New Traction Laws Go Into Effect For Big & Little Cottonwood Canyon
Attention to any Utah skiers or snowboarders headed to Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon this winter as Utah Department of Transportation is expanding their canyon traction laws, including a new provision that allows state transportation officials to begin enforcement up to 24 hours before an arriving winter storm impacts either canyon roadway.
“Utah’s new, enhanced traction requirements ensure people have the right equipment on our roads — which will ultimately keep us safe. The new restrictions allow UDOT to put requirements in place 24 hours before a storm begins, and the updated rule creates a new “Class 3” designation with stricter requirements for the Cottonwood Canyons.” -UDOT
In addition the expanded traction law also requires all vehicles traveling into Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon must have at least 5/32 inch of tire tread when traction laws are enforced.
UDOT officials reminded drivers of the traction law expansion on the same day that its Cottonwood Canyons Sticker Program returned. The state has partnered with over 140 Utah tire shops to offer free inspections between toady and February 28th, 2026, for a sticker that in essence pre-approves vehicles to enter a canyon when traction laws are in effect. These stickers are not required to drive into the canyons when traction law are enforced, they help speed up the process of getting into the canyon.
Leave a Reply