While country music star Kenny Chesney may think it’s fun to be “chuggin’ along” in his tractor-we don’t think it’s so fun being stuck behind it while on the road. The increase in size of farm equipment now allows us little room to see around it.
How fast can a tractor go on the road?
Yes, there are laws and regulations you need to follow to be able to drive a tractor on the road. Most states require you to have a slow vehicle sign, which an orange triangle that turns red at night on the back of tractors. You should check your state’s laws and regulations before driving a tractor on the road. While it is legal to drive tractors on the road. Laws and regulations may differ from state to state on what’s required to be able to drive a tractor on the road.
How fast can a tractor go on the road?
Tractors are allowed to travel up to 25 mph on roads, even if the tractor can go faster. If you are towing equipment behind the tractor, you may have to go slower than 25 mph.
Some people follow the tractor until it gets to its destination, while others step on the gas and take the risk of passing.
A study done by the University of Iowa College’s Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health found that a large factor in these accidents is the lack of lighting on the farm vehicle.
Although there are specific lighting standards, not all states require them by law. But those states that do enforce them found fewer crashes. So, what can farmers do to decrease the number of farm vehicle crashes?
- Light up the tractor with headlights, tail lights, turn signals, and reflectors.
- Mark the tractor with “slow-moving vehicle” emblems.
Use magnetic LED lights for older and newer equipment that may not have sufficient lighting.
Don’t forget visibility from the side-use lights and reflective tape to show traffic the size of the load being pulled.
Overall, the study done by students at Iowa estimates crashes would decrease by 60%. So in your next “teeny weenie ride,” Kenny-just light up your tractor for good measure.
