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Utah’s canyon traction law and your rental car
Read this before you rent a car at SLC to ski Alta, Snowbird, Brighton or Solitude.
What the rule says
Utah’s traction requirements live in an administrative rule, Utah Admin. Code R920-6. Big Cottonwood (SR-190) and Little Cottonwood (SR-210) are the strictest category. When UDOT activates the rule there, every vehicle needs either:
- all-wheel or four-wheel drive with M+S or three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) tires, with at least 5/32″ of tread on each tire; or
- traction devices (chains or approved socks) on the drive tires.
UDOT’s plain-language pages also say a two-wheel-drive car with 3PMSF tires on all four wheels qualifies, but the rule text for the Cottonwoods lists only the two options above. Until UDOT clears that up, treat a 2WD car as needing chains.
When it’s in effect
UDOT turns it on storm by storm, using flashing lights at the canyon mouths, road signs, the UDOT Traffic app and its Cottonwood Canyons channels. Since a 2025 law change it can be switched on up to 24 hours before a storm, so a dry road in the morning doesn’t mean you’re clear.
How it’s enforced
Sandy police at the mouth of Little Cottonwood and Cottonwood Heights police at Big Cottonwood run checkpoints, mostly on the morning drive up and the evening drive down. Cars that don’t comply get turned around. Since May 2025 officers can also write a ticket; it’s an infraction, which can carry a fine of up to $750.
UDOT runs a free, voluntary tire-sticker program at 140+ shops. A sticker can speed you through a checkpoint but doesn’t exempt you from inspection. 2026–27 dates aren’t announced yet.
Which rental car to book at SLC
| Enterprise, National, Alamo | Sell a “Guaranteed AWD” class. It disappears when it sells out, so book early. Enterprise’s SLC branch makes the renter responsible for traction-law compliance, and Enterprise doesn’t allow chains on its cars. |
|---|---|
| Budget | Book an SUV or pickup class and staff will help find a vehicle that qualifies. Not a guarantee. |
| Rugged Rental (off-airport) | Says all its SUVs and trucks have snow-rated tires that meet UDOT rules, and includes ski racks. Shuttle from the west side of the garage; limited Sunday hours. |
| Go Rentals (off-airport) | Took part in UDOT’s sticker program last season; call to pre-qualify a vehicle. |
| Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Dollar, Thrifty, Payless | No Utah-specific AWD or winter-tire guarantee found. Inspect the tires before you leave the lot. |
Checking tires at the counter
- Confirm the car is AWD or 4WD (look for the badge or ask).
- Read the tire sidewall: “M+S” or “M/S”, or the mountain-with-snowflake symbol.
- Check the tread. Push a quarter upside down into a groove: if you can see the top of Washington’s head, the tread is under 4/32″ and fails. 5/32″ needs a little more than that, so ask for a car with newer tires if it’s close.
Other roads with traction rules
I-80 through Parleys Canyon to Park City, US-40, Marsac Avenue in Park City, Snowbasin Road (SR-226) and Powder Mountain Road (SR-158) all have traction classes too.
Common questions
Do I need 4WD to drive to Alta or Snowbird?
Only when UDOT activates the traction rule, but that happens in and before every storm. Then you need AWD or 4WD with M+S or snowflake tires and 5/32 inch tread, or chains.
Can I put chains on a rental car in Utah?
Enterprise prohibits chains on its cars. Check your rental agreement; an AWD car with proper tires is the safer booking.
What is the fine for violating the Utah traction law?
Since May 2025 officers can cite violators. It’s an infraction, which can carry a fine of up to $750. Most drivers who don’t comply are turned around at the canyon mouth.
Checked 28 Oct 2026 against UDOT, UTA, resort and operator sources.