Snowplows save lives by keeping Kentucky’s roads clear during winter weather. The Paint the Plow program encourages high school students to promote safe driving and winter weather awareness by designing artwork for an official Kentucky Transportation Cabinet snowplow blade.
Students work together to create an original design that encourages safe driving, winter preparedness, or recognizes Kentucky’s Snow Heroes while learning about the important role snowplows play in keeping our communities safe.
You’ll Need
Approved Paint the Plow application
Pre-approved design
Assigned KYTC snowplow blade
Exterior enamel paint
Paint brushes and rollers
White primer
Drop cloths and painting supplies
Adult supervision
Camera to document the completed project
Timeline:
Application Opens: August 1
Application Deadline: September 11
Design Submission: Once your high school’s participation is confirmed by a KYTC rep, submit your proposed design for approval.
Design Deadline: September 25
Blade Drop-off Deadline: Once your design is approved, work with your KYTC contact to schedule a time to deliver the blade to your school.
Deadline to schedule is October 2
Blade Pick-up Deadline: November 6
Participants agree to send photos of the painted blade by the pick-up deadlines.
If additional time or other accommodations are needed, you must communicate and work with your KYTC district representative.
Sign Up:
Schools interested in participating must submit a Paint the Plow application during the annual registration period.
Each participating school will:
Submit an application.
Receive an assigned snowplow blade from their local KYTC district.
Submit a design for approval before painting.
Follow all official Paint the Plow guidelines.
Return the completed plow by the designated deadline.
Design Requirements
Designs should promote:
Safe driving
Winter weather preparedness
Snow and ice safety
Appreciation for Kentucky’s snow removal crews (“Snow Heroes”)
Designs may not:
Include copyrighted characters, logos, or trademarks.
Include offensive or political messages.
Name the snowplow.
Complete:
1. Submit your school’s Paint the Plow application during the annual registration period.
2. Create an original design following all Paint the Plow guidelines.
3. Receive design approval before painting.
4. Prime the snowplow blade with white paint.
5. Paint the plow using exterior enamel paint.
6. Allow the paint to fully cure.
7. Return the completed snowplow blade to the designated KYTC location by the required deadline.
Submit Points:
Upload:
At least one photo of students painting the plow.
One or more photos of the completed snowplow blade.
A brief description of your project.
The name of your school.
The KYTC district participating.
If available, include photos of the finished plow installed on a snowplow truck or displayed at your school.
Remember
All artwork must receive approval before painting.
Follow all official Paint the Plow guidelines.
Copyrighted images and characters are prohibited.
Adult supervision is required during all painting activities.
Wear appropriate safety equipment while painting.
Return the blade by the required deadline.
This activity can be submitted 1 time per school year.
