AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES... IT’S THE LAW

The Legislation covering agricultural vehicles is complex and subject to change, due to the wide variety of vehicles used and their application. The information below is provided as a general guide to assist your business to operate safely and within the law.

SPEED LIMITS

Less than 2.55m wide with 2 Sprung Axles 40mph Up to 3.5m wide 25mph

AGRICULTURAL TRAILERS - WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS WEIGHTS

18,290 kg is the maximum (gross or fully laden) weight of an agricultural trailer. 31,000 kg is the maximum (gross or fully laden) weight of an agricultural combination (tractor plus trailer).

LENGTHS

The maximum length of an agricultural trailer is normally 12m. In the case of a “Composite trailer” (semi-trailer and converter dolly) the maximum length is 14.04m. In the case of an Agricultural trailed appliance (with gross weight less than double the unladen weight) the maximum length is 15m.

WIDTHS

• The maximum width is 2.55m. Under special circumstances, Agricultural vehicles wider than 2.55m are permitted to use public roads. • Vehicles that are up to 4.3 metres in width are permitted, subject to the following terms and conditions: - between 2.55m and 3m: speed must not exceed 20mph. - between 3m and 3.5m: speed max 20mph as above, plus if the journey is over 5 miles or the speed limit in the road is 40mph or lower, the operator must notify the Police in advance of the journey. - between 3.5m and 4.3m: the Police must be notified, the maximum speed is limited to 12mph and the vehicle(s) must be accompanied by an attendant, who may ride in a different vehicle but must ensure no danger is caused to the vehicle or to other road users. The police, following notification, may place restrictions on the use of the vehicle in the interests of road safety or to avoid undue traffic congestion.

AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES… IT’S THE LAW

TRAILER BRAKES

The braking requirements depend on both the maximum weight, and the speed at which the trailer is towed at: • Agricultural trailed appliance (where gross weight is less than double the unladen weight) - no brakes required if speed is kept to 20mph or below • Agricultural trailer with gross weight over 750kg but not used at speeds exceeding 20mph – brakes on at least half the wheels, with 25% efficiency, a parking brake on at least two wheels. • Agricultural trailer or Agricultural trailed appliance exceeding 20 mph and grossweight above 3500kg - hydraulic / air brakes

ROPES & SHEETS

• Bags/Boxes/Bales must be secured with a rope/strap etc. • Bulk Loads must be covered if material could be displaced.

NUMBER PLATES

Trailer Number Plates must match a vehicle from the same firm.

LIGHTS/MIRRORS

• Trailers: Rear Light Clusters & Front White Side Lights • Tractors: No rear facing White Lights switched on • Mirrors Un-obscured rearward vision beyond the vehicle • Mount Implements Projecting > 2in - Extra Rear Light Clusters

AMBER BEACONS

Always use flashing amber lights when driving on dual carriageways. If the trailer is higher than the beacon on your tractor, an additional beacon should be placed on the rear of the trailer to ensure you are clearly visible to other road users.

FUEL

Rebated fuel (red diesel) may only be used for Agricultural vehicles whilst engaged in Agricultural activities. Derv must be used for all other vehicles / activities, except where an exemption exists.

AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES… IT’S THE LAW

ROAD TAX

The following vehicles are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty Tractors - used only for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture or Forestry Off Road Tractors - one designed and constructed primarily for use otherwise than on roads, and incapable by reason of its construction of exceeding a speed of 25 mph on the level, under its own power. Light Agricultural Vehicles - a vehicle which has a weight not exceeding 1,000 kilograms, is designed and constructed so as to seat only the driver, is designed and constructed primarily for use otherwise than on roads, and is used solely for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture or forestry. Other vehicles used between different parts of land - A vehicle is an exempt vehicle if: (a) it is used only for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture or forestry (b) it is used on public roads only in passing between different areas of land occupied by the same person, and (c) the distance it travels on public roads in passing between any two such areas does not exceed 1.5 kilometres.

MUD ON ROAD

“Mud on Roads” warning signs should be displayed. As soon as practical, all mud must be cleared off the road by sunset. It is an offence to deposit mud on the road and you could be charged by the Police.

QUEUEING TRAFFIC

Try and avoid causing long queues of traffic wherever possible. You should always pull over to let queuing traffic past. Failure to do this could result in the Police charging you with Careless Driving.

CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS

Loads of up to 10t are exempt from the Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations for distances under 12km between agricultural land. This refers to Agricultural or Forestry tractors that do not travel at a speed exceeding 40 km/h when transporting dangerous goods; or any trailer being towed by such a vehicle.

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