MDOT Paint the Plow program accepting applications for 2026-2027 winter season

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Paint the Plow program. This program offers a unique opportunity for MDOT to partner with area schools, using students' creativity to communicate safe winter driving practices for all Michigan residents.

The Paint the Plow program is open to all Michigan middle and high schools, as well as educational organizations. Students are invited to submit a creative and original design reflecting their individual school, while promoting a selected safety theme. This year's safety theme is "See snow? Go slow!"

The safety theme reminds everyone that driving safely on winter roads is crucial to preventing crashes and ensuring road user safety. Snow and ice can make roads slippery, reducing traction and increasing stopping distances. Slowing down gives drivers more time to react to changing conditions and helps maintain control. It's especially important to be cautious around snowplows, which travel at reduced speeds and have limited visibility. By slowing down when winter weather revs up, drivers help keep Michigan's roads safer for everyone.

MDOT will accept Paint the Plow design applications through Friday, May 29. Selected schools will be notified in early June and arrangements will be made for the delivery of their plow blade in the fall. Depending on location throughout the state, schools will have approximately six weeks to complete their design before MDOT staff return for the completed plow blade in time to get trucks ready for the winter maintenance season.

Painted plow blades will be visible along various state trunklines (I, M and US routes) and outside of maintenance facilities in Michigan through the winter.

Interested schools can visit Michigan.gov/PaintThePlow for more information, to see examples from previous submittals and to submit their design.