Utah truck chain law
When UDOT activates the traction law on a route, vehicles over 12,000 lb GVWR must have chains, cables, socks or studs on all drive tires (one tire per dual set).
| Type | Chain up when posted |
|---|---|
| Carry season / effective dates | No fixed dates on UDOT's pages. Compliance may be required up to 24 hours before a storm (UDOT). |
| Who must carry chains | Not stated in the official sources we checked. Confirm with the state. |
| When you must chain up | When traction devices are required: vehicles over 12,000 lb GVWR need traction devices on all drive tires; only one tire in a dual mounting is needed (UDOT, under Utah Admin. Code R920-6). |
| Where | Routes on UDOT's Winter Chains Required Routes Map, including the Cottonwood Canyons (Class 3). |
| Penalty | Not stated in the official sources we checked. Confirm with the state. |
| Law | Utah Admin. Code R920-6 (as summarized by UDOT; we could not open the rule text itself); Utah Code 41-6a-1636 |
Official sources
- UDOT: Snow Tire, Chain & Traction Device Requirements
- UDOT Motor Carriers: Snow Tire and Chain Up Requirements
Checked 2026-10-29. Chain controls are set live by the state, so follow posted signs and officers. Not legal advice.
Running the mountains this winter? Estimate fuel tax with the IFTA calculator and see Utah IFTA rates.