The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is offering free tire inspections and traction law stickers Monday, Nov. 9, at the UDOT Cottonwood Maintenance Shed in Cottonwood Heights.

The event is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., as first reported by KUTV. Vehicles that pass inspection are to receive a windshield sticker on a first-come, first-served basis, according to KUTV. The sticker allows drivers to travel Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons on snowy days without chains. Drivers must fill out a form before attending.

For Millcreek residents who miss the Nov. 9 event, UDOT's Cottonwood Canyons sticker program page lists partner tire shops that also perform inspections. The most recent published list covers the 2025-26 season and includes Jones Complete Car Care Millcreek at 4621 South 900 East. Residents should check the UDOT page for updated 2026-27 season details.

What the sticker means

The sticker is not required to drive either canyon, according to UDOT's program page. It shows that a vehicle's tires meet traction requirements for travel when the traction law is in effect. The program is free and voluntary.

Traction law basics

Utah's traction law, administrative rule R920-6, requires drivers to have proper traction devices during severe winter conditions on roads throughout the state, including Big Cottonwood Canyon (SR-190) and Little Cottonwood Canyon (SR-210). Under updated rules, UDOT can put traction requirements in place 24 hours before a storm begins, according to the agency's traction law page.

When beacons outside the canyons are flashing, vehicles must have at least 5/32-inch tread depth. The tire type required depends on the vehicle:

  • AWD/4WD vehicles: M+S (mud and snow) tires on all wheels at minimum. Chains, snow socks or three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) tires on all wheels also qualify.
  • 2WD vehicles: 3PMSF tires on all wheels at minimum. Chains or snow socks on at least two drive wheels also qualify.

UDOT also recommends keeping fuel, snacks, water and a phone charger in the vehicle. There are no gas stations in either canyon.