Driving across public ways

[257NH]

No that's not the one he had.His plate had 2 small vertical letters on the left side of the plate,an O over an R

 

[Dougster]

No that's not the one he had. His plate had 2 small vertical letters on the left side of the plate, an O over an R

Yep... found a picture of one from year 1981 (top plate):

I've checked every published list of plate types available in the PRT today... official (RMV) and several unofficial... and this plate type is no longer included. I think it must be obsolete. How long ago did you see this plate? And was it on a tractor (or similar)?

Dougster

 

[HappyCPE]

Dougster, I read the whole thread and I have to say I feel for ya. I used to think that New Jersey had a monopoly on byzantine regulation and gestapo law enforcement. Many of your concerns are also mine, except I have the tractor thing licked; it's everything else I do that worries me.

Now, this might not be helpful, but here is how NJ deals with tractor registration: If you're a farmer, you get a certificate from the county ag board, which is taken to the state DMV. That's how you get "farmer" plates which can go on virtually any piece of equipment EXCEPT tractors. Tractors and any other ag machinery does not have to be registered as long as it cannot exceed 25 mph. In that case you can get a plastic license plate from the Farm Bureau in Trenton which says "farm vehicle" on it and has the section of NJ law which exempts the tractor, so you have something to argue with the ignorant state troopers who'll pull you over. Local cops probably won't look at you because they already know the law.

If you aren't a farmer then you get "construction equipment in transit" plates, after showing a bill of sale or MSO along with an insurance card. Of course, in order to get an insurance card for a machine, you have to have a business insurance policy, for big $. This would make you legal on all property, public or private.

In NJ there is no opening for someone who owns a tractor but isn't a farmer or contractor. So you won't want to move here - but I'm repeating myself....

 

[Charlesaf3]

sadly, though like timber I like living in Massachusetts, I can't really disagree with Dougster about the state of affairs here. Place is not quite taxachusetts anymore, but is regulation-achusetts.

I think Dougster may be the only tractor owner in the state with a hoisting license though. I asked around local farms, and no one had even heard of it. Or been busted by it - they said that DOT are the only people who really come by

 

[Dougster]

Dougster, I read the whole thread and I have to say I feel for ya. I used to think that New Jersey had a monopoly on byzantine regulation and gestapo law enforcement. Many of your concerns are also mine, except I have the tractor thing licked; it's everything else I do that worries me. Now, this might not be helpful, but here is how NJ deals with tractor registration: If you're a farmer, you get a certificate from the county ag board, which is taken to the state DMV. That's how you get "farmer" plates which can go on virtually any piece of equipment EXCEPT tractors. Tractors and any other ag machinery does not have to be registered as long as it cannot exceed 25 mph. In that case you can get a plastic license plate from the Farm Bureau in Trenton which says "farm vehicle" on it and has the section of NJ law which exempts the tractor, so you have something to argue with the ignorant state troopers who'll pull you over. Local cops probably won't look at you because they already know the law. If you aren't a farmer then you get "construction equipment in transit" plates, after showing a bill of sale or MSO along with an insurance card. Of course, in order to get an insurance card for a machine, you have to have a business insurance policy, for big $. This would make you legal on all property, public or private. In NJ there is no opening for someone who owns a tractor but isn't a farmer or contractor. So you won't want to move here - but I'm repeating myself....

Thanks for posting. Interesting differences (and similarities) between the PRT and NJ... and funny how the 25 MPH thing plays in both states. Several folks have mentioned to me that "if it can't go 25 MPH, no way they'll let you register it and drive it on a road." Doesn't appear to me that this often repeated "safety criteria" is specifically part of our laws... and not exactly sure what my top speed is, but I don't think I'd like to be driving the Mahindra that fast down any paved public road. Some folks have noted that the RMV's 12,000 lb criteria is really just another way of keeping smaller, slower aggie tractors et al off the major roads while still allowing most yellow construction backhoes access.

But in the end, it sounds like the PRT and NJ have the same negative attitude about tractors not owned by farmers, loggers or construction companies... and so no, I'm not moving down there!

Dougster

 

[Dougster]

sadly, though like timber I like living in Massachusetts, I can't really disagree with Dougster about the state of affairs here. Place is not quite taxachusetts anymore, but is regulation-achusetts. I think Dougster may be the only tractor owner in the state with a hoisting license though. I asked around local farms, and no one had even heard of it. Or been busted by it - they said that DOT are the only people who really come by

Remember that farmers are specifically exempted from Department of Public Safety rules regarding (hoister's) licensing requirements. No way I see that they could be busted under current DPS rules.

And yes, by the DPS's own estimate, 75% of private party (non-farmer) owners of Kubota-style compact utility tractors with FELs and/or BHs are ignoring the licensing law. And as one old timer told me with a wink and a smile: "There ain't no hoister's license police running around checking."

On the other hand, why buy very expensive liability insurance but then give the insurance company the easy out of you not holding the appropriate state license and thereby operating your machine "illegally"?

Dougster

p.s., One party rule and Dukakis-style "Taxachusetts" are on their way back. Just wait another week or so and see what starts to happen. God bless those of you who can still afford to live here. I can't anymore. It's getting close to "Live Free or Die" time for me! -d

 

[Dusty]

Remember that farmers are specifically exempted from Department of Public Safety rules regarding (hoister's) licensing requirements. No way I see that they could be busted under current DPS rules.

And yes, by the DPS's own estimate, 75% of private party (non-farmer) owners of Kubota-style compact utility tractors with FELs and/or BHs are ignoring the licensing law. And as one old timer told me with a wink and a smile: "There ain't no hoister's license police running around checking."

On the other hand, why buy very expensive liability insurance but then give the insurance company the easy out of you not holding the appropriate state license and thereby operating your machine "illegally"?

Dougster

p.s., One party rule and Dukakis-style "Taxachusetts" are on their way back. Just wait another week or so and see what starts to happen. God bless those of you who can still afford to live here. I can't anymore. It's getting close to "Live Free or Die" time for me! -d

You can run, but you can't hide. No matter where you go, I am certain that you will encounter laws, regulations, taxes, etc. that you don't like. May I suggest that you buy an island out in the Pacific where you will only be responsible to yourself. Unfortunately in any civilized society, there are going to be rules, regulations, & laws that will only effect a small segment, and also annoy a small segment. Learning to live within those laws is the difficult part for some. There are things that I would like to do on my own property, but I am restricted by the local and state regulations from doing. I have learned that if I can't change those things, I just go on with life and learn to live with them. If you move to NH, you might be able to drive your tractor on the state roads without any license plates, but there might not be any reason to do so. Good luck where ever you go... Dusty

 

[Dougster]

You can run, but you can't hide. No matter where you go, I am certain that you will encounter laws, regulations, taxes, etc. that you don't like. May I suggest that you buy an island out in the Pacific where you will only be responsible to yourself. Unfortunately in any civilized society, there are going to be rules, regulations, & laws that will only effect a small segment, and also annoy a small segment. Learning to live within those laws is the difficult part for some. There are things that I would like to do on my own property, but I am restricted by the local and state regulations from doing. I have learned that if I can't change those things, I just go on with life and learn to live with them. If you move to NH, you might be able to drive your tractor on the state roads without any license plates, but there might not be any reason to do so. Good luck where ever you go... Dusty

The "escape to NH" thing actually has very little to do with this "inability to license for road use" issue here in the PRT, which is 99.7% about the situation we're facing here in my neighborhood and my desire to help. I can see no need to license the tractor once I'm up in NH... "living free or dying" as it were!

The "escape to NH" thing is all about (lower) taxes and (lower) cost of living with more room to spread out and enjoy my forced early retirement. I cannot survive for long in the PRT after having been laid-off. The alternative employment and business opportunities simply don't throw off enough cash for me to last here for more than another couple years. And the situation is only going to get worse under one party rule beginning in just one more week.

Leaving the PRT will be bittersweet because most of my family and friends still live here, but the income vs. living costs numbers simply don't work. In NH, I'll finally have the home and land and peace of mind I've always wanted. And with a couple more years of this great global warming, the climate should be just about right!

God bless those who voted for... and can afford... corrupt totalitarian rule and ever higher fees & taxes. I've got other plans!

Dougster

 

[Champy]

Since I don't live in MA, my 2 cents is probably meaningless, but.......

If there are no known registration processes for you to follow - how is any law enforcement officer going to write you a ticket? If you are not capable of being licensed then what "rule" do they write you up for? I'd say just drive the thing in a lawful manner, and let them write you up if they can. The fine (if any) is probably cheaper than the license & registration anyhow - and no judge I've ever known is going to get medival on a local "farmer" driving a tractor - course this is Indiana farm country so it could be local rules apply.

FYI - I was driving down a county road on my CUT and a local sheriff happened to meet me at a main hwy crossroad. On go the flashing lights and then he blocks traffic so I can cross safely - he even waved me across and sent me on my way with a thumbs up. All I have is a SMV sign on the back. Maybe life in the midwest is more common sense based......

 

[Dougster]

Maybe life in the midwest is more common sense based......

I think that's the winning understatement for today! I loved Indiana when I was working out there.

Dougster

 

[billfires]

Dougster, I just got off the phone with Ronzonie and he registered his Kubota B7800 as a commercial vehicle. He said they did it by the weight of the tractor. Hope this helps, Bill C

 

[Dougster]

Dougster, I just got off the phone with Ronzonie and he registered his Kubota B7800 as a commercial vehicle. He said they did it by the weight of the tractor. Hope this helps, Bill C

Thanks Bill! This is what I've been hoping for... a genuine Massachusetts non-farmer who was actually able to register his CUT for the road. Sending you a private message. Maybe you can have Ronzonie call or email me. Thank you!

Dougster

 

[Soundguy]

Florida is also a farm friendly state.. you can drive a farm tractor on anything but an interstate or other large similar type road.

No plates.. no license.. etc.

There are some milage limits due to taxed or untaxed fuel.. but they are hard to exceded for the average 'joe home/farm' user..

I drive my tractor and batwing mower a few miles each way to my other pasture to mow it, about once a month during the 'sunny' season..

Soundguy

Everyone who hates their state of residence should move to Maryland for a year or two. After that, their state will be the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Oh yea, In WV you can drive your tractor on secondary roads with no license and no problem. Its fairly common to see tractors and backhoes travelling the secondary roads. I think its still legal to ride an ATV on secondary roads, if it hasnt been appealed yet.

 

[Dougster]

Florida is also a farm friendly state.. you can drive a farm tractor on anything but an interstate or other large similar type road. No plates.. no license.. etc.

Yep... I know. I worked hurricane recovery down there in 2004 and 2005. The cops were generally terrific too... all except for one town which decided to make a small fortune for itself off marginally over-sized/over-height debris loads. I watched them hiding at the collection points... then stopping trucks as they came in, climbing up and measuring any stray branches or leaves sticking up. Half an inch over on any twig and they got you good! The fines were outragous. Ruined many a hurricane debris collector's day.

Dougster

 

[Piston]

As I sit here on the phone (on hold) with the RMV, I am pereusing old threads to try and find some answers to my questions that the LOVELY RMV is not helpful answering.

I know this is an old thread, but to the OP, Dougster, and anyone else, I'm wondering if you had any success in registering your tractor in MA? I would like to register mine so I can drive to jobs within a couple miles of my house, rather than load up the trailer.

So, did the commercial plate thing work out? Or did you give up and move to NH?