NPS in Utah will start citing AWD vehicles on 4WD roads…better know difference

[Tundracamper]

It seems folks really need to understand the difference between 4WD and AWD before hitting the National Parks in Utah!

National Park Service Will Cite Drivers Of AWD Cars For Driving On 4WD-Only Trails

A Reddit user shared the citation they received for driving a Subaru Crosstrek on a 4WD-only road

jalopnik.com

 

[grubworm]

then there needs to be a distinction between "4WD" and limited slip. i've had numerous "4WD" vehicles that didnt have lockers and got stuck faster than a vehicle with an AWD platform. they need "Lockers Only" trail signs...

good post, though...i would not have thought that was a thing. we hit utah a good bit and that is good to know to avoid a ticket...

 

[smritte]

HMM
My Cruiser is AWD.
I think the distinction should be "High Clearance Vehicles" only.
Its entirely possible this came about with low clearance vehicles needing to be rescued.

 

[Tundracamper]

then there needs to be a distinction between "4WD" and limited slip. i've had numerous "4WD" vehicles that didnt have lockers and got stuck faster than a vehicle with an AWD platform. they need "Lockers Only" trail signs...

good post, though...i would not have thought that was a thing. we hit utah a good bit and that is good to know to avoid a ticket...

The article explicitly states “Some AWD systems have brake-based limited-slip differentials, but these are still no substitute for locking differentials in traditional 4WD systems.” I was Initially thinking that was just the position of the author. Given the very steep fines, though, that is also clearly the position of the NPS!

 

[bgenlvtex]

The chances of some low IQ government bureaucrat indiscriminately applying this rule while simultaneously not understanding the difference is not less than 115%

Of all the vehicles on the road in 2024 described as "4 wheel drive" only a tiny fraction of them are actually "4 wheel drive".

More government is never, ever the answer and those who enthusiastically embrace it are among the dumbest organisms on the planet.