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Guidelines

Paint the Plow
Guidelines

About the program

The Paint the Plow Program is an opportunity for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to partner with local school districts and community members to promote winter driving safety and general road safety, as well as creating awareness of transportation career opportunities. High school students are invited to paint creative, original artwork onto an MDOT snowplow blade. The idea is that the decorative blades reflect each school individually, while promoting a selected MDOT safety theme. Snowplow blades will be visible during winter snow removal months on various state trunklines (typically I, M and US routes) throughout the MDOT regions. Each year, schools can submit their artwork based on MDOT’s selected statewide theme. Final artwork designs will be voted for by MDOT staff. Photos of each painted plow will be posted on MDOT’s website for public viewing. Schools may have the opportunity to showcase their designed plow at a school- represented event. Deadlines for participation are set by MDOT. 

Information and guidelines

MDOT’s Paint the Plow is a community outreach program in which students are invited to paint an MDOT snowplow blade with original artwork that represents their individual school, as well as MDOT’s yearly safety theme. The goals of this program are to promote road safety, educate young drivers about safe driving behaviors, create awareness for transportation careers, and foster greater appreciation of both MDOT and the school’s art program.

  • School participants

    • The Paint the Plow program is open to high schools and high school-level technical schools in most counties throughout Michigan.
    • Only students who are currently enrolled in the applicant school may participate in the execution and completion of the art project.
    • School officials, such as faculty, general staff and/or administrators, may direct the selection of the design and students; however, they are not permitted to implement the design or participate in the performance of the work.
    • Teachers must complete a photo release for all students involved in the project. The photo release will be e-mailed to the teacher with the notification of the selected winning design.

  • Yearly theme

    • MDOT will select a new safety theme each year. Students are encouraged to create a design that incorporates this theme while also incorporating imagery that embodies their school’s unique characteristics, parts of school life that they enjoy or in which they take pride. They may also include patriotic, state/local or weather-related motifs.
    • Students may incorporate their school’s logo, emblem or mascot into the design.
    • Artwork must be original and in good taste; anything deemed inappropriate or not original will be precluded from the program at the sole discretion of MDOT.
    • Only non-partisan, non-political and non-violent material will be accepted.

Terms and conditions

  • Provisions

    • MDOT will deliver an approximately 12-foot-long, 4-foot-high plow to a secure location at the school as specified by the school’s staff. The school may need to perform prep work on the plow before painting can take place.
    • Plow blades may NOT be removed from the specified location on the school’s premises, and they cannot be modified with the addition of extra materials or ornaments.
    • All submissions must be the original work of the submitter and must not infringe on the rights of third parties, including but not limited to intellectual property rights. By participating in the program, the school accepts responsibility for any third-party intellectual property claims that may arise from the school’s submission and agrees to hold MDOT harmless from such claims.
    • Design ideas can be sent via the online form at Michigan.gov/PaintThePlow.
    • MDOT reserves the right to reject blade designs for any reason, including but not limited to blade designs that are not in accordance with these terms and conditions. If a blade design is rejected, a school may submit a new blade design. MDOT will use reasonable efforts to review the new blade design to accommodate program participation. Schools should submit designs as early as possible and in accordance with these terms and conditions to prevent any delay in blade design approval.
    • Selection of paint materials to be used will be up to the students and faculty; however, consideration should be given to durable, enamel paints that will provide for coverage and better wear. A final clear coat is optional and may help the life of the paint and design.
      • Note: MDOT does not provide financial assistance for supplies, materials, or other items associated with this program. However, reaching out to local booster clubs or social organizations for support is permissible.
    • MDOT will deliver the blade at a time specified by the school, and the department will pick up the blade based on the deadline set by MDOT. Arrangements for blade delivery and pickup dates and times will be coordinated between the school host (teacher/principal) and the Paint the Plow program coordinator.
    • MDOT will select approved designs for final voting by MDOT staff. Once voting has been completed, MDOT will notify each winning school to coordinate the plow dropoff/pickup.
    • It should be expected that the design on a given plow blade will wear away once the blade is put into service for snow and ice removal.

  • Display and promotion

    • Local area media outlets will be notified and given the opportunity for coverage. A news release and photos will also be disseminated to these media outlets as well. Pictures will also be posted on MDOT’s social media accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and Threads.
    • Snowplow blades will be affixed to a truck assigned to a designated MDOT route that is closest to the school.
      • Note: MDOT does not have direct forces in all Michigan counties, which means that some county road agencies handle state trunkline plowing instead. At this time, the Paint the Plow program only relates to MDOT-owned plows. The department will do its best to get the snowplow blade on an MDOT truck route nearest the school district.
    • The Paint the Plow program is subject to change at any time.