Utah Tire Chain Laws

How Utah handles chains

A traction law violation is an infraction, with a fine up to $750 (Utah Code 41-6a-1636). Utah runs a Traction Law with no fixed season. UDOT and UHP switch it on up to 24 hours before a storm and post it on I-80 Parleys Canyon, US-40, and the Cottonwood Canyons (SR-210, SR-190). At 12,000 pounds GVWR or more on a Class 1 segment you need traction devices on all rear drive tires. Check the UDOT Traffic app.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: No fixed season. UDOT and the Utah Highway Patrol activate the Traction Law during severe winter weather and can post it up to 24 hours before a storm arrives. The active class shows on signs, message boards, the UDOT Traffic app, and 511.
• Where: I-80 through Parleys Canyon, US-40 in Summit and Wasatch Counties, and the Cottonwood Canyons on SR-210 (Little Cottonwood) and SR-190 (Big Cottonwood), which carry the stricter Class 3 designation.
• Applies to: On Class 1 segments, vehicles with a GVWR of 12,000 pounds or more. Lower classes and the graded levels can bind lighter vehicles too, per the posted class.
• Chains vs traction devices: Traction devices include tire chains and cable chains. On a Class 1 segment a rig at 12,000 pounds GVWR or more needs devices on all rear drive tires unless it is AWD or 4WD running M+S or 3PMSF tires. Class 3 in the Cottonwood Canyons adds a 5/32-inch tread minimum. Snow tires alone do not clear a heavy truck on a Class 1 segment.
• Check the live order: The UDOT Traffic app and udottraffic.utah.gov (Utah 511) for the active Traction Law; UDOT road-condition pages and message boards on I-80, US-40, and the canyons.
• Fine: A traction law violation is an infraction. The fine runs up to $750 under the Utah Uniform Fine Schedule, and the exact figure depends on the citation and the court. Confirm the current schedule before you rely on a number.

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