Tractors on public roads

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain the lighting and beacon rules for tractors on the road.
• You can state the standard width limit and when wider machines need an escort.
• You can explain when a tractor may use a motorway.
• You can describe your duty to keep a tractor and trailer roadworthy.
• You can choose a safe speed and let following traffic pass.

What you need to know and understand

• The RSA says tractors and self-propelled farm machines must show full working lights at all times on public roads, not only after dark.
• Tractors and self-propelled machines must also have a flashing amber beacon, with some exemptions for vintage machines.
• If a load or implement hides the tractor's lights, a lighting board carrying the required lights must be fitted.
• The standard maximum width for an agricultural tractor or trailer is 2.55 metres; tractors on flotation tyres or dual wheels can be up to 3.5 metres.
• Self-propelled farm machinery wider than 3.5 metres needs an escort vehicle on public roads.
• A tractor may use a motorway only if it can travel at, and keep up, at least 50 km/h. Learner permit holders cannot use motorways at all.
• A fast tractor (design speed over 40 km/h) used for non-farm work such as construction needs a periodic roadworthiness test and certificate.
• Every tractor on a public road must be roadworthy, taxed and insured, even if it is exempt from testing.

Be seen: lights, beacon and boards

Drivers coming up behind a tractor often misjudge how slowly it is moving. Full lights at all times and a flashing amber beacon warn them early. Clean the lenses before you leave the yard, because mud on a lamp can hide it completely.

Front loaders, bale spikes and mounted implements can block headlights or rear lights. When that happens, fit a lighting board that repeats the required lights, and make sure sharp tines or forks are covered or lowered so they cannot injure anyone.

Width, weight and escorts

• Know the width of your tractor and anything attached. The usual limit is 2.55 metres.
• Flotation tyres or dual wheels allow up to 3.5 metres, but narrow roads, bridges and gateways leave little room. Plan the route before you set out.
• Wide self-propelled machines over 3.5 metres, such as some harvesters, must travel with an escort vehicle.
• Fold or remove implements for road travel where you can, and secure every load so nothing falls or spills.

Speed, mirrors and letting traffic past

Obey the posted speed limit, but remember that the right speed for a tractor and loaded trailer is often well below it. Braking distances grow quickly with a heavy trailer, and bends, hills and wet mud make it worse.

Use your mirrors often. When a queue builds behind you, pull in where it is safe and legal, such as a lay-by or wide gateway, and let it pass. Never wave other drivers past; you cannot judge the road ahead for them.

1. Before leaving the yard, check lights, beacon, mirrors, tyres, brakes and the trailer hitch.
2. Pull out only when you can see clearly both ways; a long tractor and trailer takes time to clear the road.
3. Signal early for turns, and check mirrors for vehicles trying to overtake before you turn right.
4. Clean any mud you leave on the road, or warn others, so it does not cause a skid.

Common mistakes

• Driving with lights off in daylight. Tractors need full lights and the amber beacon on public roads at all times.
• Forgetting that a front loader hides the headlights. Fit a lighting board.
• Turning right without checking mirrors. A car may be overtaking you at that moment.
• Waving following drivers to overtake. Pull in and let them decide for themselves.

Test yourself: Tractors on public roads

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Tractors, Animals and Rural Roads in Ireland