Driving Tractors On Roads

Your tractor is a hefty piece of equipment, but it can still be driven on most roads! Understanding the conditions in which this is possible, and how to drive it safely, is the best way to stay safe and avoid fines. We here at RECO Equipment want to keep you in one piece and fine-free, so we’ve put together some guidelines for driving tractors on the road. If you have any questions, or you want to see the tractors we have for sale, contact our stores across Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, today!

Vigilance

Obviously one of the big problems is how slow your tractor is compared to most consumer vehicles. Staying digilent and monitoring traffic carefully can help you avoid this. Keep clear of any areas you think might be especially problematic, as well.

Correct Signage

Tractors don’t get license plates, but you’ll need a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign somewhere that’s easy to see. If you’re towing something that blocks the sign, the towed item might need its own SMV to make sure everyone’s on the same page. 

Lights

You need the right lights for your tractor to be street-legal. It must have two forward-facing headlights, a red tail light that’s continuous and visible for 500 feet, and hazard lights. The hazards have to be flashing on public roads at all times. These must be visible through or around any equipment you’re towing. 

Licensing

You won’t need a special license to drive your tractor on the road, but you have to obey the rules of the road to the letter. Breaking them can be unsafe and result in those fines we mentioned, so make sure you read up on any laws that apply. 

Insurance

Depending on your state, most tractors won’t necessarily need to be registered with state government, but you will need it to be insured. That means double-checking that it’s insured to drive on the road. Talk with your insurance agent to verify that everything is in order before heading out. 

Drive Safely

It may sound like common sense, but it’s vital that you drive carefully in your tractor. These are immense, heavy machines that don’t need to go fast to cause damage. Wear your seatbelt when possible, signal turns and merging properly, and drive as defensively as you can. This guide covers some of the basics, but make sure you familiarize yourself with local ordinances that apply. 

We hope this guide helps you get from A to B safely and efficiently! If you want to know more, or you want to browse our inventory, contact us at RECO Equipment. We proudly serve the people of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana—let us serve you today!