You may have heard it at the park and ride or seen it on the Canyon Alert messages: the Utah Traction Law is on everyone’s mind this ski season. What does that mean for you? Well, depending on what kind of vehicle you have, it could mean the difference between riding powder or scrambling for a way up the canyon. Don’t miss a legendary day by being unprepared; read on to make sure the officer at the base of the canyon won’t turn your car around next time the snow flies.
What is the Utah Traction Law?
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is tasked with keeping the roads safe for drivers. This includes keeping unprepared vehicles off the most dangerous roads. There are many miles of state highways that are rated either Class 1 or Class 2 Traction Routes (see full map here: http://uplan.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=5fd1ebfb059d4c0693d36e920c8a1d85). Class 1 only applies to vehicles over 12,000 GVW; this means big rigs, buses and other large vehicles. Class 2 is for everyone else: SUVs, light duty trucks, passenger cars, etc. Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons (Highways 190 and 210) as well as Highway 226 (Snowbasin Road) and Highway 158 (Powder Mountain Road) are all Class 2 routes.
When severe winter conditions hit, the Utah Traction Law will go into effect and you must comply with UDOT regulations if you want to drive on these routes. There are two sets of rules depending on your vehicle. One set of rules for Four-Wheel/All-Wheel machines, and another set of rules for Two-Wheel drives. Below is a breakdown, but first we need to talk rubber.
Types of Tires and Traction Devices
To comply with the Utah Traction Law, your tires need to be up to grade. The most important thing to be aware of is that bald tires are a dealbreaker. Next, look at the sidewalls of your tires where there is a series of letters and numbers. If you have all-terrain tires, you should be able to find an “M+S” or “M/S” code. This means mud and snow, and it’s a good start. If you have snow-specific tires, you should be able to find the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, also referred to as 3PMSF. It’s a small logo that looks like, you guessed it, three mountain peaks with a snowflake in the middle. If your tires don’t have any of these symbols, you will definitely need some type of traction device.
The classic choice for more traction is tire chains. Chains sets start at around $20 and go up based on quality and ease of use. The biggest thing to know about tire chains is that FOR GOD’S SAKE DON’T DRIVE AROUND TOWN WITH THEM ON! There are chain up areas near all of the Class 2 routes in Utah. Wait until you get there to put your traction devices on. Other devices include snow socks and tire studs. Now that you know some more about tires, it’s time to figure out what cars need what equipment.
Four-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive Vehicles
So, you think your fancy SUV can go anywhere no questions asked, eh? Well, you’re probably right. If you have a 4WD or AWD vehicle then you simply have to have M/S or M+S tires on every wheel (there’s a VERY good chance you’ve got these). Additionally, you can have 3PMSF tires or traction devices such as chains, snow socks or studs. That’s it, that’s all.
Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Any vehicle under 12,000 GVW that is two-wheel drive must have 3PMSF tires on all four wheels. If you do not have this type of tire, then you must use either chains, snow socks or tire studs on all of the power wheels (if you have a front-wheel drive passenger car, this means you have to have chains on both front wheels but don’t need them on the rear wheels). But you’re not out of the woods yet. Here is a direct quote from the Unified Police Department website:
“Two wheel drive vehicles MAY be denied canyon access if law enforcement believes they present a hazard to safe travel and other motorists. As a general rule vehicles equipped with aggressive snow tires will be granted access but there may be times, due to very poor road conditions or deep snow, when they are denied access. The police officer will need to make this determination based on common sense and known road condition information.”
The bottom line is that if you are driving a two-wheel drive vehicle during severe conditions, there is a chance that no matter what kind of tires or traction devices you have, UPD won’t let you drive up the road.
Other Options for Transportation
If you get turned around, all is not lost. Your first option is to simply wait out the Utah Traction Law. This year it seems like only on the worst days will it be up for more than a few hours. But hey, waiting sucks! Get a ride on the next UTA Ski Bus. Check out the UTA website (https://www.rideuta.com/Rider-Info/UTA-Ski-Service) for more information and a full schedule. Riding the bus saves gas, cuts down on air pollution and allows you to get a stress-free ride to the resort. Yet another option is to use a ride-sharing app. Or download and use the R.I.D.E. app and earn prizes like reduced price lift tickets or VIP parking spots.
Getting up and down the canyons is becoming more of a PITA every season, so it’s important to follow the rules. Trying to make it up the canyon in an ill-equipped vehicle might mean more than just a white-knuckle experience, it could result in a fine or an accident. Don’t let powder panic consume you. Check your vehicle and be ready to comply with the Utah Traction Law.