R920. Transportation, Operations, Traffic and Safety.R920-6. Adverse Weather Traction Requirements.
R920-6-1. Authority and Purpose.
(1) This rule is enacted in accordance with Section 41-6a-715, which authorizes the department to make rules regarding vehicle equipment requirements for vehicles traveling on state highways during adverse weather conditions and predicted adverse weather conditions.
(2) This rule establishes vehicle capability and traction requirements for vehicles operating on certain segments of state highways during adverse weather conditions and predicted adverse weather conditions.
R920-6-2. Definitions.
As used in this rule:
(1) "3PMSF" means three-peak mountain snowflake, which is a tire designation indicating the tire is designed to offer a higher level of snow traction than a standard or M+S tire.
(2) "Adverse weather conditions" means weather that, as determined by the department, may make driving more hazardous or increase the risk of crashes on state highways because of decreased traction, reduced visibility, or other factors.
(3) "All-wheel drive" means a vehicle that provides power to all wheels of the vehicle.
(4) "Designated traction segment" means a section of a state highway where the department is authorized to enact traction device requirements during adverse weather conditions or predicted adverse weather conditions.
(5) "Drive tire" means a tire on a vehicle's wheel that is attached to an axle that transmits power to the wheel.
(6) "GVWR" means gross vehicle weight rating, which represents the maximum weight a vehicle is designed to safely carry, including the vehicle's weight, cargo, and fuel.
(7) "Four-wheel drive" means a vehicle that provides power to all wheels of the vehicle.
(8) "M+S" means a tire designation indicating the tire is designed to offer improved traction in mud and snow compared to a standard tire.
(9) "Predicted adverse weather conditions" means forecast adverse weather conditions that, as determined by the department, are likely to exist or begin during a 24-hour period.
(10) "Snow socks" means a fabric-based cover that wraps around a tire to provide increased tire traction on snow or ice.
(11) "Tire chains" means metal chains or cables that provide increased tire traction on snow or ice.
(12) "Tire studs" means small metal pins that are embedded in a tire's tread to provide grip on snow or ice.
(13) "Traction devices" means tire chains, tire studs, or snow socks.
(14)(a) "Traffic control device" means the same as that term is defined in Section 41-6a-102.
(b) "Traffic control device" includes an electronic sign or other notification device that provides information regarding adverse weather conditions, predicted adverse weather conditions, or notice that traction requirements are in effect on a state highway.
(15) "Traffic engineering order" means a document issued by the department that establishes or modifies regulations, restrictions, or conditions related to traffic on state highways.
(16) "Traction requirements" mean the requirements described in Section R920-6-3.
(17) "Two-wheel drive" means a vehicle that provides power to only two wheels of the vehicle.
R920-6-3. Traction Requirements for Designated Traction Segments.
(1) By issuing one or more traffic engineering orders, the department may designate traction segments and assign each designated traction segment as one of three classes.
(2) During adverse weather conditions or predicted adverse weather conditions, the associated traction requirements for each of the three classes of designated traction segments are as follows:
(a) for a Class 1 traction segment, the department may require that each vehicle with a GVWR of 12,000 pounds or more be equipped with one of the following:
(i) traction devices on all rear drive tires, except that traction devices are only required for one tire for each pair of dual-mounted drive tires; or
(ii) all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with M+S or 3PMSF tires.
(b) for a class 2 traction segment, the department may require each vehicle to be equipped with one of the following:
(i) traction devices on at least two drive tires, or if the vehicle has a GVWR of 12,000 pounds or more and does not have all-wheel or four-wheel drive, traction devices on all rear drive tires as described in Subsection (2)(a)(i);
(ii) all-wheel or four-wheel drive with M+S or 3PMSF tires; or
(iii) if the vehicle has a GVWR of less than 12,000 pounds, two-wheel drive with 3PMSF tires; and
(c) for a class 3 traction segment, the department may require each vehicle to be equipped with one of the following:
(i) traction devices on at least two drive tires, or if the vehicle has a GVWR of 12,000 or more and does not have all-wheel or four-wheel drive, traction devices on all rear drive tires as described in Subsection (2)(a)(i);
(ii) all-wheel or four-wheel drive with M+S or 3PMSF tires with a minimum of 5/32 inch tread depth remaining on each tire; or
(iii) if the vehicle has a GVWR of less than 12,000 pounds, two-wheel drive with 3PMFS tires with a minimum of 5/32 inch tread depth remaining on each tire.
