The Navajo Nation spanning parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah released its winter sunrise and sunset schedule, noting adjustments for Daylight Saving Time. It also defined authorized driving periods for multiple zones, ranging from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. MST on Sundays, to curb risks posed by winter weather.

Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. MST for Graham,Gila and Sierra County zones

According to the tribal announcement, residents of Eastern Pima, Southeastern Pinal, Santa Cruz, Western Cochise, Northern Graham, Northern Greenlee‑White and Gila Mountains must limit travel to between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. MST on Sundays. The measure targets areas most vulnerable to icy roads and reduced daylight.

Extended Saturday‑to‑Saturday window for White Mountains and Mogollon Rim regions

The Navajo Nation stipulated that drivers in the White Mountains, Eastern Mogollon Rim, Little Colorado River Valley (spanning Navajo, Coconino and Apache counties), Marble and Glen Canyons, Grand Canyon Country and Kaibab Plateau may travel from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. MST each Saturday. This longer window reflects the higher elevation and longer periods of darkness in those locales.

Mountain‑time shift to MDT for Chinle Valley and Black Mesa areas

For the Chinle Valley, Suede Mountains, Valley Mountains south of I‑40 and the Black Mesa area, the tribe adopted Mountain Daylight Time, allowing travel from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. mDT on Sundays. the shift aligns with local observance of daylight saving and aims to synchronize safety protocols across time zones.

Comprehensive schedule for Little Colorado River Valley and Grand Canyon Country

In a separate directive, the Navajo Nation set a 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. MST window for the Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Eastern Mogollon Rim, Coconino Plateau, Kaibab Plateau, White Mountains, Yavapai County Mountains, Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons, and the Chuska Mountains. This broader timeframe accommodates tourism traffic to the Grand Canyon while maintaining safety standards.

Unclear enforcement mechanisms for the new driving limits

The tribal notice does not specify how compliance will be monitored,leaving questions about patrol resources and penalties for violations. moreover, the announcement lacks detail on whether exceptions will be made for emergency services or commercial transport.