Grab one of these before heading up the Cottonwood Canyons this winter

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah – Drivers in northern Utah have been lining up lately to snag some important stickers before winter really arrives.

Thanks to new legislation, the Utah Department of Transportation is working with local law enforcement to improve enforcement of traction laws in the Cottonwood Canyons, especially during the morning commute and on storm or rush days.

“That’s crucial because you slow down everyone else. It takes a car to get going and the whole thing is blocked,” explained Sandy resident David Wilkinson.

That's because the “greatest snow in the world” isn't always the most beautiful to drive through

Good tires can be helpful.

“It is very important to us to do educational work and to make it clear to people early this year that you need good tires and 5/32 tread to get into the canyons, or you have to be chained.” If you If you don’t do that, you’ll get turned around,” said Cottonwood Heights Mayor Mike Weichers.

A UDOT Cottonwood Canyons sticker means your tires have been inspected. and released to continue.

“So we will check all four tires and to ensure quality, all four tires must pass at least 5/32,” Weichers added.

Nearly 400 people visited the UDOT building in Cottonwood Heights on Thursday to have their tires checked.

“It's so nerve-wracking when you're getting ready to drive up the canyon in a snowstorm,” said Gabrielle Fortier, a Murray resident. “So when someone else tells me my tires are safe, I feel a lot of confidence.”

While drivers don't need a sticker to drive through the gorges, having one means you can drive right through during inspection times.

“I'm just happy to do my part. “I know there's a lot going on in the canyons, so anything we can do to relieve traffic there would be great,” shared Robert Howell, holding a sticker.

The hope is that more people will do their part to make traveling through the beautiful canyons safer.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Wilkinson said.

Anyone interested in getting their own sticker should do so CLICK HERE to find a list of locations where tires can be checked.