Farm Vehicle Regulations

As we travel the roads with our farm equipment, it is important to keep in mind the regulations that have been made to keep ourselves and our fellow travelers safe. I recently spoke to a DOT Trooper in charge of vehicle regulations in our region. He sent me a copy of the traffic law that pertains to farm equipment. In the article below, I've tried to interpret the law in a more readable format.

Regulations pertaining to farm equipment
1. At minimum, all tractors and implements must have a slow moving vehicle sign. These signs fade with ime, it is recommended to replace them every 2-3 years. REMINDER: SMV signs are ONLY for vehicles traveling under 25 MPH and are not meant for any other purpose (i.e. driveway, or mailbox markers).

2. If on a public highway after dark or when visibility is less than 1000 ft. due to bad weather, requirements include:
- 2 white headlights on front of tractor.
- 1 red tail lamp at hte farthest end (tractor or implement) and as far to the left as practical
- 2 amber combined hazard warning and turn signal lamps at least 42 inches high, visible from front and rear. If just a tractor these lights can be on the cab. If traveling with an implement, these lights need to be mounted on the rear of the implement.
- 2 red reflectors at the rear of the implement.

IMPORTANT EXCEPTIONS:
If the width of the tractor/implement combination is between 12 - 17 feet, you can NOT travel on public roads after dark. When traveling during the daylight, red or orange fluorescent flacts not smaller than 18 square inches and reflectors needx to be placed at the extreme corners of the load. In addition, 2 flashing amber lights or hazard lights visible from the read of the load must be flashing. If the vehicle or implement extends beyond the center line or is traveling during inclimate weather, the implement should be preceded by an escort vehicle with a warning sign and flashing lights.

Every animal drawn vehicle MUST display on the rear
1. A slow moving vehicle sign
2. A lighted latern with a red lens at least 4 inches in diameter, mounted 42 inches above the ground, and at least 72 square inches of high quality white or whitish-gray reflective tape.

To obtain copies of the regulations or for other questions regarding farm traffic rules, contact your local State Trooper headquarters and ask for the Traffic Sergeant or Traffic Section. To find phone numbers of the troop that covers your area visit: http://www.troopers.state.ny.us