License plate for a tractor to drive on the road?

[4310]

If I'm on the way to a job site from my home...would that be considered construction purposes?

I'd like to drive from my house to use the tractor for hire within a reasonable distance and was wondering if I can pull this off without the local PD giving me a hard time.

I'd always be on the lookout for traffic and pull over when I can. It's all rural with roads 25-35 MPH.

Here you would be stopped, parked and told to put it on a trailer. Probably impounded if caught the second time.

 

[4310]

I'll check out the DMV to see what they say. But like I said with the cops...the local PD said no, but the HWY PD said, sure. As with many things, I think it all depends on the cop that particular day in that particular situation. But the DMV would have it all written out and help be the authority in this, I'd think. I planned on asking them how I could do this legally with no issues.

Thanks for the thoughts!

Don't count on the DMV knowing how to do anything other than taking a bad picture of you for your license. I would contact the nearest state police post and ask them. And make sure that you tell them that you would be using it frequently to move from jobsite to jobsite.

 

[WPSmolder]

Like others have said, the slow moving vehicle triangle and your flashers are necessary. When I don't feel like lugging the diesel cans around, I'll drive my tractor to the gas station which is only a couple of miles away. It really helps having a mirror to see when cars are coming up on you. With the noise of the tractor, you usually can't here them and can be caught off guard. The mirror for me is a must.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

Each state will vary but here (indiana) it will boil down to what you are doing. Example: a quad (4 wheeler) driving down the road is illegal. A quad driving down the road by a farmer checking his fences is legal.
Most generally you will fall under the "implement of husbandry" exemptions if you are moving from one field to another or performing anything remotely farm related. Now If you decide to start a hay ride/taxi service then you are going to have to start getting something official.
Also there is nothing here saying that you have to be followed by a vehicle with flashers. As long as you fall under the "farm" exemptions all you need is a slow moving vehicle emblem and warning lights on the tractor if it is dark.

Massachusetts is essentially the same, we have a "farm plate" that must be renewed each year. In MA you essentially have to be a farmer who owns a farm and have the farm and equipment inspected prior to being issued a farm plate, they're a bit particular on it. If going down the road on a tractor etc, the plate is displayed on the particular tractor. The plate can also be used a truck or trailer etc. so long as you have a RMV issued compliance decal on it.

 

[Looking4new]

In Ontario, Canada you don't need anything. Just stay off the 4 lane highways and the multilane controlled access roads.

 

[512high]

In Ontario, Canada you don't need anything. Just stay off the 4 lane highways and the multilane controlled access roads.

Ya, I'm sure all states vary..in New Hampshire there are AG plates avilable and CE(commercial equipment) plates, we also have insurance in case anythings happens......

 

[amigauser]

Connecticut exempts Farm tractors specifically from registration. I would be worried about liability or damage to the tractor though depending on the coverage you have for it.

DOAG: Connecticut Motor Vehicle Farm License Plates

 

[Capt Dan]

What about insurance when driving it on the road? If your taking it to a job (commercial use) I would hate to be considered at fault without suitable insurance. I have a personal umbrella policy but have no idea if it would help taking my tractor on the road or shoulder. I think it would do nothing if I was going to a job I was being paid for.

Dan

 

[the whispering oaks farm]

We live in a farming area of N.E. Arkansas, and I went to the registration office. they said just use the triangle on the tractor and flashers. I bought full coverage insurance from Farm Bureau and was told I can drive it on the roads anywhere in Arkansas. I'm sure I can't drive on the interstate but we have tractors all over going here and there. We don't have to do any vehicle registration either. If you find out about your situation in CA. I would get a copy of it from DMV and print it out and keep it with you. CYA if you know what I mean. Having it with you for the uninformed local peace officer might keep you out of a jam-or court- to prove it.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I do put my tractor on the road to travel to my ex-daughter in laws place about 1/4 mile of road, but traffic is almost non existent during middle of the day and I do have a registered farm. I could get there thru my wife's sister's place by going thru about 4 gates and 1/4 mile of pasture if I needed to but its much easier to go by road.

If you are truly in a rural area with very small amount of traffic, you may get by with roading the tractor to do commercial work until some idiot runs up your backside and sues you for millions. I think if I were you, I would be looking for a truck and trailer to put my tractor on if you are travelling on a well travelled road even if it is kind of rural. That is just one of the costs of doing business.

To some drivers, rural means "Drive as fast as you want, there are no cops here". Remember the law of averages will eventually catch up with you in whatever you do.