Chain and traction law · Utah
Utah's Traction Law is enforced in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons while the resorts are open. UDOT turns on flashing beacons at the canyon mouths when it is in effect. Below: the chain and traction reports in the UDOT Traffic feed right now, then the law, each item linked to the official page it comes from.
AWD and 4WD need M+S or 3-peak mountain snowflake tires on all wheels. 2WD needs 3-peak mountain snowflake tires on all wheels, or chains or socks on the two drive wheels.
Source: cottonwoodcanyons.udot.utah.gov/traction-lawA stricter tier. UDOT can turn it on up to 24 hours before a storm.
Source: cottonwoodcanyons.udot.utah.gov/traction-lawNo fine amount was found.
The Salt Lake Tribune reported that 2025's HB 196 made the rule citable as an infraction, and that Utah infractions run up to $750. No UDOT or statute page with the amount was found.
Utah's traveler site. Current chain and traction requirements are posted there.
Road conditionsEvery closure and alert UDOT Traffic is posting, on one map.
Winter closuresSeasonal closures with the dates each agency gives.
Live mapChain and traction reports from every state feed on one map.
Utah's Traction Law is enforced in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons while the resorts are open. UDOT turns on flashing beacons at the canyon mouths when it is in effect. The levels, rules and fines on this page are linked to the official source. The sign on the road is the rule that applies.
No fine amount was found. The Salt Lake Tribune reported that 2025's HB 196 made the rule citable as an infraction, and that Utah infractions run up to $750. No UDOT or statute page with the amount was found.
UDOT Traffic posts current requirements. The block at the top of this page reads the UDOT Traffic feed every five minutes and lists chain and traction reports. If the feed cannot be reached, the page says so.
Your mile marker shows even offline. UDOT Traffic alerts on your route, chain rules included, are part of MileCheck Premium and need a connection to update. Runs on CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Monthly Highway Report
Your state's reported closures, crashes and roadwork, once a month by email. See the September report. No spam.
MileCheck