How to Increase Safety for Farm Equipment on the Road

In this article, we answer commonly asked questions about how to share the road with farm equipment and provide recommendations to farm equipment owners on improving road safety. Increasing safety for farm equipment on the road, particularly for large and slow-moving vehicles, is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of both the operators and the general public. LED lights are vital for enhancing visibility and signaling, thus improving safety.

It’s the time of year when farmers get back into their fields and work on preparing the soil and planting. That means if you live in a relatively rural area, you’ll likely end up on the road with tractors and other farming equipment at some point. 

So, when is it safe to pass farming equipment? You may also wonder, “Do daily drivers or farming equipment operators have the right away?

While it can vary from state to state or even individual counties, a rule of thumb is that when farm equipment is on the road, they must abide by the general rules of the road. That means typically, they do not have the right away over motor vehicle drivers, as regular driving laws apply. Farm equipment tends to be slow-moving, causing drivers to want to pass. Due to the farm equipment's large size and limited visibility, this can be hazardous and requires caution.

If you notice flashing hazard lights and a sign indicating a slow-moving vehicle, it's crucial to decelerate. This often means you're coming up on a sprayer or farm machinery. Upon seeing this, reduce your speed and maintain a minimum distance of 50 feet from the equipment. Typically, sprayers and other farm machines have a maximum speed of 25 to 30 mph.

Do not assume it's always safe to pass farm equipment on the road. Operators might be navigating between fields and could turn off the road unexpectedly. Overtaking comes with its own set of hazards. Even if it appears the operator is making room for you to pass, stay cautious of unseen risks like oncoming vehicles or parts of the equipment that may extend into your path. This can include the extended arms of a cultivator and more.

Pay special attention to potential turns by the equipment. Due to their size, farm vehicles have a unique way of maneuvering for right and left turns. For instance, an operator might significantly swing the equipment to the right before turning left. Slow down and avoid passing during these maneuvers. Given the size of these machines, operators may have limited visibility behind them and may be unaware of your presence.

Farm equipment markings and regulations can vary from state to state. Still, as a general rule, an agricultural vehicle traveling on public roads must be marked with headlights, tail lights, hazard flashers, turn indicators, reflectors, and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. 

Equip agricultural vehicles, such as tractors or combine harvesters, with high-visibility LED warning lights that can be seen from a distance. These lights should be placed at both the front and rear of the vehicle and on any wide or extended parts of the equipment. Flashing amber lights are particularly effective for warning other road users of the presence of slow-moving vehicles in addition to headlights, tail lights, and turn signals.

Ensure that all turn signals and brake lights are functioning and clearly visible. Upgrading to LED lights for these signals can significantly improve their visibility, especially during daylight hours or in adverse weather conditions. Bright lighting from LEDs helps communicate the vehicle's intentions to other drivers to reduce the risk of collisions.

Replace traditional halogen headlights with LED headlights to improve the forward visibility of the vehicle during dawn, dusk, or nighttime operations. LEDs provide brighter and more focused illumination, essential for safely navigating roads and signaling the vehicle's presence to oncoming traffic.

Use reflective tape and markings, such as vehicle reflectors,  on the vehicle and any attached equipment alongside LED lights. This tape reflects light from car headlights to make the agricultural equipment highly visible even when their lights are not used. Place reflective tape on the sides, rear, and other visible areas to other drivers.

Follow local regulations and standards regarding the placement, color, and intensity of lights on agricultural equipment. Different regulations may include specific requirements for the number of lights, their positions on the vehicle, and times they must be used. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that the lighting is adequate and legally compliant.

Regularly check all LED lights, reflective materials, and other safety features for functionality and visibility. Replace any damaged or non-functioning lights promptly to maintain high visibility. LEDs have a longer lifespan than halogens, requiring less maintenance, which will reduce maintenance costs and the time spent replacing lights. 

Due to the varying requirements and regulations from state to state, it is important to refer to each municipality’s regulations. The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), the National Ag Safety Database, and local or regional ordinances govern many regulations for lighting farming equipment. Insight into regulations for some of our largest markets in the agricultural industry can be found below.

• Missouri
• Illinois
• California
• New York 

By implementing these strategies and investing in LED lighting technology, agricultural equipment operators can significantly enhance their visibility on the road, reducing the risk of accidents and improving safety for everyone involved.