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COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS — Utah's Cottonwood Canyons Sticker Program is back and larger than ever ahead of what could be another busy winter season.
Dozens of drivers took advantage of the program during an event Wednesday morning, lining up to receive a sticker that verifies their vehicle is equipped to handle the season. In all, there are 48 locations across the region where people can get a sticker this year.
The sticker, which is not required to enter either canyon, verifies that a vehicle has appropriate tire conditions to enter either canyon. While a sticker doesn't guarantee access into the canyons, it does verify that the vehicle can proceed when there is a traction law in effect during a winter storm, according to the Utah Department of Transportation.
Vehicles may still be subject to some inspections during those days, but having a sticker does have the potential to reduce the wait time for vehicles traveling up the canyons when there are restrictions, said Shawn Wright, UDOT's Cottonwoods Stations supervisor.
"The more vehicles that we can get preapproved, the faster you're going to get up to enjoy your experience," he said.
Here's how it works. Drivers must first fill out an online form and then contact one of the 48 approval locations to request an inspection. Big O Tires, Burt Brothers Tire & Service, CJ's Pit Crew and Les Schwab Tire Centers, as well as Mercedes-Benz Van Center and Young Bros Auto-Midvale are listed as this year's participating partners.
Once there, teams will inspect to make sure that the vehicle's tires have the appropriate tread depth or that there is proof of chains, depending on if the vehicle has four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, two-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. The inspector will provide a sticker that verifies that the vehicle is compliant if it passes the inspection; otherwise, the driver would have to purchase the appropriate tires to get a sticker, according to UDOT.
This inspection process is free and will continue through Feb. 28, 2024. UDOT says it is also partnering with several rental car companies to offer vehicles that comply with the canyon closure code.
More information about the requirements and UDOT's partners this year can be found at cottonwoodcanyons.udot.utah.gov.
"The importance of getting the sticker is knowing you have the proper tires, proper car and proper equipment to get up the canyons — and not be one of the problems; you're more of the solution," Wright said.
Unified police said Wednesday that drivers should slow down and increase their distance between cars during winter storms, regardless if their tires or chains are approved. UDOT officials also urge people to carpool in an approved vehicle or use either transit or a shuttle service to help reduce delays in the two canyons during wintery days.
The sticker program begins ahead of the next ski season which is tentatively scheduled to open as early Nov. 17 for some Utah resorts. Long-range forecasts indicate Utah has a decent chance of receiving above-normal precipitation, though experts say a repeat of last year's record snowpack is unlikely.
Contributing: Katija Stjepovic
