that are interested in signing up have been encouraged to fill out a Google Form. 

Customers looking to participate in the sticker program can stop into a participating shop between Oct. 17, 2024 and Feb. 28, 2025. 

Related: Snowbasin Resort selected to host alpine skiing for 2034 Olympics