Students Paint Snowplow Blades in MDOT Program

Michigan students have unveiled painted snowplow blade designs promoting safe winter driving as part of MDOT's annual Paint the Plow project.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Painting

Students Paint Snowplow Blades in MDOT Program

Live Poll

Do you consistently slow down and give snowplows room in winter conditions?

Students from schools across Michigan unveiled painted snowplow blade artwork for MDOT's annual Paint the Plow project. The designs carry the safety message "See snow? Go slow!"

Why it matters

The initiative promotes safe driving around snowplows and raises awareness of the operators who keep Michigan roads clear in winter. Painted blades are meant to make plows more visible to motorists across the state.

Michigan law requires drivers to keep at least 200 feet from a snowplow. The program's effect on driver behavior has not been measured in the materials provided.

The players

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

The state agency that runs the Paint the Plow initiative and operates the snowplow fleet along Michigan's state trunklines.

The details

Students painted designs onto snowplow blades as part of the annual MDOT project, with participating schools including Heritage High School, Cass City Jr./Sr. High School, Belding Middle School, Coloma High School, and Airport High School. Applications require a draft design and a school commitment to finish the blade before winter.

Late autumn 2026: MDOT snowplow names and locations posted on Mi Drive
Winter 2026-2027: Painted plow blades appear along Michigan state trunklines
March 2027: Applications for the 2027-2028 season open

Seasonal Patterns

The annual Paint the Plow program, run by MDOT each year, continues a recurring winter-safety cycle in which new student designs are added to snowplow blades before the season begins.

Drivers across Michigan will see painted plow blades on state trunklines this winter and should keep at least 200 feet back from any snowplow. Schools and educational organizations statewide can apply for future seasons starting in March 2027.

The takeaway

Give snowplows room on the road: Michigan law requires at least 200 feet of distance, and painted blades are a visible reminder to slow down and stay back.

What happens next

Applications for the 2027-2028 Paint the Plow season open in March 2027, and MDOT snowplow names and locations will be posted on Mi Drive in late autumn 2026.