Submissions open now through Dec. 26; winning names will be assigned to 12 snowplows statewide
SANTA FE – New Mexicans can once again submit creative, winter-themed names for state snowplows, with the top 12 winning entries to be displayed on plows clearing roads across all six highway districts this winter.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) launched the third annual Name a Snowplow Contest this week, inviting residents to break out their creativity and submit their best, boldest and catchiest snowplow names. Submissions will be accepted through noon on Friday, Dec. 26.
“Our snowplow operators play an important role in keeping our communities connected and our roads safe during the winter months,” said NMDOT Cabinet Secretary Ricky Serna. “We’re looking to New Mexicans for their flair, humor and originality to help give more of our snowplows unique names.”
Contest details:
Submission period — now through Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, at noon.
- What we’re looking for — creative, winter-themed, or New Mexico-inspired names.
- Submission link — dot.nm.gov/name-a-plow/.
- Scan the QR code to submit your name:
Rules:
- Each person can submit one name only.
- Names are limited to 20 characters (including letters and spaces).
- No vulgar, profane, or inappropriate language.
- Politically inspired names, including plays on politicians’ names or slogans, will not be considered. This contest is meant to be fun and nonpartisan.
- Previously selected NMDOT snowplow names are ineligible for 2026.
NMDOT’s Communication team will review all submissions and select the 50 most creative and inspiring names. The public will then vote on their favorites, and the top 12 names will be assigned to snowplows across the state. Winners will have their names announced and celebrated statewide. Once our snowplows are named, they keep it for their entire NMDOT career.
Last year’s winning names
- District 1: Snow Bueno, Snow Way, José!
- District 2: Scoop Dogg, Chips & Que Snow.
- District 3: Alice Scooper, Taylor Drift.
- District 4: Red Chilly Brrrr-ito, Blizzard of Oz.
- District 5: Blizzard Wizard, Clear-o-Pathra.
- District 6: En-CHILL-ada, Zia Later, Snow.
2024 Winning names
- District 1: Sleetwood Mac, Snowplowpilla.
- District 2: Billy the Skid, That’s All Slick.
- District 3: Better Call Salt, Darth Blader.
- District 4: EE, I Snow, huh?, Walter Whiteout.
- District 5: Snowzobra, Bisc-Snow-Chito.
- District 6: Ctrl-Salt-Delete, Mr. Snow It All.