Are you the master of Dad Jokes? Do you instinctively say “ope” when you bump into literally anything? Do you tell people on vacation you’re from MinneSNOWda? If so, then your time has come.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is once again calling on the public’s creativity — and sense of “humor” — for its sixth annual Name a Snowplow contest, in which the winner will not only have bragging rights but will have their “punny” entry painted on a snowplow.

While creativity is welcome, there are a few ground rules to keep things on track:

First rule: keep it clean. Or as MnDOT puts it: “Gosh darn it, nothing vulgar please.” No profanity or inappropriate language will be considered.

Also: One name per person. No repeat winners. All entries must be 30 characters or fewer, including spaces.

And snowplows, MnDOT reminds everyone, are strictly nonpartisan — so no political names or slogans. Wordplay tied to politicians also are a no-go.

Past winning names include Plowy McPlowFace, We’re Off to See the Blizzard and Don’tcha Snow. A full list of previous winners can be found on MnDOT’s Name a Snowplow website.

Once submissions close, MnDOT staff will narrow the entries to a shortlist of the best of the best. Then it’s up to the public to vote in January 2026. The eight winning names will be displayed on real snowplows — one for each MnDOT district across the state.

Snowplow name ideas are being accepted online at dot.state.mn.us/nameasnowplow through noon Friday, Dec. 19. So grab your hot cocoa and marshmallows, summon your inner Will Ferrell (or Tina Fey) and shoot your shot.

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