Tips for Driving Your Tractor on the Road
There are times when you need to get your tractor to a different city or another part of town but don’t want to use a trailer. Luckily, it’s legal to drive a tractor on the road. However, there are some rules and regulations you’ll need to follow. At True Value Trailers & Power Equipment, we want to make this as easy for you as possible, so we’ve provided some tips for you below.
Driving on a Highway
Generally speaking, you’ll be fine while driving on most public roads. But if you need to get on a highway for any reason, you’ll only be able to drive on the shoulder of the road. This means that the highway should have a shoulder large enough to accommodate your tractor. If it doesn’t have that kind of space, you’ll need to find a way around the highway. Remember that you cannot drive your tractor on an interstate highway.
Other Requirements
While driving a tractor, you’ll need a “slow moving vehicle” sign posted on the back of your machine to comply with laws. Else, you’ll need to use hazard warning signals or something similar that has been approved by a competent authority. Most importantly, you need a state-approved method of making sure the vehicles around you know how large and slow your tractor is.
Additional Lights
This isn’t legally required in some places, but we recommend having your tractor equipped with headlights if you’ll be driving it on the road. More so, if it’s dark or the weather conditions are bad, this can save lives and a lot of money. Break lights are also essential and helpful for making sure that other motorists driving up behind you are aware of your presence.
Insurance
It can be a good idea to get your tractor insured before you drive it on public roads. Your regular farm equipment insurance policy may or may not cover that already, so make sure you check with your company that your machine is covered for this type of driving.
Be Careful
This is just good driving advice in general, but it’s especially important when you’re driving a machine as large, heavy, and powerful as a tractor on a road meant for smaller commuter vehicles. Make sure to follow all local regulations and to signal well in advance of any turns or merges.
We hope this guide helps you to safely drive your tractor. For more information, or to see the tractors we have available for sale, contact us at True Value Trailers & Power Equipment in Penrose and Florence, CO. We welcome all those in Pueblo and Colorado Springs.