The North Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Monday that the 2026 edition of its popular Name‑A‑Plow contest is now open to the public. Residents of the state have until November 23 to submit their most creative and pun‑filled suggestions for naming the agency’s snow‑clearing fleet.
What the contest entails
Each year the DOT invites North Dakotans to propose names for the snowplows that keep highways and county roads clear during the harsh winter months. The contest is a light‑hearted way to engage the community while highlighting the essential work of the state’s transportation crews.
Returning favorites from 2025
Names that won the 2025 competition will remain on the plows for the 2026 season. Past winners included “Chill Bill,” “Teddy Snosevelt,” “Betty Whiteout,” and “Flurrious George.” These whimsical monikers will continue to travel the roads, reminding drivers of the state’s commitment to safety and a touch of humor.
Opportunities for new winners
Any plow that does not already carry a 2025 name will be eligible for a new designation chosen from this year’s submissions. The DOT encourages participants to think outside the box and submit names that are both clever and appropriate for the vital public‑service role of the vehicles.
How to enter
Entries can be submitted through the DOT’s official website. The online form asks for the proposed name and a brief explanation of the idea, if desired. The deadline for submissions is November 23, after which a panel of DOT staff will review the entries and select the winners.
Community impact
Beyond providing a fun outlet for creativity, the contest serves to raise awareness of the DOT’s winter‑maintenance efforts. By involving residents directly, the agency reinforces the partnership between state officials and the families who rely on safe travel during snowstorms. The naming tradition also offers a modest boost to morale for the crews who operate the plows each season.
Looking ahead
After the selection process is complete, the new names will be painted on the appropriate snowplows before the first major snowfall of the season. The DOT plans to announce the winners publicly, allowing the community to celebrate the chosen titles and the continued dedication of North Dakota’s transportation workers.
For more information about the contest, submission guidelines, and a list of past winners, visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s website.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
