The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) rolled out a free online quiz that tells drivers whether their vehicle needs traction devices for winter roads, the agency announced Monday, Nov. 9.

For Millcreek residents heading up Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon for the 2026–27 ski season, the tool answers a basic question: Is my car ready? Drivers enter where they plan to travel and what kind of vehicle they own, and the quiz returns personalized guidance.

The quiz covers all state-owned roads in Utah. That sets it apart from UDOT's existing Cottonwood Canyons sticker program, which focuses only on the two canyons, as ABC4 reported.

"Nobody should have to be an expert on tires or traction laws to know whether they're prepared for winter driving," UDOT Traveler Information Director Becky Parker said in the agency's announcement. "We've spent years helping Utahns understand these requirements, and this quiz takes that education a step further. … Drivers can now have that information presented directly to them."

The quiz takes a few minutes and is available on UDOT's traveler information sites.

Timpanogos joins Roads to Recreation

UDOT also expanded its Roads to Recreation program to include the Timpanogos area, which covers roads including US-189, SR-92 and SR-144 through American Fork and Provo Canyons. The program gives drivers area-specific details on road conditions, parking and travel restrictions.

The Timpanogos area joins four existing Roads to Recreation zones: Cottonwood Canyons, Wasatch Back, Ogden Valley and Zion. With the addition, UDOT said the program now provides travel information for every ski resort accessed from the Wasatch Front.

Stricter canyon rules in year two

The quiz arrives as UDOT begins its second winter season of tougher traction rules for Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Enhanced requirements introduced after the passage of HB 196 in 2025 allow UDOT to enforce traction rules up to 24 hours before a storm. A "Class Three" designation sets a minimum tire tread depth of 5/32 inch for vehicles using qualifying tires instead of chains. Law enforcement can cite drivers who violate the traction law.

As we reported Monday, Nov. 9, the Cottonwood Canyons Sticker Program opened its sixth season with free voluntary tire inspections at more than 160 participating tire shops along the Wasatch Front. Inspections run through Feb. 28, 2027. Stickers are not required to enter the canyons, but all vehicles must comply with traction requirements when the law is in effect.

Drivers who do not meet traction requirements will need to upgrade their tires or install chains before heading into the Cottonwoods.

What's ahead

  • Nov. 9 through Feb. 28, 2027: Free traction inspections at participating tire shops along the Wasatch Front.
  • Before any winter trip: Take UDOT's online traction quiz to check your vehicle.