When winter storms hit, snowplows and salt trucks hit the roads to keep them safe and clear. But in recent years, these hardworking vehicles have taken on a more entertaining role—getting quirky and creative names through public contests. From “Dolly Plowtown” to “Taylor Drift,” these cleverly named plows bring humor to harsh winter conditions.
This fun trend has been embraced by cities and states across the U.S., with communities coming together to submit and vote on the best names. But where did this idea come from, and why is it becoming so popular? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Are Snowplows Getting Funny Names?
Many U.S. states have started naming their snowplows and salt trucks for several reasons:
- Adding Humor to Stressful Storms – Snowstorms can be challenging, but a bit of humor helps lighten the mood.
- Promoting Safe Driving – Naming contests help remind drivers to be careful on icy roads.
- Recognizing Hardworking Crews – These contests highlight the efforts of emergency response teams.
According to Josh Morgan, a spokesperson for Connecticut’s Department of Transportation, the contest helps people stay engaged while reinforcing safety messages. Connecticut has been holding these contests for three years, even partnering with schools to teach kids about snowplow safety.
The Origins: How Scotland Inspired the Trend
Though it seems like an American idea, the tradition of naming snowplows actually started in Scotland. Back in 2006, Scottish schoolchildren participated in a contest to name the country’s “gritters”—their version of snowplows.
Later, in 2016, Transport Scotland officially launched a nationwide naming contest to bring attention to its Gritter Tracker, an online tool that lets residents track snowplows in real time. Today, all 240 plows in Scotland have unique names chosen by the public.
Some of Scotland’s most creative snowplow names include:
- “Mr. Snow-it-all”
- “Salt Shaker”
- “Carrie Bradthaw”
- “Icetalavista Baby”
- “Sled Zeppelin”
The popularity of this idea quickly spread across the Atlantic, inspiring states across the U.S. to hold their own naming contests.
U.S. States Joining the Snowplow Naming Craze
Many states and cities in the U.S. have embraced this lighthearted tradition. The following states have held naming contests for their snowplows:
- Alaska
- Nevada
- Minnesota
- Vermont
- Delaware
- Massachusetts
- North Dakota
- New Hampshire
- Connecticut
- Ohio
Some of the winning snowplow names from across the U.S. include:
- “SnowBob Plowpants”
- “Up2 Snow Good”
- “Fast & Flurryous”
- “Clark W. Blizzwald”
- “Han Snowlo”
- “Darth Blader”
These contests help engage communities, encourage road safety, and give appreciation to the workers who keep roads clear during winter storms.
The Future of Snowplow Naming Contests
With more states joining in on the fun, it’s clear that snowplow naming contests are here to stay. The tradition not only creates a sense of community but also brings awareness to snowplow safety. Many cities now even use online snowplow trackers so residents can follow these cleverly named vehicles in real time.
As winter continues, expect to see more hilarious and creative snowplow names rolling through your neighborhood. So next time you’re out in a snowstorm, keep an eye out—F. Salt Fitzgerald or Taylor Drift might be clearing your street!
