{"id":10297,"date":"2021-09-26T08:30:27","date_gmt":"2021-09-26T08:30:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=10297"},"modified":"2021-09-28T09:14:53","modified_gmt":"2021-09-28T09:14:53","slug":"who-can-drive-a-farm-truck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/who-can-drive-a-farm-truck\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Can Drive A Farm Truck?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Who can drive a farm truck and where they can drive it differs from State to State. It is necessary to check the individual legislation where you live. For the most part, anyone whose main job is running a farm or who lives on a farm and is related to the owner of the vehicle, or works for the owner of the farm vehicle can drive a farm truck. Read on to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Age Can You Drive a Farm Vehicle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"what<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, let\u2019s talk about what is probably the most common variety of farm vehicle, the tractor. Sometimes it will be towing a trailer, and that does impact the answer to the question, what age can you drive a farm vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most states, any driver from the age of 16<\/a> is permitted to drive a tractor on the roads. However, there are restrictions depending on the type and status of the license held.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a provisional license is held, then a 16-year-old may only drive a tractor on the roads if traveling to or during a test. They may also drive the tractor on the return journey if they failed a test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At 16, a driver who has passed the test may pull a two-wheeled trailer or a close-coupled 4-wheel trailer, so long as the overall width of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 2.45 m. The vehicle must be licensed as an agricultural vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any agricultural tractor may be driven by a 17-year-old on a provisional license, as long as it is not a tracked vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I Drive an Agricultural Vehicle on the Road?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Licensed agricultural vehicles can be driven on the road. There are, however, a few caveats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Agricultural machinery is designed for working on the land and in the fields. Often it is a much slower vehicle such as a tractor and can take up more space on the roads than conventional vehicles. Some sensible rules that need to be adhered to can be double-checked here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Check that you have the accepted lighting and marking configurations. This is a confusing area and differs from State to State. The definitions of a slow-moving vehicle do vary.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    1. A Slow Moving Vehicle emblem (SMV) should be displayed on appropriate vehicles. While the regulations are not enforced uniformly across states, they should be displayed.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      1. A Speed Indicator Symbol (SIS) should also be displayed. While newer tractors can travel at a reasonable speed, they are still considered slow-moving vehicles. They should indicate what their maximum designed speed is on a sticker. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        1. Check your State’s laws to ensure it is permitted to use slow-moving vehicles on the road after dark. In some states, it is illegal. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
          1. Ensure you follow the comprehensive list of safety measures<\/a> that should be appreciated.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
            1. Ultimately, please be a responsible and courteous road user, and be aware that you may well be delaying others in their journey. The general rule is to pull over somewhere where it is safe to do so if there are three vehicles behind you and allow them to pass.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
              1. Agricultural vehicles may only be driven by their owner, who is a full-time farmer, other family members who live on the farm, and farm employees.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                1. The vehicle may only be used for farm-related jobs. Private use is limited to essential trips by the family, such as buying groceries or other essential supplies, taking children to school, visiting a medical facility, or going to church. Exact rules may vary by State. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  How Far Can You Drive a Farm Use Vehicle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \"how<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  You can drive your farm use vehicle up to 150 miles (and that\u2019s road miles and not \u2018as the crow flies). If you need to go beyond that distance, then you may require a \u2018CDL,\u2019 a Commercial Driver\u2019s License. This may also be required if you need to cross state lines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  To check each State\u2019s laws, visit https:\/\/www.dmvusa.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Some of the issues that need consideration if driving any distance in your farm vehicle are covered here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \u2018MAP-21\u2019 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century) came into law in 2012. It provides exemptions for vehicles classified as \u2018CFV\u2019 (covered farm vehicles).<\/p>\n\n\n\n


                  Can Children Drive Farm Vehicles?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  The short answer to this is yes, children can drive farm vehicles in most states. The proviso here is that the vehicle is on the farm and not on a public highway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  However, they should not necessarily be given free rein over all farm vehicles. There are some guidelines to consider before allowing your toddler to get behind the wheel of your brand new John Deere!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Agriculture, in the US, is one of the most dangerous industries, and before allowing \u2018children\u2019 to jump into the driver’s seat, the child must fully understand the complexities involved with driving a farm vehicle and show it the respect it demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Note that an average of 45 children are injured every day, and one dies approximately every three days from agricultural-related accidents<\/a> in the United States. About 21.5% of these accidents are related directly to driving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Before driving any vehicle or operating machinery, a child should be shown how to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n