ODOT launches inaugural snowplow naming contest

Oklahoma winters may be unpredictable, but one thing is certain: every snowstorm deserves a snowplow with a personality.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) is inviting K‑12 students statewide to submit names for 24 of the agency’s winter-weather fleet in the agency’s inaugural Snowplow Naming Contest.

Through midnight September 15, students can unleash their creativity at OkTraffic.org, and pitch the perfect moniker for the snowplow that keeps their area’s highways and interstates clear. Think puns, pop‑culture tributes or hometown pride. Entrants are requested to keep names clean and appropriate.

“Our hardworking crews across the state usually battle snowstorms with steel and salt, but this year we’re also adding a load of imagination from Oklahoma students,” says Caitlyn Carolus, contest manager and Traffic Operations Center program manager. “This contest is a great way for students to connect with public safety, celebrate winter preparedness and show off their creativity. We can’t wait to see what fun names come in this year.”

After the submission period closes, each of ODOT’s eight districts across the state will select the top three entries per snowplow. From September 29 to October 3, the public will vote on their favorites online. The final winners will be revealed through a news release and social media on October 10, and will be featured on the newly updated snowplow tracking map launching October 27.

Important Dates:

• Name submissions: Through midnight Sept. 15

• Public voting: September 29 through October 3

• Winners announced: October 10

• Snowplow tracking site launch: October 27 Winning students will receive special recognition, including an ODOT prize pack, and their snowplow name will appear on a real plow serving their community throughout the winter season.

ODOT encourages schools, teachers and families to help children come up with names, and toolkits are available to help educators incorporate the contest into classroom or school-wide activities. To request a copy of the toolkit, email oktraffic@odot.org.

This exciting campaign shines a spotlight on winter safety and the crews who keep the roads clear when the snow starts to fall. Submit an idea, rally classmates for the vote and watch the winning plows roll out when the first flakes fly. For complete rules and submission forms, visit OkTraffic.org.

Snowplow facts:

• Oklahoma has nearly 600 snowplows in operation

• There are 30,445 highway lane miles in Oklahoma

• In the most recent snowstorms in February 2025, ODOT cleared 462,120 miles of highway and interstates. That’s like making nearly 166 trips from New York to Los Angeles.

• During widespread storms, snowplow drivers in Oklahoma cover highways and interstates across all 77 counties/eight districts.

For questions about the contest, email oktraffic@odot.org.